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

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Entry Level Pacu Rn information

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

As of Sep 11, 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:

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 (RN)- PACU

Wake Forest, NC • On-site

Advocate Aurora Health
Hospitals • 10K+ employees

$38.20 - $57.30/hr

Full-time, Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Advocate Aurora Health rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 782 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Department:
37710 Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center - PACU
Status:
Benefits Eligible:
Yes
Hours Per Week:
40
Schedule Details/Additional Information:
Full Time, Second Shift
Pay Range:
$38.20 - $57.30
Where You'll Work:
  • Unified PACU Team: We've recently combined our outpatient and inpatient PACUs into one team. We are now operating across two floors of the bed tower (Floors 1 and 4).
  • Outpatient Services: We handle a high volume of cases including orthopedics, gynecology, urology, vascular, interventional radiology (IR), brachytherapy, and ECT-primarily for patients being discharged the same day or staying short-term.
  • Inpatient Services: Similar surgical mix, but with more acutely ill patients and complex procedures who may require multiple vasoactive drips. We also care for ICU-level patients, excluding open-heart and fresh organ transplant cases. Intubated ICU patients may bypass PACU depending on bed availability.
  • Additional Services: We receive patients from IR, EP lab, and some from the Cath lab. After 7 PM, we also see some pediatric patients.
  • Work Environment: Our hospital-based setting means a higher acuity patient population. Scrubs are provided, and we use Epic for documentation.

Major Responsibilities:
  • Engages in unit councils, professional governance, and quality initiatives to improve care processes and apply evidence-based practices.
  • Utilizes the nursing process to assess, plan, diagnose, implement, and evaluate nursing care, engaging patients and families through the continuum of care.
  • Monitors patient conditions, adjusts care plans, mobilizes resources, and collaborates with the care team to influence care outcomes.
  • Upholds and promotes a culture of safety.
  • Continuously evaluates patient, team, and unit outcomes, taking action as needed.
  • May administer medications, treatments, and therapies safely and according to clinical protocols and procedures.
  • Demonstrates effective communication, feedback, and conflict resolution, fostering team collaboration and appropriate delegation.
  • Pursues professional development, completes required education, and maintains certifications.
  • Adhere to the ANA Code of Ethics and practices ethical decision-making, respects interdisciplinary roles, and contributes to integrated, unbiased patient care.
  • Appropriate delegation to other Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, and unlicensed assistive personnel (i.e., nurse aides, credentialed medical assistants, etc.).
  • Maintains accurate, timely EHR documentation.
  • May be required to float to other units, departments, care areas, or facilities within the designated service area to meet patient care needs.
  • Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards

Minimum Job Requirements
Education
Graduate of a Board of Nursing approved nursing education program.
Certification / Registration / License
  • Basic Life Support (BLS). Additional education, training, certifications, or experience may be required based on specialty.
  • Active registered nurse (RN) multi-state compact and/or single-state license with privileges to practice in the state(s) where the RN is providing client nursing services

Note: Licensed nurses practicing via telehealth/telenursing/virtual modalities are required to be licensed or hold the privilege to practice in the state(s) where the client(s) is/are located. Licensed nurses are responsible and accountable for knowing, understanding, and practicing in compliance with the laws, rules, regulations, and standards of practice of the state(s) where the client(s) is/are located.
Experience
Typically requires 1 year of experience in clinical nursing.
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
  • Strong clinical judgment and critical thinking.
  • Time management, prioritization and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • Proficiency in operating computer functions (e.g., E-mail, electronic records, digital platforms etc.) clinical, aviation, maintenance, communications, and administrative departments.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
  • Must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, reach above shoulders, and twist frequently throughout the workday.
  • Must be able to lift and support the weight of 35 pounds in handling patients, medical equipment, and supplies.
  • Must be able to: push/pull with 30 lbs. of force and perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present.
  • Must have functional speech, vision, hearing, and touch with ability to use fine hand manipulation skills for IV insertion and other procedures/functions.
  • Maneuver foot pedals on carts or machines.
  • Perform physical safety interventions such as patient restraint and verbal de-escalation, if needed.
  • May be exposed to chemical and hazardous waste as well as blood and body fluids and communicable disease. Therefore, protective clothing and equipment must be worn as necessary.
  • Must be able to respond quickly to changes in patient and/or unit conditions.
  • Physical Abilities Testing may be required.
  • Additional department specific physical requirements may be identified for unique responsibilities within the department by the nurse leader.

Preferred Job Requirements
Education
Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN)
This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.
Our Commitment to You:
Advocate Health offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more - so you can live fully at and away from work, including:
Compensation
  • Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
  • Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job
  • Incentive pay for select positions
  • Opportunity for annual increases based on performance

Benefits and more
  • Paid Time Off programs
  • Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
  • Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
  • Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
  • Educational Assistance Program

Note: Eligibility for programs listed above may depend on your FTE or status (e.g., full-time, part-time, per diem, temporary, etc.); please ask a Recruiter for more information during an interview.
About Advocate Health
Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit, integrated health system in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois; Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama; and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health services nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and offers one of the nation's largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to providing equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides more than $6 billion in annual community benefits.

What Advocate Aurora Health employees say

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About Advocate Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Advocate Healthcare, based in Oak Lawn, Illinois, United States, is a leading figure in the health care industry. Accessible via their official website, 'advocatehealth.com', this organization provides a wide variety of medical services and treatment options. Founded in 1995 through a merger of Evangelical Health Systems Corporation and Lutheran General HealthSystem, Advocate Healthcare has grown exponentially over the years. Now, it operates more than 400 sites of care, including 12 hospitals that encompass 11 acute care hospitals, the state’s largest integrated children’s network, five Level I trauma centers, and three Level II trauma centers. Upholding their values of equality, compassion, excellence, partnership and stewardship, Advocate Healthcare's mission is centered on building lifelong relationships with patients by delivering the best health outcomes and highest level of service through an integrated approach to care and wellness.

Industry

Hospitals and health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US