PACU Registered Nurse

Location: Panama City, FL
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Schedule: Mixed 10-hour shifts (varied start times) + On-Call
Shift Options May Include: 7:00–5:30 | 8:00–6:30 | 9:00–7:30 | 10:00–8:30
On-Call Requirement: Must live within 30 minutes
Pay Range: $27.72 – $39.60/hour (experience-based)
Shift Differential: +$2.50/hr after 3 PM
On-Call Pay: $4/hr
Sign-On Bonus: $15,000
Relocation Assistance: Case-by-case

Overview

A high-performing Perioperative Services team in the Panama City region is seeking an experienced PACU Registered Nurse to provide high-acuity post-anesthesia care for surgical patients transitioning out of the OR.

This role requires strong critical thinking, rapid assessment skills, airway management proficiency, and the ability to respond immediately to clinical changes. The PACU RN will join a supportive team environment focused on collaboration, safety, and professional development.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality, evidence-based post-anesthesia nursing care.

• Provide continuous monitoring and rapid response for airway, neurological, cardiac, and pain management needs.

• Assess and document patient condition; communicate critical changes to providers promptly.

• Perform wound assessments, initial surgical site care, and symptom management.

• Collaborate with anesthesia, surgical teams, and recovery leadership to maintain safe, efficient PACU flow.

• Educate patients and families regarding recovery expectations, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.

• Ensure equipment readiness, safety checks, and compliance with PACU quality standards.

• Participate in unit rounding, shared governance, and performance improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum 1 year of recent PACU RN experience (within the last year).

• Strongly preferred: Critical care background in addition to PACU experience.

• Active Florida RN license (or Compact license with FL conversion within 60 days).

• BLS within 30 days.

• ACLS within 60 days.

• PALS within 60 days.

• Nursing Diploma or Associate Degree in Nursing.

Preferred

• Experience in high-volume perioperative settings.

• Strong clinical judgment, quick decision-making, and comfort managing post-anesthesia complications.

Unit Details

• Nurse-to-Patient Ratio: Typically 1:2

• Scheduling: Self-scheduling posted 4 weeks in advance

• Team Support: CNAs, PCTs, Charge RNs, internal float pool

• Leadership Culture: Collaborative, visible, supportive

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly pay: $27.72–$39.60/hr, based on experience.

• $15,000 sign-on bonus.

• Evening shift differential: +$2.50/hr after 3 PM.

• On-call pay: $4/hr.

• Relocation assistance available.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• 401(k) with 100% employer match (3–9% depending on years of service).

• Employee stock purchase plan (10% discount).

• Tuition reimbursement, certification support, dependent scholarships.

• PTO, paid family leave, and disability coverage.

• Emotional wellness programs, financial/legal counseling, and EAP.

• Supplemental plans available: accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, long-term care, identity protection, pet insurance.

Ideal Candidates

• PACU RNs who excel in fast-paced recovery environments requiring rapid, skilled intervention.

• Critical care nurses transitioning into PACU with a strong acute-care foundation.

• Nurses who value teamwork, autonomy, and consistent workflows within perioperative services.