Job Description
Believe in the power of recovery as a Registered Nurse in the PACU at KU Medical Center in Kansas. This is your opportunity to deliver critical care in the immediate post-anesthesia period, guiding patients from anesthesia to waking comfort with precision, compassion, and clinical excellence. You’ll collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and a dynamic perioperative team to ensure stable vitals, effective pain control, and safe transitions to the next stage of recovery. You’ll monitor for airway changes, manage nausea and shivering, reassess neuro status, and tailor interventions to each patient’s evolving needs. In this role, you’ll influence patient experiences at their most vulnerable moments, mentor newer staff, participate in daily huddles, and contribute to quality improvement initiatives that reduce length of stay and readmission risk. Beyond the hospital walls, Kansas beckons with wide open skies and a blend of urban vibrancy and rural charm. Discover the Flint Hills, the confluence of prairie and river towns, world-class museums, and festivals that celebrate heartland culture after you clock out.
Location benefits: KU Med Center offers the dynamic, collaborative environment of a leading academic medical center—excellent mentorship, access to the latest perioperative protocols, and opportunities to pursue specialty certifications in PACU or pain management. The position balances the rigors of critical recovery care with a supportive culture that values well-being and professional growth. For travel nurses, the opportunity to work in different locations across the U.S. expands your clinical repertoire while you retain the security of a robust support network, a dedicated travel team, and predictable coordination. In Kansas you’ll enjoy affordable living, efficient commutes, and proximity to outdoor recreation—from hiking in rolling prairie lands to weekend road trips to lakes and state parks. The region’s communities also offer rich cultural experiences, college-town energy, and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere that makes challenging weeks feel rewarding.
Role specifics and benefits: In the PACU, you’ll conduct focused post-anesthesia assessments, monitor hemodynamics, optimize oxygenation and ventilation, manage airway patency, implement pain control strategies, and respond swiftly to post-op emergencies under established protocols. You’ll perform timely neuro checks, track sedation levels, adjust antiemetic regimens, and ensure accurate, thorough documentation for handoffs to inpatient floors or discharge. You’ll lead safe patient trajectories, coordinate with anesthesia and surgical teams, and champion patient and family education about recovery expectations, discharge instructions, and signs of potential complications. As you grow, you’ll pursue specialized pathways within PACU, participate in cross-training with surgical services, and take on leadership responsibilities in shift coverage, peer coaching, or process improvement projects. The benefits package is designed to attract and retain top talent: competitive weekly pay between $1,964 and $2,023, potential sign-on bonuses, housing assistance, and options for contract extensions to suit your career plan. You’ll have 24/7 support from a dedicated travel care team, seamless access to housing resources, and continuous clinical and logistical assistance as you navigate assignments across multiple sites. The listed hours and pay rates are estimates and may vary; final compensation and guaranteed hours will be confirmed during the hiring process.
Company values: Our organization is built on empowering caregivers, prioritizing ongoing education and career advancement, and maintaining a supportive, inclusive work culture. We invest in you with mentorship from seasoned PACU nurses, access to specialty certifications, and structured pathways to leadership roles. We believe in work-life balance, transparent feedback, and recognizing your unique contributions to patient recovery. By fostering collaboration, ethical practice, and clinical excellence, we enable you to grow not only as a clinician but as a trusted member of the healthcare team who can uplift colleagues and patients alike.
Call to action: If you’re ready to elevate patient recovery in a nationally respected PACU setting, apply today and begin a journey that blends clinical impact with personal growth. Your next chapter starts January 4, 2026, on a multi-week contract that offers meaningful experience, competitive compensation, and a partner network committed to your success across Kansas and beyond. Take the step to join KU Medical Center’s PACU team and help shape the future of perioperative care. Note: The 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 Nursing is a nationwide travel healthcare staffing agency pairing RNs, LPNs, CNAs, and Allied Health professionals with high-quality travel and local contracts across the U.S.
ShiftShield™ – Traveler Protection
ShiftShield™ 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 Nursing is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Weekly pay, Contract work, Local area, Immediate start, Relocation package, Shift work, Weekend work,