Registered Nurse (RN) - PACU

36 hours/week, Registered Nurse, PACU, Emerson Hospital, Concord, MA

We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Registered Nurse (RN) to join our Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) team. In this role, you will provide specialized nursing care to patients recovering from anesthesia in the immediate post-operative phase.

Working under the direction of the Clinical Nurse Manager, you will be responsible for airway assessment and management, cardiac and hemodynamic monitoring, pulse oximetry, and ongoing clinical evaluation for patients whose level of consciousness has been altered by anesthesia. The PACU RN plays a critical role in ensuring patient safety, comfort, and optimal recovery following surgical procedures.

This position requires the ability to apply the nursing process to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care appropriate to the age and needs of the patients served. Nursing care is provided in accordance with the philosophy, standards, and policies established by the Nursing Service Department, regulatory agencies, and professional nursing organizations.

The Registered Nurse is accountable for the safety and quality of nursing care provided or delegated, and is responsible to patients and their families for both direct and indirect care delivered.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide post-anesthesia nursing care to patients in the immediate recovery phase.
• Perform airway management, cardiac monitoring, and hemodynamic assessment.
• Monitor patients using pulse oximetry and other clinical monitoring equipment.
• Conduct ongoing patient assessments and implement timely nursing interventions.
• Utilize the nursing process (assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, evaluation) to guide patient care.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, physicians, and interdisciplinary care teams.
• Maintain accurate documentation in accordance with hospital and regulatory standards.
• Ensure patient safety and adherence to infection prevention and quality standards.
• Support a patient-centered environment focused on compassionate, high-quality care.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing (required)

Experience

• Minimum of two (2) years medical-surgical nursing experience preferred
• Critical care or emergency department experience preferred
• Previous PACU or post-anesthesia experience a plus

Licensure & Certifications

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in Massachusetts (required)
• BLS (Basic Life Support) – Healthcare Provider certification (required)
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) certification (required)
• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) certification (required)

Skills & Competencies

• Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills
• Excellent patient care and customer service skills
• Effective verbal and written communication in English
• Computer proficiency and ability to document in electronic health records
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and follow HIPAA guidelines
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced clinical environment

Why Join Our Team

• Work with a collaborative perioperative care team
• Provide specialized care during a critical stage of patient recovery
• Opportunities for professional growth and clinical skill development