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

Pre-Op/PACU RN Accountable To: Director of Nursing Position Summary: Provides nursing care to surgical patients during the preoperative and postoperative phases. Involves assessment, planning ...

JOB TITLE : Pre-Op/PACU Registered Nurse GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES: To provide excellence in patient care that builds confidence, loyalty and trust with our patients, patients' families and the ...

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Entry Level Pacu Rn information

See Northridge, CA salary details

$968

$2.5K

$3.7K

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

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average weekly pay for entry level pacu rn in Northridge, CA is $2,491.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,957.69 and $2,988.46 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 Northridge, CA?

The most popular types of Pacu Rn jobs in Northridge, CA are:

What cities near Northridge, CA are hiring for Entry Level Pacu Rn jobs?

Cities near Northridge, CA with the most Entry Level Pacu Rn job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Pacu Rn job openings in Northridge, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 13% As Needed, 49% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $129,561 per year, or $62.3 per hour.

Registered Nurse - PACU PreOp - 12 Hour Full Time Nights - 8pm - 8:30am $5,000 Hiring Incentive!

Cedars Sinai

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$58.96 - $94.34/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Cedars-Sinai rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 131 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 1,065 rated hospitals


Job description


Make a difference every single day!
When the work you do every single day has a crucial impact on the lives of others, every effort, every detail, and every second matters. This shared culture of happiness, passion and dedication pulses through Cedars-Sinai, and it's just one of the many reasons we've achieved our sixth-consecutive Magnet designation for nursing excellence! From working with a team of dedicated healthcare professionals to using state-of-the-art facilities, you'll have everything you need to do something incredible-for yourself, and for others. Join us, and discover why U.S. News & World Report has named us one of America's Best Hospitals!
Cedars-Sinai's Preoperative (PreOp) and Post Anesthesia care units (PACU) total over 100 bays within the main medical center and Advanced Health Science Pavilion. Our perianesthesia nurses are highly skilled critical care professionals who care for patients as they are undergoing or regaining consciousness from anesthesia. They continuously monitor and record patients' vital signs, monitor for side effects and adverse reactions related to anesthesia and are prepared to handle emergency situations if needed to ensure patients' safety.
Responsibilities
As a Registered Nurse in PreOp PACU:
  • Assume responsibility and accountability for the application of the nursing process and the delivery of patient care within this specialty patient population.
  • Provide and accurately document direct and indirect patient care services that ensures the safety, comfort, personal hygiene, and protection of patients in a timely manner
  • Provide patient education on disease prevention and restorative measures.
  • Provide administration of medications and therapeutic agents necessary to implement treatment, disease prevention, or rehabilitative plan of care.
  • Perform skin tests, immunizations, phlebotomy and the initiation of peripheral venous access.
  • Observe and assess signs and symptoms of illness, reactions to medications/treatments, general behavior, and/or general physical condition to determine normal versus abnormal characteristics and initiate emergency procedures when indicated.
  • Plan and implement individualized patient care based on observations. Implements appropriate reporting, referrals and care in accordance with standardized procedures while providing care to special patient populations and patients with diverse cultural backgrounds.

Qualifications
Education Requirements:
  • Graduate of an accredited nursing program. BSN or higher preferred.

License/Certification/Registration Requirements:
  • Current California State RN License required.
  • American Red Cross or American Heart Association ACLS and PALS certifications required.
  • For RN III: Specialty Certification (i.e. CPAN) (external applicants may obtain within one year of hire).

Experience:
  • Minimum 3 years recent acute RN experience in PACU or Surgical ICU nurse experience in a high acuity hospital. (Note: one (1) year recent experience will be considered for Registered Nurse II).
  • Experience in inpatient PACU preferred
  • Experience in primarily Phase 1 PACU Care preferred

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