Step into a role where your clinical expertise and compassion truly matter. At University of New Mexico Hospital, we’re seeking a skilled and dedicated PACU Registered Nurse to join our high-performing team, delivering exceptional care to patients before and after surgery in a fast-paced, high-acuity setting.
As a preoperative nurse, you’ll be the calm before the storm—performing key assessments, starting IVs, preparing patients physically and emotionally for surgery, and collaborating with the surgical team to ensure everything is in place for safe, efficient procedures.In the post-anesthesia care unit, you’ll care for a diverse patient population including pediatrics, adults, obstetrics, and cardiac patients—some requiring ICU-level care. Your responsibilities will include closely monitoring vital signs, managing pain and post-op complications, and guiding patients through the critical moments of recovery.
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This is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to be part of a team that values professional excellence, teamwork, and continuous learning. You’ll work alongside top-tier medical professionals, contribute to interdisciplinary care plans, and provide leadership and mentorship to peers—all while advocating fiercely for patient safety and comfort. If you're passionate about critical care, thrive under pressure, and are ready to grow within a supportive and innovative environment, the UNMH PACU team is the place for you. Come be part of something extraordinary
Sign-On Bonus Available
Relocation Assistance Available
Receive 17% Weekday Nights, 26% Weekend Nights and 15% Weekend Day shift differentials
Minimum Offer
$ 30.84/hr.
Maximum Offer
$ 47.33/hr.
Compensation Disclaimer
Compensation for this role is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to experience, education, and other business and organizational considerations.
Department: PACU (Recovery Room 1)
FTE: 0.90
Full Time
Shift: Days
Position Summary:
Work within the nursing process to provide direct nursing care to assigned patients. Provide clinical leadership for other staff and assumes relief charge duties when designated. Serve as a role model to promote a positive work environment and quality patient care. Ensures adherence to Hospital and Departmental Policies and Procedures. Patient care assignment may include; Neonate, Pediatric, Adolescent, Adult and Geriatric age groups.
Detailed responsibilities:
PATIENT CARE - Deliver safe direct care to an assigned group of patients as required
POLICIES - Work within Hospitals, Nursing division and departmental policies
CARE PLAN - Work in collaboration with the healthcare team, implement and document individualized care plans incorporating age specific considerations, including discharge planning and patient/family teaching
TESTS AND PROCEDURES - Assist with special tests and procedures, ensure proper consent has been obtained
PARTICIPATION - Participate in orientation; upon successful completion of preceptor training assume precepting and evaluation responsibilities of new personnel
EMERGENCY MEASURES - Assist with or institute emergency measures for sudden, adverse developments in patients
MEDICAL RECORDS - Ensure that patient medical records contain necessary information
INQUIRIES - Answer telephones and triage calls as per departmental policy
MEDICATION - Administer medication, including IV medication, via the Seven Rights; document and communicate clinical findings
ENVIRONMENT - Maintain a safe, comfortable, and therapeutic environment for patients/families in accordance with Hospitals standards
DEVELOPMENT - Enhance professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, reading current literature, attending in-services, meetings and workshops
PATIENT SAFETY 1 - Follow patient safety-related policies, procedures and protocols
PATIENT SAFETY 2 - Demonstrate proactive approach to patient safety by seeking opportunities to improve patient safety through questioning of current policies and processes
PATIENT SAFETY 3 - Identify and report/correct environmental conditions and/or situations that may put a patient at undue risk
PATIENT SAFETY 4 - Report potential or actual patient safety concerns, medical errors and/or near misses in a timely manner
PATIENT SAFETY 5 - Encourage patients to actively participate in their own care by asking questions and reporting treatment or situations that they don't understand or may "not seem right"
Education:
Essential:
Program Graduate
Nonessential:
Bachelor's Degree
Education specialization:
Essential:
Nationally Accredited Nursing Graduate
Nonessential:
Nursing
Experience:
Essential:
No minimum experience required
Nonessential:
Bilingual English/Spanish
Credentials:
Essential:
CPR for Healthcare/BLS Prov or Prof Rescuers w/in 30 days
RN in NM or as allowed by reciprocal agreement by NM
Nonessential:
Nationally Certified in area of specialty
Physical Conditions:
Heavy Work: Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects or people. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Medium Work.
Working conditions:
Essential:
Sig Hazard: Chemicals, Bio Hazardous Materials req PPE
Department: Registered Nurse