The RN provides specialized nursing care to patients emerging from anesthesia by conducting comprehensive assessments, closely monitoring vital signs, and managing airway support. This role involves administering medications, providing postoperative education, and collaborating with the perioperative team to ensure safe patient stabilization and progression.
Requirements summary
Candidates must possess a current or temporary RN license in North Dakota or a compact state, along with required certifications including BLS (within orientation), ACLS, and PALS (within 6 months). Previous critical care experience is preferred, and the role requires the ability to perform physical tasks like standing, walking, and assisting with patient transfers in a fast-paced clinical environment.
bachelor degreeACLSPatient SafetyClinical JudgmentBLSPost Anesthesia CarePALSTNCCElectronic Health Record DocumentationEvidence-Based CareHemodynamic MonitoringPain ControlPostoperative EducationAirway SupportIV Access ManagementRespiratory Status Management
Job description
Job DetailsJob Location
Trinity Health
Hospital
Campus &
Medical
District -
Minot,
ND 58701Position
Type:
Full
TimeSalary
Range: $33.60 - $52.08
HourlyJob
Shift:
Days/EveningsJob
Category:
NursingPosition
Summary: The RN, Post Anesthesia Recovery provides specialized nursing care to patients emerging from anesthesia following surgical or procedural interventions. This role conducts comprehensive post-anesthesia assessments, closely monitors hemodynamic and respiratory status, manages airway support, and delivers evidence-based care to promote safe recovery from sedation or anesthesia. Working collaboratively with anesthesia providers, surgeons, and perioperative team members, the RN supports timely interventions and effective patient stabilization. As part of a highly coordinated, team-oriented recovery environment, this position promotes patient safety, comfort, and readiness for transfer or discharge through vigilant observation, sound clinical judgment, and clear communication with patients and families.
Key
Responsibilities: Assess and monitor patients transitioning from anesthesia, including airway patency, respiratory status, consciousness level, pain control, and vital signs. Administer medications, manage IV access, support airway and oxygenation needs, and respond rapidly to changes in patient condition. Provide postoperative education and reassurance to patients and families, ensuring understanding of recovery expectations and discharge instructions. Document assessments, interventions, and communication accurately in the electronic health record to maintain regulatory compliance and continuity of care. Collaborate with anesthesia, surgery, and postoperative units to coordinate timely transfer and facilitate safe patient progression through the perioperative continuum. Participate in quality improvement, safety initiatives, and competency development to support high-reliability PACU practice.
QualificationsLicenses and
Certifications
Required: Current or temporary RN license in ND or compact RN licensure BLS required within orientation period ACLS and PALS required within 6 months in department TNCC course will be attended at least once after orientation to
PACU is completed
Educational
Requirements: RN program as evidenced by licensure Official diploma or transcript from the school/university from where
Degree was received
Experience
Requirements: Previous critical care experience is preferred
Special
Skills or
Training
Requirements:
None
Physical
Requirements: The RN frequently stands, walks, bends, and reaches while providing immediate postoperative care. The role requires the ability to assist with repositioning, transferring, and supporting sedated or partially mobile patients. Fine motor skills, hearing acuity, and visual precision are essential for airway management, equipment monitoring, and medication administration. The work may require quick movement in urgent or emergent clinical situations.
Environmental
Requirements: Work occurs in a fast-paced PACU environment with continuous monitoring alarms, close interaction with anesthesia equipment, and exposure to bodily fluids and cleaning agents. The RN must adhere to infection-control practices and utilize required PPE. The environment involves caring for patients who may experience pain, confusion, or respiratory compromise, requiring calm decision-making, rapid response, and effective communication within an interdisciplinary surgical services team.
