Pediatric PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit) Registered Nurse
Pediatric PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit) Registered Nurse
We're looking for a skilled and compassionate Pediatric PACU Registered Nurse to provide specialized post-anesthesia care to infants, children, and adolescents following surgery or medical procedures. You'll work in the immediate recovery period — the critical window where attentive monitoring and fast response directly shape patient outcomes.
What you'll do
- Assess and monitor pediatric patients recovering from anesthesia, tracking airway, breathing, oxygen saturation, vital signs, cardiac rhythm, and level of consciousness- Manage post-operative pain, nausea, and other anesthesia-related symptoms- Administer medications, IV fluids, and prescribed treatments- Watch for bleeding, respiratory complications, and adverse reactions- Assist with airway management, emergency interventions, and pediatric resuscitation when needed- Provide age-appropriate comfort and emotional support to kids and their families — this part matters more than it sounds- Communicate clearly with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and receiving nurses on patient status- Educate parents and caregivers on post-operative care and discharge instructions- Document assessments, interventions, and patient responses accurately- Confirm that patients meet recovery criteria before transfer or discharge
Settings you may work in
Children's hospitals, pediatric PACU and recovery rooms, acute-care hospitals with pediatric services, pediatric surgical centers, ambulatory surgery centers, outpatient pediatric surgery centers, specialty children's surgical centers, and academic or teaching hospitals with pediatric surgery programs.
What we're looking for
- Active RN license (required)- Experience in pediatric PACU, pediatric critical care, the OR, or perioperative nursing preferred- Strong pediatric assessment skills and solid emergency-response instincts- BLS and PALS certification (typically required); ACLS may be required depending on the facility
If you thrive in a high-acuity environment and have a genuine connection with pediatric patients and their families, we'd like to hear from you.