PACU

PACU Travel Nurse | 13-Week Contract | Northridge, CA

This PACU position offers 12-hour day shifts in a busy surgical recovery unit managing both Phase 1 and Phase 2 patients across a diverse, high-acuity caseload.

Shift & Schedule

• 12-hour days with staggered starts (8:30–9:00 AM typical); shifts may adjust with 2-hour advance notice
• Every other weekend requirement (call, rotational basis)
• Holidays covered by call on a rotational basis
• Call required: typically 2 weekday shifts plus Saturday night and Sunday day or night, on rotation

Unit & Patient Population

• Phase 1 and Phase 2 recovery; familiarity with Phase 2 discharge process required
• Common cases include total joint replacements, spinal fusions, laminectomies, hysterectomies, laparoscopic cholecystectomies, brain tumor excisions, AV fistulas, robotic cases, elective cardioversions, and transesophageal echocardiograms — heavy orthopedic volume; no open hearts
• Pediatric recovery included (newborn to adult; no neonates)
• ICU patient recovery occurs in both PACU and the ICU; call nurses recover together when applicable

Clinical Requirements

• Minimum 2 years of PACU or ICU experience; first-time travelers welcome
• Ability to read and interpret telemetry strips, interpret ABGs, and troubleshoot ventilators (RT manages, RN troubleshoots)
• Comfortable with ICP monitors and drawing blood/performing EKGs
• CPAN or CCRN preferred

Required Certifications: BLS, ACLS, PALS

Scrub Color: Navy (or facility-supplied)

Orientation: 3 shifts covering charting, patient care workflow, and critical patient recovery

Guaranteed Hours: 36/week | Contract: 13 weeks