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Entry Level Pacu Rn Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

O.R Staffing Solutions

Travel - PEDS PACU

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$2.1K - $2.2K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Pediatric PACU RN - Travel Contract | Winston-Salem, NC We are seeking an experienced Pediatric PACU RN for a travel contract opportunity in Winston-Salem, North Carolina! OR Staffing Solutions is a ...

EmergeOrtho

Pre-op/PAT/PACU RN

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Description Join our ASC Team at our Triangle Surgery Center as a Pre-op/PACU/PAT RN and Enjoy Work Life Balance Emerge is committed to being the trusted leader in innovative, quality-focused ...

EmergeOrtho

Pre-op/PAT/PACU RN

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Description Join our ASC Team at our Triangle Surgery Center as a Pre-op/PACU/PAT RN and Enjoy Work Life Balance Emerge is committed to being the trusted leader in innovative, quality-focused ...

EmergeOrtho

Pre-op/PAT/PACU RN

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Description Join our ASC Team at our Triangle Surgery Center as a Pre-op/PACU/PAT RN and Enjoy Work Life Balance Emerge is committed to being the trusted leader in innovative, quality-focused ...

EmergeOrtho

Preop/PACU RN

Raleigh, NC · On-site

We are currently looking for energetic, qualified candidates to join our Preop/PAT/PACU team ... Under the direction of the Clinical Director, the registered nurse is responsible for the care and ...

EmergeOrtho

Pre-op/PAT/PACU RN

Raleigh, NC

With offices across North Carolina, our Triangle Region is seeking a dedicated Pre-op/PACU/PAT RN to join our team at Triangle Surgery Center. The primary objective of this position is to ensure the ...

EmergeOrtho

Pre-op/PAT/PACU RN

Raleigh, NC

With offices across North Carolina, our Triangle Region is seeking a dedicated Pre-op/PACU/PAT RN to join our team at Triangle Surgery Center. The primary objective of this position is to ensure the ...

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Entry Level Pacu Rn information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$878

$2.3K

$3.4K

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

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average weekly pay for entry level pacu rn in Raleigh, NC is $2,259.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,775.00 and $2,711.54 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 Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Pacu Rn jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

Entry Level Pacu Rn jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Pacu Rn job openings in Raleigh, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $117,513 per year, or $56.5 per hour.

Registered Nurse Post Anesthesia Care Unit PACU

US Department of Veterans Affairs

Durham, NC • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 672 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 294 rated public sector bodies

Job description

Job Title

Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Registered Nurse (RN)

Duties

Help

Duties assigned but not limited too:

  • Providing nursing care to the patient in the immediate post anesthesia period, and transitioning them to Phase II level of care, in the inpatient setting, or to an ICU for continued care.
  • Providing post-sedation nursing care to the patient in the immediate post procedure period with an Aldretti Score of 8 or greater.
  • Managed the unit.
  • Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Registered Nurse (RN) focus is on individual growth and development in practice with increased levels of self-direction.
  • Provides specialized care in the assessment, planning, implementing and evaluation of care throughout the peri anesthesia continuum to include the Pre anesthesia Phase, Post anesthesia Phase I, Post anesthesia Phase II, and extended care from sedation/analgesia and/or anesthesia for surgical, diagnostic, or therapeutic procedures.
  • The PACU RN assesses and prepare patients for procedures appropriately.
  • Performs clinical assessment of the patient and readily recognizes contraindication for anesthesia and/or surgical intervention.
  • The PACU RN applies the appropriate post sedation scoring and assesses the patient's postoperative status to include cardiovascular and respiratory systems and airway management needs, neurological system, hemodynamic stability, pain, and comfort needs and mental status, implementing appropriate interventions to maintain or return all physiological system to baseline or above.
Benefits

Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards

Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)

Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA

Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)

Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory

Work Schedule: 10 Hour shifts, Monday-Friday

Compressed/Flexible: Based on the needs of the Service

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized

What U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs employees say

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