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Entry Level Pacu Rn Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Travel PACU RN

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$1.6K - $1.7K/wk

Travel PACU RN Company: Fusion Medical Staffing Location: Facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee Job Details Fusion Medical Staffing is seeking a skilled PACU RN for a 13-week travel assignment in ...

Travel PACU RN

Paris, TN · On-site

$1.9K - $2.0K/wk

Travel PACU RN Company: Fusion Medical Staffing Location: Facility in Paris, Tennessee Job Details Fusion Medical Staffing is seeking a skilled PACU RN for a 13-week travel assignment in Paris ...

Travel PACU RN

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$1.6K - $1.7K/wk

Travel PACU RN Company: Fusion Medical Staffing Location: Facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee Job Details Fusion Medical Staffing is seeking a skilled PACU RN for a 13-week travel assignment in ...

Travel PACU RN

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$1.6K - $1.7K/wk

Travel PACU RN Company: Fusion Medical Staffing Location: Facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee Job Details Fusion Medical Staffing is seeking a skilled PACU RN for a 13-week travel assignment in ...

Specialty: PACU - Post Anesthesia Care * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 08/03/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 36 hours per week * Shift: 12 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel Stability Healthcare is ...

Specialty: PACU - Post Anesthesia Care * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 08/03/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 36 hours per week * Shift: 12 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel GetMed Staffing is ...

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Entry Level Pacu Rn information

See Tennessee salary details

$820

$2.1K

$3.1K

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

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average weekly pay for entry level pacu rn in Tennessee is $2,110.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,657.69 and $2,530.77 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Entry Level PACU RNs?

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, and why are they important?

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.

How hard is it to get a PACU job?

Securing an entry-level PACU RN position typically requires a valid nursing license, relevant clinical experience, and sometimes certification in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS). Competition can vary based on location and facility, but having strong clinical skills and a good understanding of post-anesthesia care increases chances of employment. Entry-level positions may be more accessible with a recent nursing degree and relevant rotations in perioperative or critical care settings.

Can new grads start in PACU?

Entry-level PACU RNs can be new graduates if they have completed necessary nursing education, obtained licensure, and often hold certifications such as ACLS. Hospitals may provide orientation and training to help new grads develop perioperative skills required for recovery room settings.

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.

How to make $100,000 as a RN?

To earn $100,000 as an entry-level PACU RN, gaining experience in perioperative care, obtaining certifications like ACLS and PALS, and working in high-paying facilities or regions can help increase earnings. Advancing to specialized roles or taking on overtime and night shifts can also boost income, but reaching this salary typically requires several years of experience and additional qualifications.

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.

How to get PACU experience?

To gain PACU experience as an entry-level PACU RN, candidates typically complete a registered nurse license, gain experience in critical care or surgical units, and obtain certifications such as ACLS. Volunteering or working as a surgical or ICU nurse can help build relevant skills before transitioning to the post-anesthesia care unit.
What are the most commonly searched types of Pacu Rn jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Pacu Rn jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Entry Level Pacu Rn jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Entry Level Pacu Rn job openings:
Travel Nurse RN - Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) / Pre-Post Op - $1,743 to $1,851 per week in C...

Travel Nurse RN - Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) / Pre-Post Op - $1,743 to $1,851 per week in C...

TravelNurseSource

Chattanooga, TN

$1.7K - $1.8K/day

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Registered Nurse (RN) | Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) / Pre-Post Op Location: Chattanooga, TN Agency: AMN Healthcare Pay: $1,743 to $1,851 per week Shift Information: Days - 3 days x 12 hours Contract Duration: 13 Weeks Start Date: 7/6/2026

About the Position

TravelNurseSource is working with AMN Healthcare to find a qualified PACU/Pre-Post Op RN in CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee, 37404!
Job Description & Requirements
Registered Nurse – Post-Anesthesia Care Unit - PACU - Travel - (PACU RN)
StartDate: 7/6/2026 Available Shifts: 12 D Pay Rate: $1743.00 - $1851.00
This position presents an opportunity to join a highly regarded team within the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). 16 bed Recovery Room unit at 275-bed community hospital near downtown Chattanooga. Facility features cardiovascular surgery, cancer treatment, intensive care, orthopedic and spine surgery, and rehabilitation. As part of the Parkridge Health System, patients also have access to OB-GYN services, a level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and behavioral health treatment centers for children and adults.
Required Qualifications
Registered Nurse, PACU
Licenses: RN(Compact Accepted)
Certifications: ACLS; BLS; PALS
SSN Required
DOB Required
Preferred Qualifications
1. Meditech
Facility Location
Job Benefits
At AMN Healthcare we take care of our travelers! We offer:

  • Competitive pay rates
  • Free, quality, private housing
  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • 401(k) and Flex Spending
  • Life Insurance
  • Accident and Short-term Disability Coverage
  • Free Continuing Education
  • Refer a friend and earn extra cash!

About the Company
At AMN Healthcare, we strive to be recognized as the most trusted, innovative, and influential force in helping healthcare organizations provide quality patient care that continually evolves to make healthcare more human, more effective, and more achievable.
Post anesthesia care unit nurse, PACU, PACU nurse, post anesthesia, post-operative, anesthesia, PACU RN, nursing, nurses, registered nurse, RN, R.N., medical, hospital, patient care, healthcare, health care

About AMN Healthcare

AMN Healthcare is a leader in Nurse staffing. Our relationships with numerous healthcare facilities - including hospitals, home health agencies, and long-term care facilities - enable us to offer the most current travel nurse, local staffing, rapid response and crisis nurse jobs nationwide. We''re committed to finding you the best nursing job to fit your career goals. AMN Healthcare is an EEO/AA/Disability/Protected Veteran Employer. We encourage minority and female applicants to apply.

Requirements

Registered Nurse, PACU Licenses: RN(Compact Accepted) Certifications: ACLS; BLS; PALS SSN Required DOB Required

Benefits

At AMN Healthcare we take care of our travelers! We offer:

  • Competitive pay rates
  • Free, quality, private housing
  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • 401(k) and Flex Spending
  • Life Insurance
  • Accident and Short-term Disability Coverage
  • Free Continuing Education
  • Refer a friend and earn extra cash!

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