Job Description
American Traveler is seeking a travel nurse RN PACU - Post Anesthesia Care for a travel nursing job in Lakewood, Colorado.
Job Description & Requirements
- Specialty: PACU - Post Anesthesia Care
- Discipline: RN
- Start Date: 06/22/2026
- Duration: 13 weeks
- 36 hours per week
- Shift: 12 hours, days
- Employment Type: Travel
Assignment Overview
- Shift: Days, 3x12hrs
- Hours: 36 hrs/wk
- Start Date: Jun 22, 2026
- Length: 13 weeks
- Openings: 1
Description
American Traveler is seeking an experienced RN for a PACU position at a Level I Trauma Center in Colorado, requiring at least 2 years of experience and active CO or compact RN licensure.
Details
- 22-bed PACU unit within an acute care, Level I Trauma Center
- Unit operates both Phase 1 and Phase 2 recovery
- Common cases include orthopedic, trauma, cardiac, urology, pulmonary, and GI
- Nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:2
- ICU-level patients are recovered in the PACU
- Respiratory therapy equipment in use, including vents, CPAP, and BiPap
- RNs are responsible for reading cardiac strips
- 12-hour variable shifts with start times of 0730, 0800, 0900, 1000, and 1100; primarily 1100–2300
- On-call requirement of 1 night every 6 weeks
- Travelers are first to float; floating is required within the assigned zone
- Holiday coverage is required
- EMR: Epic
Requirements
- Active CO or Compact (NLC) RN license required; pending licenses will not be accepted
- Current AHA certifications required: BLS, ACLS, and PALS; pending certifications not accepted
- Minimum 2 years of RN experience required
- ED or ICU experience is required
- BSN is not required
- A valid driver's license must be submitted for consideration
- 2 professional references required: one supervisor from within the last 12 months worked, and one peer or supervisor from within the last 3 years worked, including dates of employment and eligibility for rehire
- Candidates must reside more than 60 miles from the facility to qualify for the travel pay rate; DL is used to verify permanent address
Additional Information
- Orientation is 12 hours; candidates must be in-state for the week of orientation even if initial modules are remote
- PACU and surgery center-specific orientation is provided
- Charge nurses do not carry a patient assignment but assist with lunch relief; no nurse aides on the unit
- Hospital-provided scrubs
- Candidates who have been directly employed (full-time, part-time, or PRN) by any CommonSpirit, CHI, or Dignity facility within the past year are not eligible; candidates who worked PRN through outside staffing firms will be considered
- Travelers are expected to float within the zone they are hired into and are responsible for securing housing that supports this requirement
- A unit manager interview is part of the hiring process
American Traveler Job ID #P-713350. Pay package is based on 12 hour shifts and 36 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: Travel RN - PACU
About American Traveler
With over 25 years of experience, American Traveler has established a reputation for outstanding customer service. Our team ensures a smooth, worry-free experience for those starting on or expanding their travel nursing and allied careers.
With thousands of travel nursing and allied jobs nationwide, our attentive and approachable recruiters find positions that align perfectly with your career aspirations and personal requirements.
American Traveler offers exceptional benefits, including premium medical, dental, vision and life insurance beginning day one of your assignment, generous 401(k) match, substantial housing stipends, and more. Additionally, with 24/7 support and access to our in-house clinicians, you are assured confidence and comfort throughout your assignment.
With our team behind you, you can relax and enjoy a rewarding travel career.