Registered Nurse - Post Anesthesia Care Unit

Elmhurst, IL, US

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Job Details

Position Summary:

We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) to provide specialized post-anesthesia nursing care to patients recovering from surgical procedures in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). The PACU RN is responsible for monitoring patients during recovery from anesthesia, managing pain and post-operative complications, and ensuring safe transitions of care through close collaboration with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams.


Key Responsibilities:

• Assess and monitor patients recovering from anesthesia and surgical procedures
• Monitor vital signs, airway status, neurological status, and pain levels during recovery
• Administer medications, IV therapies, and pain management treatments as prescribed
• Recognize and respond promptly to post-operative complications and changes in patient condition
• Maintain airway management and provide emergency interventions when necessary
• Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams to coordinate patient care
• Educate patients and families regarding post-operative care, discharge instructions, and recovery expectations
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation in the electronic medical record (EMR) system
• Ensure compliance with infection control, patient safety, and recovery room protocols
• Prepare patients for discharge or transfer to inpatient units as appropriate
• Operate and monitor specialized PACU equipment including cardiac monitors, oxygen delivery systems, and infusion pumps


Required Qualifications:

• Active, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN preferred)
• Minimum 1–2 years of recent PACU, critical care, ICU, or perioperative nursing experience preferred
• Current BLS and ACLS certifications required
• PALS certification preferred based on patient population and facility requirements
• Strong knowledge of post-anesthesia recovery, airway management, and pain control practices
• Excellent critical thinking, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-acuity clinical environment
• Experience with electronic medical record (EMR) systems preferred

Pay Rate
$61.79 - $66.67/hour

About us :
At MedCadre , we’re dedicated collaborators, bridging the gap between top-tier professionals and healthcare organizations that prioritize excellence. By fostering transparent communication and leveraging deep industry expertise, we build enduring partnerships rooted in trust.

For more relevant healthcare job opportunities, please visit our website: MedCadre Careers

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