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Ambulatory Surgery Pacu Rn Recovery Room Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Prime Healthcare

Registered Nurse PACU

Kansas City, MO · On-site

... The PACU RN, or Recovery Room Nurse, plays a critical role in our surgery center by caring for patients as they regain consciousness after surgery or other perioperative procedures requiring ...

KurzSolutions

Registered Nurse - PACU

Gallup, NM · On-site

All members rotate between the pre-op counseling, prep-surgery room, recovery room, and local procedures room. * The PACU registered nurse shall perform critical professional nursing duties for ...

Centstone HC

Registered Nurse PACU

Glenwood Springs, CO · On-site

$60 - $63/hr

This role supports post-anesthesia patient care and requires strong recovery room nursing skills ... Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesia providers, nurses, and clinical staff. * Support safe patient ...

Cynet Health

RN - PACU

Austin, TX · On-site

Registered Nurse - PACU This is a contract position for a Registered Nurse in the PACU. The shift will be from 04:45 to 17:00, Monday through Friday, with three 12-hour shifts. No call requirements ...

Puyana Plastic Surgery

PACU Nurse

Coral Gables, FL · On-site

$38 - $48/hr

Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Florida * ACLS certification * Prior experience in PACU, recovery, surgical, or post-anesthesia care * Strong clinical assessment and patient ...

Rome Health

RN - PACU/Ambulatory Surgery

Rome, NY · On-site

... recovery. * Ensure accurate and timely documentation of patient assessments, procedures, and ... Previous PACU, critical care, emergency room, or perioperative nursing experience preferred.

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Ambulatory Surgery Pacu Rn Recovery Room information

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$903

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$3.5K

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

As of Jul 9, 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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Ambulatory Surgery Pacu Rn Recovery Room jobs near you
Registered Nurse PACU

Registered Nurse PACU

Prime Healthcare

Kansas City, MO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Prime Healthcare rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 277 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

637th of 880 rated healthcare providers

Job description

20,000
Sign-On Bonus Available for Qualified Candidates. Eligibility and payout terms apply. Details discussed during the interview process.

Shift’s Available:  Days 

Employment Type: Full Time 

Location: St. Joseph Medical Center - Kansas City, MO

Here are some of the benefits of working at Prime Healthcare: 

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance options 
  • Paid vacation, sick time and holidays 
  • Bereavement leave, FMLA and other leave options 
  • Employer 401K options 
  • Tuition reimbursement options  
  • Life, disability, and other insurance options 
  • Many other amazing benefits 

We are seeking a Post Anesthesia Care RN, also referred to as a PACU Nurse in the recovery room area for our post anesthesia care unit (PACU). The PACU RN, or Recovery Room Nurse, plays a critical role in our surgery center by caring for patients as they regain consciousness after surgery or other perioperative procedures requiring anesthesia. PACU RNs are essential in ensuring a safe recovery from anesthesia, addressing any complications promptly, and supporting patients through the critical early stages of post-operative or perioperative care.  


**If you have at least one year of experience in the Perioperative area of the operating room as a Circulator, OR Nurse, PACU Nurse or Surgical Nurse you are encouraged to apply! 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (includes, but not limited to): 

  • Closely monitor patients’ vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and respiration, to detect any complications early 
  • Assess and manage pain levels, administer medications as needed to keep the patient comfortable 
  • Ensure the patient maintains a clear airway and adequate breathing, address any respiratory issues that may arise post-anesthesia 
  • Continuously assess the patient’s level of consciousness, neurological status, and overall stability as they recover from anesthesia 
  • Inspect surgical sites, manage drains, and dress wounds as necessary, while observing for signs of infection or other complications 
  • Offer reassurance and comfort to patients as they wake up, often disoriented, in a calm and soothing environment, keep the patient’s family informed about their condition and the expected timeline for recovery 
  • Communicate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals regarding the patient’s status and any concerns that arise 
  • Document all aspects of care provided, including medications administered, patient responses, and any interventions performed 
  • Deliver post-operative discharge instructions to outpatients prior to discharge 

Education and Work Experience

  1. Current and valid state RN License.
  2. Current BLS (AHA) certificate upon hire and maintain current.
  3. ACLS (AHA) certificate 30 days upon hire and maintain current.
  4. PALS (AHA) certificate preferred.
  5. Previous Critical Care or PACU experience or minimum of one year on the job training.
  6. Critical Care RN (CCRN) preferred.
  7. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.

#LI-DV1 


Full Time
Days

Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. Company prohibits discrimination against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (subject to applicable law), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Know Your Rights: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf

 

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