IU Health·Lafayette, Indiana
Provide high-quality, evidence-based care to patients recovering from various types of anesthesia following surgical interventions. Collaborate with anesthesia and surgical teams to manage unstable postoperative patients and ensure safe discharge.
Clinical Nurse – Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)- FT, Days
Overview The Clinical Nurse reflects the mission, vision, and values of Indiana University Health, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines, and applicable regulatory and accreditation standards. The Registered Nurse (RN) is accountable for the provision and coordination of competent, evidence-based care across the care continuum, including assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation. The Clinical Nurse participates in decision-making, teaching, mentoring, and collaboration with the multidisciplinary team to support patient outcomes and operational efficiency. The nurse follows the ANA Scope and Standards of Professional Nursing and the Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements.
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Nurse The PACU Nurse provides high-quality, evidence-based care to patients recovering from anesthesia following a broad range of surgical and procedural interventions.
This includes caring for patients emerging from general anesthesia, monitored anesthesia care (MAC), and local anesthesia.
Surgical specialties supported include general surgery, neurosurgery, cardiac, and additional perioperative services.
PACU nurses must demonstrate strong critical-thinking skills and an ICU-level clinical foundation to manage both unstable postoperative patients and those preparing for discharge home.
The role requires the ability to rapidly assess, intervene, and escalate care to ensure patient safety during the immediate postoperative period.
PACU nurses work closely with anesthesia physicians, CRNAs, surgical teams, and perioperative departments to maintain a safe and efficient patient care environment.
The position requires adaptability to fluctuating patient volumes, from high-intensity surgical days to low-volume periods requiring flexibility and readiness.
This role includes weekday and weekend call requirements, with rotating shifts self-scheduled through a structured rotation model.
Additional responsibilities may include assisting with bronchoscopy procedures, supporting preoperative preparation and patient flow, and assisting anesthesia providers with peripheral nerve block procedures. PACU nurses play a critical role in providing safe, compassionate, and timely postoperative care while upholding all regulatory, safety, and organizational standards within the perioperative environment.
Education: ASN required; BSN preferred.
Active RN license in Indiana or an active Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) RN license.
Graduation from a nationally accredited nursing program is required. Candidates who did not graduate from an accredited program may be considered with more than two years of acute care experience. All exceptions require review and approval by the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO).
Basic Life Support (AHA) required. Additional Advanced Life Support certifications may be required based on unit or department specialty.
Why Join IU Health? As Indiana’s largest and most comprehensive healthcare system—and the No. 1 ranked healthcare system in Indiana—we offer a supportive and collaborative patient-centered work environment, competitive benefits, 401(k) with employer match, employer-paid medical leave, tuition reimbursement, student loan forgiveness through PSLF, an Employee Assistance Program with no-cost counseling, and the Healthy Results wellness program that provides financial wellness incentives.
Part and Full-time roles are eligible for a $30,000 sign-on bonus — apply today to learn more!
Our Culture IU Health’s culture of compassion supports holistic, individualized care for patients and their families. Every team member is considered a caregiver, and that culture extends to colleagues and the broader community through outreach, service projects, and wellness initiatives.
Indiana University Health has nearly 40,000 team members, including more than 3,600 physicians and 1,200 advanced practice providers, and we’re home to the largest nursing network in Indiana with more than 9,000 nursing team members at over 800 sites of care.
IU Health is ranked No. 1 in Indiana by U.S. News & World Report, Riley Children's Health is ranked among the top children's hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
A unique partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine – one of the nation’s largest medical schools – gives patients access to groundbreaking research and innovative treatments, and it offers team members access to the latest science and the very best training – advancing healthcare for all.
With 15 hospitals, including seven with Magnet designation and eight with Pathways to Excellence designation, our team members are leading the way through excellence.
At Indiana University Health, your personal and professional growth is a top priority. You will have access to many diverse opportunities to learn and develop in meaningful ways that matter most to you, such as advanced clinical training, leadership development, promotion opportunities and cross training development.
Indiana University Health is invested in the lives of Hoosiers, leading the transformation of healthcare to make Indiana one of the nation’s healthiest states.
Indiana University Health is Indiana’s most comprehensive health system, with 15 hospitals and nearly 40,000 team members serving Hoosiers across the state. We’re looking for team members who are inspired by challenging and meaningful work for the good of every patient. People who are compassionate and serve with a purpose. People who aspire to excellence every day.
Market context
Indiana nursing roles often stay in demand across hospitals, long-term care, and outpatient settings, especially for candidates who can show dependable patient care skills and flexibility. Competition can be stronger for roles that prefer phlebotomy training or science experience, so highlighting competency assessment results and any hands-on clinical exposure can help. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm the original posting before applying.