Travel Registered Nurse PACU

Overview

Step into a pivotal PACU nursing role as a Registered Nurse in Carbondale, Illinois, where your expertise in recovery care will guide patients from the wake of anesthesia to safe, stable outcomes and reinforce their return to daily life. You’ll be at the forefront of post-anesthesia recovery, providing vigilant monitoring, swift assessment, and compassionate support that helps patients regain comfort and confidence as they prepare for discharge.

You’ll collaborate closely with anesthesia teams, surgeons, and inpatient care staff to optimize recovery trajectories, ensure airway safety, manage pain and nausea, and document precise progress for seamless transitions. This opportunity emphasizes meaningful patient care during times of heightened vulnerability, with every recovery showcasing your skill, judgment, and bedside presence.

Illinois life offers a blend of culture, communities, and outdoor opportunities that complement your professional journey in a supportive environment.

In this PACU RN role, you’ll be the cornerstone of early postoperative care. Core responsibilities include:

• Comprehensive patient assessments as anesthesia wears off
• Continuous vital sign monitoring
• Airway management readiness and timely intervention for airway, breathing, and circulation concerns
• Tailor recovery plans, manage postoperative nausea and pain
• Collaborate with anesthesia and surgical teams to determine readiness for discharge to the unit or home
• Documentation with accurate progress notes, discharge instructions, and handoffs
• Identify opportunities for process improvements in recovery pathways
• Mentor junior staff on best practices in PACU care

The compensation package includes competitive weekly pay of $2,040–$2,148 and guaranteed hours of 36 per week. Benefits include housing assistance to ease relocation and stay, and potential contract extensions for continuity. A bonus structure recognizes performance and tenure. There is 24/7 support from our travel nursing team for scheduling, logistics, and clinical questions. The role offers professional growth through varied case mixes, reputable perioperative teams, and potential advancement within our network as openings arise.

Carbondale blends a welcoming community with access to quality healthcare facilities and a dynamic academic environment. Occasional travel to other locations across the United States is possible, expanding clinical exposure while maintaining guaranteed hours and compensation. The region offers outdoor recreation, cultural events, and a cost of living that supports stability while you focus on clinical excellence.

Our organization is grounded in opportunities for career progression, ongoing education, and a supportive work environment. We invest in professional development with access to clinical leaders, evidence-based resources, and mentorship to sharpen PACU competencies, expand into specialty areas, or explore leadership tracks. We value travel nurses as vital partners in sustaining high-quality patient care and aim to create workplaces where your voice is heard and safety and well-being are prioritized.

If you’re motivated to advance your PACU nursing career with clinical autonomy and strong institutional support, apply now. Begin your journey on 01/21/2026 and position yourself at the nexus of exceptional patient care, professional growth, and enriching experiences across Illinois and beyond. Ready to make a lasting impact in recovery care? Apply today and join a collaborative, forward-thinking environment that honors your dedication and expertise.

Note:

Hours and pay rates listed are estimates and may vary. Final compensation packages and guaranteed hours will be confirmed during the hiring process.

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About TLC Nursing
TLC Healthforce is a nationwide travel healthcare staffing agency pairing Nursing and Allied Health professionals with high-quality travel and local contracts across the U.S.

Shift Shield™ – Traveler Protection
Shift Shield™ protects travelers from preventable facility-driven cancellations and ensures fair compensation for schedule disruptions.

Why Travelers Choose TLC

• Competitive weekly pay
• Fast credentialing
• 24/7 recruiter & clinical support
• Nationwide assignments

Referral Bonus
Earn up to $1,000 per referral — no employment required.

EEO Statement
TLC Healthforce is an Equal Opportunity Employer.