RN PACU
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Houston, TX, 77070
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 33-52.8 HOUR
Date Posted : 14 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
Responsible for the delivery of excellence in patient care through assessing, formulating nursing diagnoses and establishing goals, planning and implementing intervention and evaluating patient care outcomes. With the staff nurse's professional practice he/she Responsible for participating in and maintaining quality, cost effectiveness and guest relations. Provide patient care in compliance with hospital policies and procedures and the standards of professional nursing practice as defined by the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas.
Assessment: Does admission and ongoing assessment of patient’s condition. Provides nursing care to meet the patient’s physical, psychological and spiritual needs. Notifies doctor of changes in assessment that require attention.
Planning: Designs, directs, evaluates, and documents the plan of care, patient/family teaching and the transition of care plan to include a safe appropriate level of care discharge. Works with other clinical disciplines to meet specialized patient care and discharge needs. Formulates a plan of care and daily goals that takes into consideration the individualized needs of the patient.
Implementation: Prepares patients physically, psychologically, and spiritually for treatments, surgeries and diagnostic studies to help reduce patient anxiety. Knows patients' conditions and reports significant changes to Charge Nurse/Team Leader, and/or physician. Implements patient safety initiative and protocols including medication safety practices, physician orders, consult notifications.
Evaluation: Reassesses patients at appropriate intervals following interventions. Notifies physician as necessary to modify interventions. Adjusts nursing care to meet patient's emerging and changing needs.
Report Skills: Gives and receives report using Bedside Shift Report including family participation. Provides an accurate and comprehensive report to the oncoming shift to help establish continuity of patient care. Receives report from off-going shift and delegates tasks as needed to provide continuity of care according to coworker's experience, abilities and the patient's acuity.
Job Requirements
Associates Degree in Nursing or Diploma
At least one (1) year of RN experience
Registered Nurse: TX (RN:TX)
Basic Life Support - AHA BLS
Preferred:
Previous PACU experience
Where You'll WorkSt. Luke's Health–The Vintage Hospital provides high-quality, compassionate care for residents of the Willowbrook, Champions, and Tomball areas of Northwest Houston. With the resources of the St. Luke’s Health system, we are able to deliver the most advanced care available to our Northwest Houston community. The Vintage Hospital offers the latest in diagnostic and surgical expertise, including heart care, women’s health, and orthopedics.
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Frequently asked questions
In Houston, RN PACU nurses handle immediate post-operative care, which demands quick critical assessments and specialized interventions. Unlike general nursing roles, PACU RNs in this region often work in high-volume surgical centers, requiring sharp skills in monitoring anesthesia recovery and managing acute patient needs efficiently.
Beyond the standard Texas RN license and basic life support certification, PACU nurses in Texas often gain an edge with advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certifications. This enhances patient safety during postoperative monitoring, aligning with state protocols and boosting employability in competitive Houston hospitals.
At Catholic Health Initiatives, RN PACU professionals can progress into specialized clinical roles like Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist. Leadership tracks also exist, allowing experienced PACU nurses to move into supervisory or quality assurance positions, reflecting the organization’s commitment to internal growth.
Catholic Health Initiatives emphasizes holistic care, integrating physical, psychological, and spiritual support in the PACU. This setting may require nurses to adapt their approach, ensuring not just clinical recovery but also compassionate engagement tailored to diverse Houston communities.
The organization invests in ongoing education and quality improvement programs, encouraging RN PACU nurses to stay current with best practices. Resources include access to workshops, certifications, and interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering a culture of excellence within Houston’s dynamic healthcare environment.
RN PACU salaries in Houston typically range from $33 to $43 per hour, influenced by experience and certifications. The competitive healthcare market in Texas rewards specialized skills like PACU expertise, often with additional differential pay for shift work or high-demand units.
Northwest Houston’s growing population and expanding surgical services heighten demand for skilled PACU nurses. Facilities like St. Luke’s Health–The Vintage Hospital seek professionals adept in complex postoperative care, reflecting regional healthcare investment and increasing patient throughput.
Houston’s traffic patterns can impact shift punctuality, especially during peak hours. Choosing PACU positions near northwest Houston areas like Willowbrook or Tomball can ease commutes. Many nurses also factor in accessible public transportation options and parking availability when selecting workplaces.
PACU nurses collaborate closely with physicians, physical therapists, and social workers to ensure smooth transitions from surgery to home care. In Houston’s healthcare settings, this teamwork addresses individualized patient needs, emphasizing safety and reducing readmission risks post-discharge.
Catholic Health Initiatives offers orientation and mentorship programs tailored for new graduates entering PACU roles. These initiatives emphasize hands-on training, reinforcing clinical skills and confidence in managing post-anesthesia care within a supportive Houston hospital framework.