What are the duties of a PACU nurse?

PACU stands for post-anesthesia care unit, and PACU nurses are specialized nurses that work in the PACU. These nurses are also known as perianesthesia nurses or recovery room nurses. These nurses provide care for patients who have undergone anesthesia, typically for a surgical procedure.
Such nurses are responsible for observing and treating patients post-operation. They must ensure that the patient wakes up properly and safely and that the effects of anesthesia wear off completely. They are responsible for monitoring the patient's vital signs and consciousness levels, and they must attend to the potential side-effects of anesthesia, including nausea, pain, agitation, fear, and so on. In relation to this, they must provide comfort and reassurance to the patient and their family members, patiently answering questions and providing important care information. PACU nurses are important parts of an interdisciplinary medical team and must keep accurate records, keeping the medical team informed of the patient's progress. They must have a good understanding of anesthetic drugs and recovery management, and they are responsible for administering pain medication as needed.