Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Clinical Nurse

Location Site: Salem Hospital, 890 Oak Street SE, Salem, Oregon 97301
Department: Post-Anesthesia Care Unit
Position Type: Full Time, 36 hours/week, Non-Exempt
Schedule: 7:00 pm - 7:00 am, three 12-hour shifts, variable

Your role with us

As a post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) clinical nurse at Salem Health, you'll be a key player in one of the most critical transitions in a patient's surgical journey-the moments immediately following anesthesia. You'll care for a diverse patient population ranging from pediatrics to geriatrics, recovering from a wide range of procedures-from routine appendectomies to craniotomies and complex vascular surgeries.

In this fast-paced, high-acuity environment, your ability to recognize trends, think quickly, and act with precision is essential. Whether you're managing after surgery vitals, treating emergent complications, or supporting a smooth recovery experience, your decisions will have an immediate and lasting impact on patient outcomes.

Your scope includes much more than clinical expertise. You'll assess and anticipate patients' physical, emotional, and educational needs, plan individualized care, document progress meticulously, and collaborate closely with anesthesiologists, surgeons, and interdepartmental teams. You'll also have the opportunity to step into leadership roles, contribute to quality initiatives, and play an active part in maintaining a safe and efficient unit.

This role is ideal for a nurse with strong critical care or intermediate care unit (IMCU) experience who thrives under pressure, values teamwork, and brings a proactive mindset to patient advocacy. Our PACU team is known for its independence, skill, and shared commitment to excellence. If you're ready to bring your clinical expertise and compassionate care to a team that values both, this is where you belong.

What you'll do

• Assessing and monitoring patients: Perform rapid, ongoing physical and clinical assessments to evaluate post-operative status and ensure safe recovery from anesthesia.
• Intervening with precision: Recognize and respond quickly to changes in patient condition, initiating appropriate interventions in emergent or complex situations.
• Developing care plans: Collaborate with the patient, family, and healthcare team to create individualized care plans that reflect each patient's unique needs and goals.
• Educating and communicating: Educate patients and families about post-op care and recovery expectations, using clear, age-appropriate language and repetition when needed.
• Documenting thoroughly: Accurately record assessments, interventions, patient responses, and teaching in the electronic health record.
• Leading and collaborating: Support team operations by participating in shared decision-making, mentoring peers, and occasionally acting as charge nurse or team lead.
• Ensuring safety: Maintain a safe environment by following infection control practices, using proper lifting techniques, and ensuring equipment and supplies are ready and functional.
• Managing resources: Flex between tasks and units as needed to support productivity and patient flow, demonstrating initiative and flexibility.

Required qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor of Science (BSN) or Bachelor of Arts degree in nursing, or non-nursing bachelor's degree with a Master of Science in nursing (MSN). Candidates with an associate's degree in nursing (ADN) and graduates of a diploma RN program are also encouraged to apply; ADN applicants with less than five years of acute care experience will be required to sign an agreement committing to complete their BSN or MSN degree within three years of hire.
• Basic Life Support (BLS).
• Current unencumbered licensure to practice nursing as a Registered Nurse in the State of Oregon.
• One year of critical care experience.

Total rewards package

Salem Health's comprehensive benefits package prioritizes your mental and physical health, financial stability, family obligations and professional growth. Click here for details.

Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status or condition protected by law.

Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for applicants. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact my.recruiter@salemhealth.org