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Entry Level Pacu Rn Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Prime

RN - Post Anesthesia Care Unit

Glenview, IL · On-site

RN - Post Anesthesia Care Unit Prime HealthCare Staffing, a national health care staffing company with over 20 years in the business, is looking for an experienced RN - Post Anesthesia Care Unit for ...

OU Health (Parent)

RN - PACU

Glenview, IL

$2.2K/wk

Details Client Name Edward-Elmhurst Hospital - Northshore Glenbrook Hospital Job Type Travel Offering Nursing Profession RN Specialty PACU Job ID 18534945 Job Title RN - PACU Weekly Pay $2278.33 ...

New

US Fertility

OR/PACU RN Per Diem

Chicago, IL

OR/PACU RN Per Diem Job Category: Clinical Requisition Number: PERDI010846 Posted: May 11, 2026 Part-Time On-site Chicago, IL 60610, USA Job Details Build What Matters Most--Families, Futures, and ...

PRN Healthcare Services

PACU - RN

Glenview, IL

PACU RN Travel nurse jobs in Illinois offer a unique blend of excitement, culture, and natural beauty, making this Midwest state an outstanding destination for your next assignment. Illinois has the ...

CredTALENT

Charge Nurse PACU

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Charge Nurse - Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) is a registered professional nurse who provides clinical leadership, coordination, and expertise in the delivery of post-operative care. This role ...

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All JobsEntry Level Pacu Rn JobsEntry Level Pacu Rn Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry Level Pacu Rn information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$931

$2.4K

$3.6K

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

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average weekly pay for entry level pacu rn in Chicago, IL is $2,394.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,882.69 and $2,873.08 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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Pacu Rn jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Entry Level Pacu Rn jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Entry Level Pacu Rn job openings:
Entry Level Pacu Rn jobs near you
Local Contract Nurse RN - PACU - Post Anesthesia Care

Local Contract Nurse RN - PACU - Post Anesthesia Care

PRN Healthcare

Glenview, IL • On-site

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

PRN Healthcare is seeking a local contract nurse RN PACU - Post Anesthesia Care for a local contract nursing job in Glenview, Illinois.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: PACU - Post Anesthesia Care
  • Discipline: RN
  • Start Date: 07/06/2026
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 34 hours per week
  • Shift: 9 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Local Contract

Scheduled details (Hours, Shift, Time):   Rotating start times between 8am-11am,  PACU end time 830pm,36hrs per week (9hr shift)
PALS ACLS and BLS required

About PRN Healthcare

Our story starts with a 21-year-old CNA named Pete Hietpas. Pete was diligently working in eastern Wisconsin with a variety of staffing agencies, but something was missing. He loved caring for his patients, but felt that staffing agencies were exchanging compassion for competitiveness. He was determined to change that. As a result, he started Nurses PRN in 1995 to become a model for the healthcare staffing industry – being competitive in the marketplace, yet still maintaining a compassionate heart.


Over the years Nurses PRN grew and evolved as a nationwide healthcare staffing company, and therefore wanted to be more inclusive to all valued healthcare professionals: nurses, allied health, locum tenens, CNAs, and more. This lead to the introduction of PRN Healthcare, which is inclusive of Nurses PRN and all of our other healthcare divisions.


Our mission to create authentic, meaningful relationships with our healthcare professionals helps us set them up for success in their dream assignment, whether that be a travel contract, local contract, or per diem shift. This is all driven by the simple idea that better care for our healthcare workers, leads to better patient care – and this is all supported by a dedicated internal staff.


Our company culture is strongly backed by faith-based values and activities, to remind us that our success provides us the opportunity to serve and give back to our communities. This is the spirit of caregiving. This is PRN Healthcare.

Benefits
  • Weekly pay
  • Guaranteed Hours
  • Continuing Education
  • 401k retirement plan
  • Referral bonus
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Company provided housing options
  • Medical benefits
  • Dental benefits
  • Vision benefits
  • Life insurance
PRN Healthcare logo

About PRN Healthcare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a result, he started Nurses PRN in 1995 to become a model for the healthcare staffing industry - being competitive in the marketplace, yet still maintaining a compassionate heart. Over the years Nurses PRN grew and evolved as a nationwide healthcare staffing company, and therefore wanted to be more inclusive to all valued healthcare professionals: nurses, allied health, locum tenens, CNAs, and more. This lead to the introduction of PRN Healthcare, which is inclusive of Nurses PRN and all of our other healthcare divisions. Our mission to create authentic, meaningful relationships with our healthcare professionals helps us set them up for success in their dream assignment, whether that be a travel contract, local contract, or per diem shift. This is all driven by the simple idea that better care for our healthcare workers, leads to better patient care - and this is all supported by a dedicated internal staff. Our company culture is strongly backed by faith-based values and activities, to remind us that our success provides us the opportunity to serve and give back to our communities.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Appleton, WI, US

Year founded

1995

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