Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Nurses: Role & Responsibilities

A PACU nurse (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit nurse) specializes in monitoring and caring for patients immediately after surgery as they recover from anesthesia. Responsibilities include airway management, vital sign monitoring, pain control, nausea prevention, and early complication detection. PACU nurses ensure safe transition to the next care phase (ward, ICU, or discharge).