Job Description
MLK Community Hospital is seeking a skilled and compassionate RN PACU Per Diem (0800) to join our Healthcare & Medical Services team, providing high‑quality post-anesthesia care to surgical and procedural patients in a modern, safety‑net hospital serving South Los Angeles. In this per diem role, you will work primarily day shifts beginning at 0800, delivering direct nursing care in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) to patients emerging from anesthesia following a variety of surgical and interventional procedures. You will be responsible for comprehensive post-anesthesia assessments, continuous monitoring of vital signs and hemodynamic status, airway and respiratory management, IV therapy, and timely administration of medications, including pain control and antiemetics, in accordance with established protocols and provider orders. Using your clinical judgment and critical thinking skills, you will recognize and respond quickly to changes in patient condition, escalate concerns, and initiate appropriate interventions in collaboration with anesthesia providers and surgeons. As an RN in the PACU, you will ensure safe, smooth transitions through the perioperative continuum by performing thorough pre- and post-procedure assessments, managing post-anesthesia recovery, and determining readiness for transfer or discharge using evidence-based criteria. You will document all assessments, interventions, and patient responses accurately and promptly in the electronic health record, ensuring clear communication and continuity of care. You will provide patient and family education on post-operative expectations, pain management, mobility, wound care, and follow-up instructions, tailoring your approach to the cultural and linguistic needs of our diverse community. Working closely with anesthesiologists, surgeons, surgical services, and inpatient teams, you will participate in interdisciplinary huddles, handoffs, and care planning to support safe, efficient patient flow. At MLK Community Hospital, our culture is mission-driven and patient-first, grounded in equity, compassion, and respect for the historically underserved community we serve. In this role, you will embody these values by delivering culturally competent, trauma-informed care, advocating for your patients, and maintaining a calm, reassuring presence during vulnerable moments in the perioperative experience. You will adhere to strict infection prevention and patient safety standards, participate in unit-based quality and performance improvement efforts, and contribute to a collaborative, accountable, and innovative team environment. As a per diem RN, you will have the flexibility to support staffing needs while gaining exposure to a wide variety of surgical populations and acuity levels in a modern, well-equipped PACU. This position is ideal for an experienced acute care nurse with PACU, ICU, or emergency department background who is confident in rapid assessment, prioritization, and crisis management. You should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment, managing multiple patients at different stages of recovery, and coordinating closely with interdisciplinary team members to ensure safe transitions of care. In joining MLK Community Hospital, you will have the opportunity to make a direct, meaningful impact in an underserved community, advance your skills in peri-anesthesia nursing, and contribute to high-quality patient outcomes in a supportive, team-oriented setting. Our nonprofit safety-net mission, combined with our emphasis on professional growth and innovation, makes this a rewarding opportunity for nurses who want their expertise to matter where it is needed most.