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Ambulatory Surgery Pacu Rn Recovery Room Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Per Diem PACU RN - Chicago

Chicago, IL · On-site

$56 - $57/hr

Per diem shifts at local Ambulatory Surgery Centers throughout the Chicagoland area * Experience in ... The PACU RN will work in a fast-paced post-anesthesia care environment, recovering patients across ...

Collaborate with anesthesia and surgical teams Qualifications * Active RN license * PACU, recovery room, or critical care experience preferred Compensation & Benefits * Competitive weekly pay

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Collaborate with anesthesia and surgical teams Qualifications * Active RN license * PACU, recovery room, or critical care experience preferred Compensation & Benefits * Competitive weekly pay

Collaborate with anesthesia and surgical teams Qualifications * Active RN license * PACU, recovery room, or critical care experience preferred Compensation & Benefits * Competitive weekly pay

Collaborate with anesthesia and surgical teams Qualifications * Active RN license * PACU, recovery room, or critical care experience preferred Compensation & Benefits * Competitive weekly pay

Collaborate with anesthesia and surgical teams Qualifications * Active RN license * PACU, recovery room, or critical care experience preferred Compensation & Benefits * Competitive weekly pay

Collaborate with anesthesia and surgical teams Qualifications * Active RN license * PACU, recovery room, or critical care experience preferred Compensation & Benefits * Competitive weekly pay

Collaborate with anesthesia and surgical teams Qualifications * Active RN license * PACU, recovery room, or critical care experience preferred Compensation & Benefits * Competitive weekly pay

Collaborate with anesthesia and surgical teams Qualifications * Active RN license * PACU, recovery room, or critical care experience preferred Compensation & Benefits * Competitive weekly pay

... ambulatory surgery center as a PACU Registered Nurse (RN) for a 13-week assignment working Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM. The PACU RN will provide post-anesthesia recovery care for ...

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Ambulatory Surgery Pacu Rn Recovery Room information

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$903

$2.3K

$3.5K

How much do ambulatory surgery pacu rn recovery room jobs pay per week?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average weekly pay for ambulatory surgery pacu rn recovery room in the United States is $2,324.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,826.92 and $2,788.46 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do recovery room nurses make?

Recovery room nurses, including Ambulatory Surgery PACU RNs, typically earn between $60,000 and $85,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and healthcare facility. Salaries may also vary based on certifications such as ACLS or PALS and the complexity of cases handled. Many work full-time shifts in outpatient or surgical settings with opportunities for overtime and shift differentials.

Is PACU less stressful than ICU?

Ambulatory Surgery PACU Rn Recovery Room nurses typically experience a less stressful environment than ICU nurses because patient stays are shorter, and the focus is on immediate post-operative recovery. However, both roles require strong assessment skills, quick decision-making, and the ability to handle emergencies, which can be stressful depending on patient acuity and workload.

What are Ambulatory Surgery PACU RN Recovery Room nurses?

Ambulatory Surgery PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit) RN Recovery Room nurses are registered nurses who care for patients recovering from anesthesia after outpatient surgeries. Their main responsibilities include monitoring vital signs, managing pain, ensuring patient safety, and educating patients and their families on post-operative care. These nurses work in fast-paced environments where patients are discharged the same day, requiring strong assessment and communication skills. They play a critical role in ensuring a smooth and safe recovery process for surgical patients.

What is the difference between Ambulatory Surgery Pacu Rn Recovery Room vs Operating Room Nurse?

AspectAmbulatory Surgery Pacu Rn Recovery RoomOperating Room Nurse
CertificationsRN license, CPR, ACLSRN license, CPR, ACLS
Work EnvironmentPost-anesthesia recovery, outpatient clinicsOperating room during surgeries
Job FocusMonitoring and caring for patients recovering from anesthesiaAssisting during surgeries, preparing OR

Both roles require RN licensure and similar certifications, but the Ambulatory Surgery Pacu Rn Recovery Room focuses on post-anesthesia care in outpatient settings, while the Operating Room Nurse assists during surgeries in the OR. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are some common challenges faced by Ambulatory Surgery PACU RNs in the recovery room setting?

