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Entry Level Pacu Rn Jobs in Battle Creek, MI (NOW HIRING)

As a PCU Travel Nurse, you will care for patients who require close monitoring and frequent assessment, but aren't unstable enough to need ICU care. Progressive Care Unit RNs will utilize computer ...

Travel Telemetry RN

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$1.9K - $2.6K/wk

Our clinical coverage includes Registered Nurse specialties such as ER, ICU, Med-Surg, Telemetry, Step-Down, OR, PACU, L&D, Mother/Baby, NICU, Cath Lab, Endoscopy, and more along with a full range of ...

Travel Cardiovascular Telemetry RN

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$1.9K - $2.6K/wk

Our clinical coverage includes Registered Nurse specialties such as ER, ICU, Med-Surg, Telemetry, Step-Down, OR, PACU, L&D, Mother/Baby, NICU, Cath Lab, Endoscopy, and more along with a full range of ...

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Entry Level Pacu Rn information

See Battle Creek, MI salary details

$852

$2.2K

$3.3K

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

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average weekly pay for entry level pacu rn in Battle Creek, MI is $2,192.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,723.08 and $2,628.85 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.

Registered Nurse PreOp PACU II - Kalamazoo Endo Center

Portage, MI • On-site

SCA Health
Hospitals • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


SCA Health rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 59 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

263rd of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview

At SCA Health, we believe health care is about people – the patients we serve, the physicians we support and the teammates who push us forward. Behind every successful facility, procedure or innovation is a team of 15,000+ professionals working together, learning from each other and living out the mission, vision and values that define our organization. 

As part of Optum, SCA Health is redefining specialty care by developing more accessible, patient-centered practice solutions for a network of more than 370 ambulatory surgical centers, over 400 specialty physician practice clinics and numerous labs and surgical hospitals. Our work spans a broad spectrum of services, all designed to support physicians, health systems and employers in delivering efficient, value-based care to patients without compromising quality or autonomy.  

What sets SCA Health apart isn’t just what we do, it’s how we do it. Each decision we make is rooted in seven core values

  • Clinical quality 
  • Integrity 
  • Service excellence 
  • Teamwork 
  • Accountability 
  • Continuous improvement 
  • Inclusion 

Our values aren’t empty words – they inform our attitudes, actions and culture. At SCA Health, your work directly impacts patients, physicians and communities. Here, you’ll find opportunities to build your career alongside a team that values your expertise, invests in your success, and shares a common mission to care for patients, serve physicians and improve health care in America.    

At SCA Health, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to support your health, well-being, and financial future. Our offerings include medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401k plan with company match, paid time off, life and disability insurance, and more. Please visit, https://careers.sca.health/why-sca, to learn more about our benefits.

Your ideas should inspire change. If you join our team, they will


Responsibilities

We are actively hiring for an Registered Nurse (RN) PreOp PACU.

  • Promote the mission, vision, and values of SCA. 
  • Assess patient’s preoperative and postoperative status at intervals according to facility or health care organization policies and procedures to include the patient’s 
    • cardiovascular system, 
    • respiratory system and airway management needs, 
    • neurological system, 
    • hemodynamic stability, 
    • pain and comfort needs, and 
    • mental status. 
  • Interpret information accurately from various noninvasive and invasive monitors. 
  • Describe the underlying pathophysiology of commonly encountered disease processes. 
  • Describe the physiology associated with various anesthesia techniques and surgical or procedural interventions. 
  • Apply the relevant scoring system/discharge criteria for patient transfer (e.g., Aldrete Score, Modified Aldrete Score [i.e., PARSAP], Post Anesthesia Discharge Scoring System [PADSS], White) score accurately as defined by organizational policy. 
  • Develop an individualized perianesthesia plan of care.  
  • Implement the plan of care including the following interventions: 
    • Preparing for and managing patient recovery from anesthesia – general. 
    • Preparing for and managing patient recovery from anesthesia – monitored anesthesia care. 
    • Preparing for and managing patient recovery from anesthesia – regional. 
    • Preparing for and managing patient recovery from anesthesia – local. 
    • Preparing for and protecting patient from injury caused by positioning, thermal sources, and extraneous objects. 
    • Communicating the patient’s current status throughout the perianesthesia continuum of care. 
    • Providing acute pain and comfort management as needed. 
    • Administering medications safely and correctly by using the 8-rights of safe medication administration.  
    • Performing interventions to maintain the integrity of the patient’s wound and tissue perfusion at or above baseline levels. 
    • Performing interventions to maintain the status of the patient’s genitourinary, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological systems, and fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balances at or above baseline levels. 
    • Performing interventions to ensure the patient is at or returned to normothermia at the conclusion of the immediate postoperative period. 
    • Performing interventions to protect patient from infection. 
    • Managing patient’s other co-morbid conditions as applicable. 
    • Managing patient’s fluid as prescribed. 
    • Assessing knowledge level of patient or designated support person and providing education regarding the expected psychosocial response, nutritional management, medication management, pain and comfort management, wound management, and expected responses to the operative or invasive procedure; 
    • Involving patient or designated support person actively in decisions affecting his or her perioperative plan of care and the rehabilitation process. 
    • Protecting patient’s rights, dignity, and privacy. 
    • Providing age-specific, culturally competent, ethical care within legal standards of practice; and 
    • Providing consistent and comparable care regardless of the setting. 
  • Evaluate the patient’s progress toward attaining outcomes. 
  • Transfer care as needed.  
  • Provide hand-off report to other teammates that are accurate, concise and pertinent to the patient’s condition and response to care.  
  • Delegate tasks according to the state Nurse Practice Act (if applicable), state board of nursing or professional registration requirements, state laws, and job descriptions.  
  • Document nursing care completely, accurately, and legibly. 
  • Collaborate effectively with other disciplines as needed. 
  • Participate in quality review and performance improvement projects. 
  • Participate in the performance appraisal process. 
  • Use problem-solving and conflict resolution skills to foster effective work relationships with team members. 
  • Maintain required competencies. 
  • Pursue professional growth. 
  • Act as a patient advocate and maintain privacy and confidentiality of individuals and health information. 
  • Comply with all facility policies and procedures when providing patient care. 
  • Actively participate in team meetings, trainings, and daily safety huddles. 
  • Demonstrate fiscal responsibility. 
  • Perform all other duties as assigned.  

Qualifications
  • Graduate of an Accredited School of Nursing. 
  • One year of Pre Operative or PACU experience required
  • Medical / surgical nursing experience 
  • Current state licensure to practice within good standings. Successful completion of Basic Life Support (BLS) or Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) within 90 days of employment or documentation of current BLS/BCLS certification. 
  • Successful completion of Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Course within 90 days of employment or documentation of current ACLS certification.  
  • Successful completion of Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) course is required when pediatric care is included in the facility scope services within 90 days of employment or documentation of current PALS certification.  
USD $30.00/Hr. USD $38.00/Hr.Qualifications:
  • Graduate of an Accredited School of Nursing. 
  • One year of Pre Operative or PACU experience required
  • Medical / surgical nursing experience 
  • Current state licensure to practice within good standings. Successful completion of Basic Life Support (BLS) or Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) within 90 days of employment or documentation of current BLS/BCLS certification. 
  • Successful completion of Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Course within 90 days of employment or documentation of current ACLS certification.  
  • Successful completion of Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) course is required when pediatric care is included in the facility scope services within 90 days of employment or documentation of current PALS certification.  
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: UNAVAILABLE

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