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Entry Level Pacu Rn Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel PACU RN

San Francisco, CA · On-site

TNAA TotalMed RN is seeking a travel nurse RN PACU - Post Anesthesia Care for a travel nursing job in San Francisco, California. & Requirements * Specialty: PACU - Post Anesthesia Care * Discipline ...

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel PACU RN

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Specialty: PACU - Post Anesthesia Care * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 09/22/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 8 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel We're looking for Post ...

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel PACU RN

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Specialty: PACU - Post Anesthesia Care * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 09/22/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 8 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel We're looking for Post ...

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel PACU RN

Fullerton, CA · On-site

TNAA TotalMed RN is seeking a travel nurse RN PACU - Post Anesthesia Care for a travel nursing job in Fullerton, California. & Requirements * Specialty: PACU - Post Anesthesia Care * Discipline: RN * ...

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Entry Level Pacu Rn information

See California salary details

$892

$2.3K

$3.4K

How much do entry level pacu rn jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average weekly pay for entry level pacu rn in California is $2,294.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,803.85 and $2,751.92 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level PACU RN?

Entry Level PACU RNs are registered nurses who work in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) and are at the beginning stages of their nursing careers. They are responsible for monitoring patients as they recover from anesthesia after surgery, assessing vital signs, managing pain, and ensuring patient safety. Entry level PACU RNs work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare staff to provide quality post-operative care. They typically receive on-the-job training in addition to their nursing education, and they must be licensed as registered nurses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level PACU RN?

To thrive as an Entry Level PACU RN, you need a solid understanding of post-anesthesia care, patient assessment, and basic life support, typically backed by an active RN license and BLS/ACLS certifications. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), PACU-specific monitoring equipment, and medication administration protocols is essential. Strong communication, vigilance, and the ability to remain calm under pressure distinguish high-performing PACU nurses. These skills are vital for ensuring patient safety, effective recovery, and smooth transitions after surgical procedures.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level PACU RNs during their initial months on the job?

As an entry level PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit) RN, you may encounter challenges such as quickly assessing and responding to patients emerging from anesthesia, managing complex monitoring equipment, and prioritizing care for multiple patients with varying needs. Adapting to the fast-paced, high-acuity environment can be demanding, but most hospitals provide extensive orientation and mentorship to help new RNs build confidence. Collaborating closely with anesthesiologists, surgeons, and fellow nurses is essential for patient safety and effective care.

What is the difference between Entry Level Pacu Rn vs Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Nurse?

AspectEntry Level Pacu RnPost Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Nurse
CertificationsRN license, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)RN license, BLS, ACLS
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers, outpatient clinicsHospitals, surgical recovery units
Job FocusPost-surgical patient monitoring, recovery, vital signs managementMonitoring patients recovering from anesthesia, managing complications

Both roles require RN licensure, BLS, and ACLS certifications. Entry Level Pacu Rns and PACU Nurses work primarily in hospital recovery areas, focusing on patient recovery after surgery or anesthesia. The main difference is that 'Entry Level Pacu Rn' emphasizes the starting level of experience, while 'PACU Nurse' describes the role itself. Overall, they are similar roles with slight variations in terminology and experience level.

Is it hard to get into entry level PACU nursing?

Entry level PACU nursing positions typically require a valid RN license, some hospitals prefer candidates with prior critical care or emergency room experience, and strong assessment and communication skills are essential. Competition can vary based on location and facility, but obtaining relevant certifications like ACLS can improve job prospects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pacu Rn jobs in California?

The most popular types of Pacu Rn jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Pacu Rn jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Pacu Rn job openings:

Entry Level Pacu Rn jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Pacu Rn job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 43% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 34% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $119,305 per year, or $57.4 per hour.

Travel Nurse RN - PACU - Post Anesthesia Care

TNAA TotalMed RN

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

TNAA TotalMed RN is seeking a travel nurse RN PACU - Post Anesthesia Care for a travel nursing job in Palo Alto, California.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: PACU - Post Anesthesia Care
  • Discipline: RN
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 36 hours per week
  • Shift: 12 hours, rotating
  • Employment Type: Travel

We're looking for Post Anesthesia Care Unit RNs for an immediate travel nurse opening in [citSt]. The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience. Read below for more requirements.
As a PACU RN, you'll provide observation and care for post-op patients as they recover from surgical anesthesia. PACU Travel Nurses offer a crucial care step between surgery and recovery, and ensure that patients are monitored for any adverse reactions.
As a PACU Travel Nurse, you should be prepared to perform the following tasks:

  • Handle a broad range of patients from pediatrics to adults.
  • Develop individualized care plans based on each patient's condition.
  • Monitor critical patients for condition changes and report to the physician.
  • Be responsible for determining when patients are recovered and ready to move to a room.
PACU Travel Nurses should be able to stand and walk for long periods of time, as well as bend, lean and stoop without difficulty. RNs should be able to easily lift 20 pounds. Moving or lifting of patients may require lifting of up to 50 pounds at times. Because of the fast-paced environment, Post Anesthesia Care Unit RNs must possess good skills for coping with stress and be able to relate to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Requirements*: BLS, ACLS, NIH, 2 Years
* Additional certifications may be required before beginning an assignment.

TotalMed Travel Job ID #1487069. Pay package is based on 12 hour shifts and 36.0 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: Post-Anesthesia Care Unit - PACU RN - Travel Nurse

About TNAA TotalMed RN

TotalMed is a Top Ten, travel nursing and healthcare staffing agency with the mission of igniting purpose in healthcare. The organization staffs nurses, therapists, pharmacists, and other clinicians of all specialties in all 50 states. They offer local and travel jobs and match caregivers with the right organization to assist both facilities and patients. As an organization, they focus on putting highly-skilled staff into facilities to ensure adequate staffing for a better patient experience.


TotalMed specializes in recruiting and placing healthcare professionals in travel, PRN, and permanent positions across the country in Nursing and Allied Health. Throughout 2020, the organization filled roles at even the most short-staffed facilities during the most challenging time in healthcare. By matching the right travel healthcare professional with the right organization, TotalMed continues to offer a lifeline to facilities and their patients.

Benefits
  • Weekly pay
  • Guaranteed Hours
  • Continuing Education
  • 401k retirement plan
  • Sick pay
  • Wellness and fitness programs
  • Referral bonus
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Medical benefits
  • Dental benefits
  • Vision benefits
  • Benefits start day 1
Travel Nurse Across America logo

About Travel Nurse Across America

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA) is a leading healthcare staffing firm headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas, USA. Their primary focus lies within the healthcare industry, specializing in providing travel nurses for medical facilities across the country. Founded in 1999, TNAA has thrived over the years by maintaining an unwavering dedication to quality service, reliability, and personalized care for both the clients and the teams they contract. Their mission is driven by their commitment to improve the lives of the patients they serve by ensuring they're provided with the most highly skilled, caring, and dedicated healthcare professionals.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services and health care and social assistance

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

North Little Rock, AR, US

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