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Entry Level Pacu Rn Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Travel Rn Pacu Monitoring post-operative patients' levels of consciousness during recovery from anesthesia. Measuring and recording patients' vital signs. Closely observing patients for signs of side ...

PACU RN Opportunity At Proliance Surgeons our patients come from all walks of life -- and so do we. We hire and support people from diverse backgrounds, fostering growth and development to make ...

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Entry Level Pacu Rn information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$1K

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$3.9K

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

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average weekly pay for entry level pacu rn in Seattle, WA is $2,645.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $2,078.85 and $3,173.08 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.

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.

How hard is it to get a PACU job?

Securing an entry-level PACU RN position typically requires a valid nursing license, relevant clinical experience, and sometimes certification in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS). Competition can vary based on location and facility, but having strong clinical skills and a good understanding of post-anesthesia care increases chances of employment. Entry-level positions may be more accessible with a recent nursing degree and relevant rotations in perioperative or critical care settings.

Can new grads start in PACU?

Entry-level PACU RNs can be new graduates if they have completed necessary nursing education, obtained licensure, and often hold certifications such as ACLS. Hospitals may provide orientation and training to help new grads develop perioperative skills required for recovery room settings.

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.

How to make $100,000 as a RN?

To earn $100,000 as an entry-level PACU RN, gaining experience in perioperative care, obtaining certifications like ACLS and PALS, and working in high-paying facilities or regions can help increase earnings. Advancing to specialized roles or taking on overtime and night shifts can also boost income, but reaching this salary typically requires several years of experience and additional qualifications.

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.

How to get PACU experience?

To gain PACU experience as an entry-level PACU RN, candidates typically complete a registered nurse license, gain experience in critical care or surgical units, and obtain certifications such as ACLS. Volunteering or working as a surgical or ICU nurse can help build relevant skills before transitioning to the post-anesthesia care unit.
What are the most commonly searched types of Pacu Rn jobs in Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Pacu Rn jobs in Seattle, WA are:
RN - Surgical Center PACU (.75 FTE, Days)

RN - Surgical Center PACU (.75 FTE, Days)

Evergreen Health

Kirkland, WA โ€ข On-site

$47.53 - $84.75/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Wage Range: $47.53 - $84.75 per hour

Posted wage ranges represent the entire range from minimum to maximum. For jobs with more than one level, the posted range reflects the minimum of the lowest level and the maximum of the highest level. Some positions also offer additional premiums based on shift, certifications or degrees. Job offers are determined based on a candidate's years of relevant experience, level of education and internal equity.

EvergreenHealth is seeking an experienced PACU RN to join the well- established and dynamic EvergreenHealth Surgical Center Pre- Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) team

Job Summary

Responsible for the direct and indirect total nursing care of all patients within the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) within established standards of care, hospital and unit policies, procedures, and guidelines. No weekends, no major holidays, no call. Two late shifts per month.

Primary Duties:

  1. Responsible for the direct and indirect total nursing care of all patients within the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) within established standards of care, hospital and unit policies, procedures, and guidelines. PACU includes the pre-surgical, PACU phase 1, and PACU phase 2 areas.
  2. Assess and identify appropriate nursing diagnoses, plans, implements and evaluates patients' care. Develop, update, and coordinate the patient's plan of care to achieve patient goals and to optimize outcomes and transitions across the care continuum. Monitor, record and communicate patient condition as appropriate.
  3. Perform and maintain currency of essential competencies as required by specific area of hire and populations served.
  4. Functions as a team player in ensuring nursing care compliance at times of patient crisis.
  5. Effectively advocate for ethical and holistic care by partnering in care planning to promote the autonomy, dignity, rights, values, and beliefs of those we serve.
  6. Foster a learning environment for patient/families, nursing, and other members of the healthcare team including students; facilitate formal and informal learning for patient/families, nursing, other members of the healthcare team, and community.
  7. Accountable for safety, identify and correct problems, and integrate evidence, and best practice into nursing care; use data and evidence to improve patient outcomes. Align patient safety, self-safety, and environmental safety as equally important for best outcomes.
  8. Engage in ongoing professional development, practices to the top of license within the legal parameters of the Nurse Practice Act, the Nursing Social Policy Statement, the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses, and specialty standards.
  9. Demonstrates oral and written language skills; visual and aural skills in order to communicate, ensure and deliver safe patient care and to provide a legal record of this care.

REQUIREDfor the position:

  • A current and valid Washington State Registered Nurse License
  • Graduation from an accredited school of nursing
  • Current BLS certification required by start date (American Heart Association)
  • ACLS certification required by start date (American Heart Association)
  • PALS certification required within 3 months of date of hire (American Heart Association)
  • Minimum of one year experience within the last three years of care delivery in a monitored care area: PACU, ICU, EDor telemetry
  • Experience with managing airways and airway emergencies (i.e. laryngospasm, airway obstruction, stridor, and respiratory arrest)
  • Ability to identify EKG rhythms and related necessary interventions
  • Understanding of Hemodynamic monitoring and equipment
  • Understanding of Pain Management and related pharmacology
  • Understanding of Cardiac and emergency medication pharmacology

Desired for the Position:

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Nursing.
  • National certification in area of specialty including CCRN, CPAN, or CAPA
  • Proficiency with IV skills and techniques
  • Experience in the Charge and Preceptor roles
  • Prefer experience with all phases of post anesthesia care including Preop, Phase 1, and Phase 2

Benefit Information
Choices that care for you and your family

At EvergreenHealth, we appreciate our employees' commitment and contribution to our success. We are proud to offer a suite of quality benefits and resources that are comprehensive, flexible, and competitive to help our staff and their loved ones maintain and improve health and financial well-being.

  • Medical, vision and dental coverage
  • On-demand virtual health care
  • Health Savings Account
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Retirement plans (457 (b) and 401 (a) with employer contribution)
  • Tuition assistance for undergraduate and graduate degrees
  • Federal Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Paid Time Off/Vacation
  • Extended Illness Bank/Sick Leave
  • Paid holidays
  • Free parking
  • Commuter benefits

View a summary of our total rewards available to you as an EvergreenHealth team member by clicking on the link below.

Benefits Guide

Employment Type: Part-Time