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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 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:

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.

RN Clinical Nurse II (PACU) - Ambulatory Surgery Center

UNC Health

Durham, NC

$34.22 - $48.38/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Description

Become part of an inclusive organization with over 40,000 teammates, whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of the unique communities we serve.

The UNC Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) is a free-standing surgical facility, with 8 ORs. Our department includes 9 Preop roomettes, 12 PACU bays, and 10 Short Stay Unit (SSU) Rooms. Our surgery center supports the following services: Orthopedics (Sports), ENT/OHN, plastics, general laparoscopic, general oncology, pediatric urology, urology, cystology and dental. BLS required, ACLS and PALS preferred.

Available Schedules (No call, no holidays, and no weekends):

  • 6am - 2:30pm (Preop, will cross-train to PACU)
  • 9:30am - 6pm (PACU, will cross-train to Preop)
  • 10am - 6:30pm (PACU, will cross-train to Preop)

Summary:

Provides competent clinical nursing care consistent with professional standards. Reporting and accountable to the Nurse Manager/Director, the Clinical Nurse is responsible for coordinating and delivering patient care utilizing the nursing process in a hospital setting.

Responsibilities:
1. Education - Participates in identifying and meeting learning needs of self. Attends education programs based on identified learning needs. With assistance, uses patient education materials relevant to patient population. Assesses readiness to learn of the patient/family/caregivers. Assesses developmental level of patient and factors affecting ability to learn.
2. Evaluation of Care - Identifies expected patient outcomes. Seeks guidance as needed in revision of plan of care. Participates in discussion with members of the interdisciplinary team in evaluation of patient care. Communicates relevant information to promote continuity of care.
3. Implementation - Demonstrates competence in care of patients with complex problems, including population-appropriate physical, psychosocial, educational and safety aspects of care. Performs bedside point of care testing as required for patient care plan. Utilizes healthcare organization and nursing standards, policies and procedures in delivery of care. Organizes and prioritizes care according to patient/family needs. Consults with appropriate resources in a timely fashion regarding patients with complex care issues, unusual teaching needs and/or those at high risk for discharge planning.
4. Leadership - With assistance, develops goals to promote professional growth or minimize limitations. Achieves goals and objectives within identified time frame or renegotiates with supervisor. Is knowledgeable about activities which facilitate intra/interdepartmental collaboration. Participates in development and achievement of unit goals and performance improvement activities. Effectively uses communication systems. Participates in promoting cost-effective care. Gives feedback to co-workers. Is aware of public policy and regulatory guidelines affecting the health care environment. Promotes a safe, clean and secure hospital environment for all.
5. Patient Assessment - Recognizes data from complex situations to determine priorities for care. Includes appropriate physical, psychosocial, education and safety needs. Synthesizes assessment data into meaningful whole prior to communication to others. Assesses and anticipates discharge needs of individual patients and families. Develops relationships with families that promote their ability to advocate for the patient and their own needs.
6. Planning - Collaborates with patient/family to prepare or update the plan of care. Makes use of available multidisciplinary resources in planning care. Begins to use full range of communication as a means to convey planning. Identifies and addresses cultural and ethnic issues in planning patient care. Demonstrates ability to prioritize tasks for patients with complex problems.
7. Research - Reads journals that contain studies or articles that may be applicable to practice. Brings ideas and questions to the staff at large for assessment of applicability.


Other Information

Other information:
Education Requirements:
Graduation from a school of professional nursing.
If hired after January 6, 2014, must be enrolled within four years of employment, and obtain a Bachelor's degree with a major in Nursing or a Master's degree with a major in Nursing within seven years of employment date.
Licensure/Certification Requirements:
Licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse in the state of North Carolina.
Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Provider certification
Professional Experience Requirements:
One (1) year of nursing experience.
Knowledge/Skills/and Abilities Requirements:


Job Details

Legal Employer: STATE

Entity: UNC Medical Center

Organization Unit: UNCH Pre-Op/PACU ASC

Work Type: Full Time

Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00

Salary Range:$34.22 - $48.38 per hour (Hiring Range)

Pay offers are determined by experience and internal equity

Work Assignment Type: Onsite

Work Schedule: Day Job

Location of Job: US:NC:Chapel Hill

Exempt From Overtime: Exempt: No


This is a State position employed by UNC Health Care System with UNC Health benefits. If, however, you are presently an employee of another North Carolina agency and currently participate in TSERS or the ORP, you will be eligible to continue participating in those plans at UNC Health.


Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran or political affiliation.
UNC Health makes reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as applicants and employees with disabilities. All interested applicants are invited to apply for career opportunities. Please email applicant.accommodations@unchealth.unc.edu if you need a reasonable accommodation to search and/or to apply for a career opportunity.

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      Job Industries
      • Healthcare