Transition to Specialty Practice, Main Theatre, Anaesthetics and PACU
Employment Type - Temporary Part Time
EBA - Nurses and Midwives (Victorian Public Sector) Single Interest Employer Agreement 2024-2028
Job Category - Nursing - Registered Nurse (Div 1)
Req Id - 7611
University Hospital Geelong Operating Services is seeking applications for Transition to Specialty Practice, Main Theatre, in Anaesthetics and PACU Nursing for May 2026
- Exciting opportunity for a 12-month specialist year in Main Operating Services, within the Anaesthetic and PACU nursing team
- Expand your existing knowledge to become a proficient member of the Anaesthetic nursing team
- Supported with Clinical Support, study days and access to the Operating Services Education mornings
- Excellent temporary part-time position available
About the role
The program offers the successful applicant a structured introduction to both Anaesthetic and Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU) nursing, including planned specialty rotations throughout the theatre suite and dedicated clinical support. The program also incorporates scheduled study days and concludes with a comprehensive end-of-program assessment.
The role of the Anaesthetic Nurse is dual in nature, encompassing both perioperative nursing responsibilities and the role of assistant to the anaesthetist. Working collaboratively within the anaesthetic team, the Anaesthetic Nurse plays an integral role in the perioperative management of patients in a high-acuity environment, ensuring safe, coordinated care throughout the patient’s journey from the perioperative setting through to the PACU.
A PACU nurse is responsible for the care and monitoring of patients immediately after surgery. They work in the Post-Anaesthetic Care Unit, attached directly to the theatre suite. They are responsible for detection and safe management of complications related to either the surgery, or the anaesthetic. Their core skills encompass Airway Management, Patient Assessment and Monitoring, Pain and Nausea Management, in addition to the other aspects of post-operative surgical care. Nurses collaborate closely with the Surgeons, Anaesthetists, and other healthcare team members to ensure continuity of care and facilitate a smooth handover from the operating room.
Key responsibilities
- Deliver comprehensive perioperative and immediate post-operative nursing care within the anaesthetic and PACU environments
- Assist with induction, maintenance and emergence from anaesthesia, including airway management support
- Prepare, check and manage anaesthetic equipment, medications and monitoring devices
- Conduct thorough patient assessments and continuous physiological monitoring
- Detect, escalate and manage surgical or anaesthetic-related complications
- Administer and evaluate pain relief, antiemetics and other prescribed therapies
- Maintain patient safety, infection prevention and medication safety standards
- Provide accurate clinical documentation and effective handover
- Collaborate closely with anaesthetists, surgeons and the multidisciplinary team to ensure coordinated, patient-centred care
What we’re looking for
- Current registration as a Registered Nurse with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
- Demonstrated recent experience in anaesthetic and/or PACU nursing, with sound knowledge of anaesthetic agents, airway management and post-operative recovery care
- Proven ability to recognise and respond promptly to clinical deterioration and anaesthetic or surgical complications
- Compassionate, calm and patient-focused approach in high-acuity environments
- Highly organised with excellent communication and teamwork skills
- Commitment to ongoing professional development and evidence-based perioperative practice
Please note Barwon Health will only contact you via our official email and never use unconventional means, such as text messaging or other services.
About the service
Operating Services at University Geelong Main theatre offers a round-the-clock service with ten operating theatres. Beyond elective surgeries, the department handles semi-urgent and emergency procedures. Specialities encompass Cardiothoracic, ENT, Gastroenterology, General Surgery, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Oral Faciomaxillary, Plastics, Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology, Urology, Vascular and Robotic Surgery.
- Excellent working conditions and a strong sense of job satisfaction
- A vibrant staff wellbeing program and access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Program
- Extensive professional development opportunities
- Attractive salary packaging benefits
- Living expenses capped at $9,010
- Meals and entertainment capped at $2,650
For more information about working at Barwon Health, please click here
Barwon Health is an inclusive and welcoming employer, committed to reflecting the diverse communities we serve. We value and celebrate people of all genders, sexual orientations, cultural backgrounds, faiths, abilities, family structures, and identities, and encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and members of the LGBTIQA+ community.
Child safety
We are strongly committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. Click here for further information on the Victorian Government’s Child Safe Standards
Additional information
If you need adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please contact us at peopleassist@barwonhealth.org.au
All appointments are subject to:
- Satisfactory Police Record Check
- Immunisation Status Clearance
- Working with Children Check (if applicable)
To apply, you will need a resume and a tailored cover letter outlining your skills, experience, and suitability for the position in line with the requirements of the position description. Please note: We do not accept resumes via email.
Contact: Nursing and Midwifery Recruitment Team
Email: nmrt@barwonhealth.org.au
Ph: (03) 42155822
Application closing date: 13, March 2026
Internal applicants:
If you are currently employed at Barwon Health, please ensure you sign in via the employee login on the external careers page or access the careers cage through One Point (intranet) before applying.
Shortlisting may commence prior to the closing date - early applications are encouraged.