Registered Nurse PACU in St. Johnsbury, Vermont at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital

Help patients recover safely and comfortably while advancing your nursing career in Vermont's beautiful Northeast Kingdom.

Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) is seeking a Registered Nurse (RN) - PACU to join our Ambulatory & Surgical Services team. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced RN who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys caring for patients during the critical recovery phase, and values being part of a highly collaborative surgical team. As a PACU nurse, you'll play a vital role in ensuring safe, efficient, and compassionate care for patients recovering from anesthesia while working closely with surgeons, anesthesia providers (CRNAs), perioperative staff, and multidisciplinary teams.

About This Role

As a PACU Registered Nurse, you will provide both Phase I and Phase II post-anesthesia care for patients receiving a variety of anesthetic agents. Using evidence-based practice and the nursing process, you will assess, monitor, and support patients through recovery while addressing actual and potential physical and psychosocial needs. This role offers the opportunity to work with a highly skilled perioperative team while applying advanced assessment, critical-thinking, and patient-education skills to promote positive outcomes and exceptional patient experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide Phase I and Phase II recovery care, including assessment of airway patency, respiratory status, circulation, level of consciousness, pain management needs, and overall patient stability.
• Monitor patients recovering from anesthesia, administer medications and therapies, manage intravenous fluids, assess surgical sites, and ensure safe recovery and transfer to the next level of care.
• Educate patients and families regarding post-procedure care, recovery expectations, discharge instructions, and ongoing health needs.
• Collaborate with surgeons, CRNAs, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide safe, efficient, and patient-centered care.
• Support department operations through teamwork, equipment readiness, supply management, quality initiatives, and participation in shared governance activities.

Required Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing
• Current Vermont or multi-state RN license required
• Minimum 2-3 years of acute care nursing experience required.
• Current BLS certification from the American Heart Association required
• Current ACLS and PALS certifications required; candidates without active certifications may obtain them during the orientation period.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous PACU, perioperative, critical care, emergency department, or post-anesthesia recovery experience preferred.
• Experience caring for patients recovering from a variety of anesthetic agents and surgical procedures.

About NVRH

Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital is located in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, in the Northeast Kingdom. We are a community not-for-profit acute care critical access hospital. NVRH is one of two Vermont hospitals designated Baby Friendly™ by the World Health Organization. The organization offers primary and preventive care, surgical and specialty services, inpatient and outpatient care, and 24-hour physician-staffed emergency services. Aligned with community partners, NVRH values and invests in efforts to address social conditions that support well-nourished, well-housed, physically healthy, mentally healthy, and financially secure communities. NVRH serves more than 33,000 people throughout Caledonia and southern Essex Counties and employs over 700 dedicated staff members.

Why Join Our Team?

Join our healthcare team dedicated to delivering exceptional care to your community at NVRH! We offer competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Student loan repayment and tuition reimbursement
• Generous paid time off
• Complimentary local gym membership
• Affordable and comprehensive health, dental, and vision plan choices
• 401(k) with employer match
• Many more additional employee perks!

Build a rewarding nursing career where your expertise is valued, your professional growth is supported, and your work makes a meaningful difference for patients every day.