2

Entry Level Pacu Rn Jobs in Irvine, CA (NOW HIRING)

This position requires PACU experience!! With decades of expertise, we are Radiology Forward. With ... When you join us as a Registered Nurse , you will be joining a dedicated team of professionals who ...

Registered Nurse

Laguna Hills, CA · On-site

$60 - $65/hr

This position requires PACU experience!! With decades of expertise, we are Radiology Forward . With ... When you join us as a Registered Nurse , you will be joining a dedicated team of professionals who ...

This position requires PACU experience!! With decades of expertise, we are Radiology Forward . With ... When you join us as a Registered Nurse , you will be joining a dedicated team of professionals who ...

Registered Nurse

Laguna Hills, CA · On-site

$60 - $65/hr

This position requires PACU experience!! With decades of expertise, we are Radiology Forward . With ... When you join us as a Registered Nurse , you will be joining a dedicated team of professionals who ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Pacu Rn information

See Irvine, CA salary details

$970

$2.5K

$3.7K

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

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average weekly pay for entry level pacu rn in Irvine, CA is $2,495.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,961.54 and $2,992.31 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.

How to make an extra $2000 a month as a nurse?

An entry-level PACU RN can increase income by taking on overtime shifts, working per diem or weekend hours, or seeking higher-paying facilities. Developing specialized skills, obtaining certifications like ACLS or PALS, and gaining experience can also qualify for higher-paying assignments or travel nursing opportunities that offer additional compensation.

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.

Is it hard to get into PACU nursing?

Entry level PACU RNs typically need a valid nursing license and some experience in acute care or surgical settings. Competition can vary, but strong clinical skills, certifications like ACLS, and a good understanding of post-anesthesia care improve job prospects. The role often requires adaptability and the ability to handle high-pressure situations.

Can I work PACU without ICU experience?

Entry Level PACU RNs typically do not require ICU experience, but they must have a valid RN license and relevant nursing skills. Prior experience in perioperative or surgical settings can be beneficial, and certifications like ACLS may be preferred. Employers often provide on-the-job training for PACU-specific procedures.

Can new grads start in PACU?

Entry-level PACU RNs can start in the post-anesthesia care unit if they have completed their nursing education and obtained licensure. Hospitals often prefer candidates with some clinical experience or relevant certifications like ACLS, but new graduates can be hired if they demonstrate strong clinical skills and a willingness to learn in the perioperative environment.

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pacu Rn jobs in Irvine, CA? The most popular types of Pacu Rn jobs in Irvine, CA are:
What cities near Irvine, CA are hiring for Entry Level Pacu Rn jobs? Cities near Irvine, CA with the most Entry Level Pacu Rn job openings:
Registered Nurse PreOp PACU II - Ontario Advanced Surgery Center

Registered Nurse PreOp PACU II - Ontario Advanced Surgery Center

SCA Health

Ontario, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


SCA Health rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

256th of 877 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 $44.00/Hr. USD $60.00/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

What SCA Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom