RN PACU

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health brings together two award winning health systems in Washington state CHI Franciscan and Virginia Mason. As one integrated health system with the most patient access points in western Washington our team includes 18,000 staff and nearly 5,000 employed physicians and affiliated providers. At Virginia Mason Franciscan Health you will find the safest and highest quality of care provided by our expert, compassionate medical care team at 11 hospitals and nearly 300 sites throughout the greater Puget Sound region.

Virginia Mason Medical Center was recognized among the Best Hospitals in Washington state by U.S. News & World Report.

At Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH), we are thrilled to announce the expansion of our PACU unit which includes the opening of two additional OR suites.  We have nearly doubled the number of cases we see each year.  As we embark on this exciting journey, we are actively seeking dedicated experienced PACU nurses who thrive in a fast-paced teamwork-focused environment.  Join us and find out how many ways VMFH offers you the chance to focus on what really matters - your patients.

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health provides a range of surgical specialty service lines.  The Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) utilizes ASPAN standards to provide Preoperative, Phase 1, and Phase 2 (discharge) post anesthesia care for our surgical and procedural patients. The PACU team cares for patients in all age ranges and all levels of acuity including ambulatory, inpatient, and critical care. Aspects of care include assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation of post anesthesia care. The PACU nurses provide observation and monitoring of patients with particular attention to oxygenation, respiratory status, circulation/hemodynamic stability, level of consciousness, and temperature. The PACU nurses are also responsible for the management and evaluation of post anesthesia and postoperative complications including pain and nausea. The Registered Nurse in PACU holds the autonomy to determine readiness for discharge from PACU based on PACU scoring criteria. Nurses in this department are required to be flexible between Preop and PACU areas based on needs and unit flow.  The early shifts (0530/0630 start) is a mix between Preop and PACU and the person in this role will consistently be starting each day in the Preop area working with the anesthesia team and other members of the PACU team to ensure each patient’s readiness for surgery. Flexibility to move between Preop and PACU areas as needed based on staffing and caseloads is a requirement for this position.   

“We deliver inspired people to do meaningful work”

Required Qualifications for this position include:

• A current and valid Washington State Registered Nurse License is required for this position.
• Current BLS certification required.
• ACLS certification required within 60 days of hire.
• PALS certification required within 60 days of hire.
• May be willing to train those with at least 2 years of recent Progressive Care/Intermediate Care/Step-Down Unit experience.

Preferred Qualifications for this position include:

• National certification in area of specialty including CCRN, CPAN, or CAPA
• 1-2 years of recent inpatient PACU (including Critical Care level acuity) experience within the last 3 years strongly preferred
• Prefer experience with all phases of post anesthesia care including Preop, Phase 1, and Phase 2
• Prefer previous experience in the Charge and Preceptor roles
• Previous experience with starting IV’s preferable for the 0530/0630 start time
• Experience with managing airways and airway emergencies (i.e. laryngospasm, airway obstruction, stridor, and respiratory arrest)

 Please note:

This position does require on-call shifts.

2-3 call shifts per month.

Call shifts are generally on the night shift with some weekend day shift call.

1 holiday on-call shift per year. 

With continuing education opportunities and in-services, you will enjoy working in a supportive work culture. There is also the lifestyle benefit that comes with finding yourself in the heart of the Pacific Northwest. Surrounded by the vibrancy and sophistication of one of the most livable cities in the country, finding the perfect urban or outdoor pursuit will instinctively and pleasurably become second nature. You will love living in Seattle.  And it doesn’t rain as much as people say.  We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.