Ambulatory Surgery PACU RNs often manage multiple patients recovering from various types of procedures in a fast-paced environment. One common challenge is quickly assessing and prioritizing patients’ needs as they emerge from anesthesia, especially when dealing with fluctuating vital signs or unexpected complications. Effective communication with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and family members is essential, as is the ability to educate patients about post-operative care before discharge. Adaptability and strong critical thinking skills are crucial for success in this dynamic role.

Is ambulatory surgery the same as PACU?

Ambulatory surgery refers to outpatient procedures performed in a surgical center or hospital setting, where patients go home the same day. The Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) is the recovery area where patients are monitored immediately after surgery, including ambulatory procedures. While related, ambulatory surgery and PACU are different concepts, with the PACU being part of the recovery process for ambulatory surgery patients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Ambulatory Surgery PACU RN (Recovery Room), and why are they important?

To thrive as an Ambulatory Surgery PACU RN, you need strong clinical assessment skills, experience in post-anesthesia recovery, and an active RN license, often with ACLS and PALS certifications. Familiarity with patient monitoring technology, electronic health records (EHRs), and medication administration systems is essential. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient recovery for surgical patients and support effective teamwork in a fast-paced ambulatory care environment.

What is the role of the recovery room PACU nurse?

A recovery room PACU nurse is responsible for monitoring patients immediately after surgery, assessing their vital signs, managing pain, and ensuring safe recovery from anesthesia. They provide postoperative care, recognize complications early, and communicate patient status to the surgical team. Certification in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) is often required for this role.
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What job categories do people searching Ambulatory Surgery Pacu Rn Recovery Room jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ambulatory Surgery Pacu Rn Recovery Room jobs are:

Peri-Anesthesia Registered Nurse (RN) - 3 days/week

AAC Midwest

Marion, IL

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Peri-Anesthesia Registered Nurse (RN)

Marion, IL (Serving Carbondale, Herrin, Mt. Vernon & Southern IL)
Part-Time (3 Days/Week) | No Nights | No Call | No Weekends

AAC Midwest is hiring an experienced Peri-Anesthesia RN to support a brand-new pediatric outpatient surgical center opening in Marion, IL in September 2026!

If you're a PACU, ICU, or ER nurse looking for consistent daytime hours in a focused procedural environment — this may be the role for you.

Why This Role Stands Out

âś” Daytime schedule
âś” No nights
âś” No call
âś” No weekends
âś” Pediatric-focused outpatient setting
âś” Opportunity to grow to full-time

This is a structured, collaborative anesthesia environment — not a hospital floor.

About the Site

This new pediatric dental surgical center will include:

• 2 surgical suites
• 4 pre-op / recovery bays
• 8–10 cases per day
• Serving children across Southern Illinois

This program is supported by an Illinois Children's Healthcare Grant and is expanding access to safe anesthesia care in the region.

Responsibilities

• Conduct pre-operative assessments
• Initiate and manage IV access
• Monitor patients during procedures under direction of anesthesia provider
• Provide PACU-level recovery care
• Administer medications within scope
• Support airway management and emergency protocols
• Ensure patients are stable prior to discharge

Qualifications

• Active Illinois RN license (or compact eligible)
• BLS & ACLS required
• PALS required
• 3+ years PACU, ICU, or ER experience

Schedule

• 3 days per week
• Opportunity to grow to 5 days/week
• Daytime hours

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive compensation based on experience.
Comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Medical, dental, vision
• Malpractice coverage
• Paid time off
• Disability & life insurance
• 401(k) with company match

Location

Marion, IL
(Accessible from Carbondale, Herrin, Benton, Mt. Vernon, Murphysboro, Cape Girardeau)

Apply Today

If you're ready for a predictable schedule, strong clinical collaboration, and meaningful pediatric impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Submit your resume through Indeed to apply! Or, apply directly via Greenhouse -- click here! We can't wait to speak with you!

PACU RN | ICU RN | ER RN | Perioperative RN | Recovery Room Nurse | Outpatient Surgery RN | Pediatric RN | Ambulatory Surgery RN