RN Recovery
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Burien, WA, 98166
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 42.58-71.89 HOUR
Date Posted : 3 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
Job Summary
- We are seeking an experienced and self-motivated Recovery Services Registered Nurse.
- Our Recovery nurses handle a broad range of patients; from children to geriatrics.
- Monitor patient vital signs, adapting readily to changing patient conditions, administer medications and treatments to the post-surgical patient and assure patient safety throughout the PACU experience.
- Recovery nurses work in preop, Phase 1 and Phase 2 recovery and manage the care of not only surgical patients but pre and post IR and Cath Lab patients until they are discharged to outpatient or transferred to the floor for their patient stay.
- Applicants must be team players and effective communicators focused on providing excellent service to our patients, families, physicians and team members.
Job Responsibilities
- As a Registered Nurse, you will be responsible for delivering the highest quality patient care according to the specific orders of each patient’s individual physician. This will involve, utilizing your knowledge and skills to educate patients and their families on prevention and healthy habits.
Additional responsibilities for this health care role include
- Monitoring patients’ conditions and assessing their needs
- Collaborating with physicians and nurses to devise individualized care plans for patients
- Administering patients’ medications and providing treatments according to physicians’ orders
- Fostering a supportive and compassionate environment to care for patients and their families
Education & Experience
- Current Washington State RN License required
- Possession of a BSN degree is preferred
- Minimum of 2 years current experience in an acute, inpatient PACU setting within the last 3 years strongly preferred or
- Graduate of ICU residency with a minimum of six months ICU experience
- Experience with airway emergencies, (i.e. laryngospasms, airway obstruction, stridor and arrest)
Certifications & Licensure
- Current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS certification. Please be advised that this location requires quarterly American Heart Association (AHA) Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI) competency certification post-hire. This ongoing competency is required through resources internal to the facility; outside RQI competency resources are not acceptable for CommonSpirit Health compliance requirements.
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) required
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification within six months of date of hire required
- Certified Perianesthesia Nurse (CPAN) or Certified Ambulatory Peranesthesia Nurse (CAPA) A) preferred
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area.
Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth.
Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care.
We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.
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Frequently asked questions
Rn Recovery nurses in Burien handle a dynamic range of patient care, focusing on post-surgical monitoring in fast-paced PACU settings. Unlike traditional floor nursing, they manage critical airway emergencies and provide continuous assessment during the vulnerable recovery phases, demanding acute attention to subtle patient condition changes.
Beyond a valid Washington RN license, employers in the Seattle area emphasize advanced certifications like ACLS, PALS, and preferably CPAN or CAPA. Experience with acute inpatient recovery or ICU rotations enhances candidacy, reflecting the region’s focus on rigorous patient safety and specialized post-operative care.
Catholic Health Initiatives requires quarterly American Heart Association resuscitation quality improvement (RQI) certifications, not accepted from outside sources. This ensures continuous compliance and skill refreshment, underscoring their commitment to high-standard cardiac and respiratory emergency readiness unique to their facilities.
At Catholic Health Initiatives, RN Recovery nurses collaborate closely with physicians, specialists, and nursing peers to customize care plans. Their communication skills facilitate smooth patient transitions from surgery to discharge or other units, reinforcing a team-based culture that prioritizes patient-centered outcomes.
Burien’s growing healthcare infrastructure, including Catholic Health Initiatives' network, drives steady demand for recovery nurses. The area's aging population and high volume of outpatient surgeries increase need for skilled PACU nurses able to respond quickly to diverse patient recovery needs.
RN Recovery nurses in Burien typically earn between $85,000 and $105,000 annually, reflecting regional cost of living and healthcare market rates. This range is competitive yet slightly below Seattle’s urban center wages, balancing affordability with strong benefits from established providers like Catholic Health Initiatives.
Daily hurdles include swiftly recognizing airway obstructions, adjusting treatments based on fluctuating vitals, and coordinating with multiple care teams amid patient turnover. Rn Recovery nurses must maintain calm under pressure while ensuring safety during critical recovery phases, requiring both clinical expertise and emotional resilience.
Catholic Health Initiatives supports professional development through specialized training and certifications, enabling RN Recovery nurses to advance into roles like clinical educators or PACU management. Their commitment to lifelong learning fosters internal mobility aligned with individual career goals and evolving healthcare demands.
Catholic Health Initiatives emphasizes a holistic care approach blending rigorous clinical protocols with compassionate patient engagement. Their quarterly RQI certification mandates ensure cutting-edge emergency response skills, setting them apart with a distinct focus on continuous quality improvement within recovery nursing.
RN Recovery nurses at Catholic Health Initiatives tailor care protocols to meet needs from pediatrics through geriatrics, adapting medication, monitoring, and communication strategies accordingly. This flexibility ensures safe transitions for a wide demographic, reflecting the community’s varied health profiles and surgical case mix.