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Entry Level Pacu Rn Jobs in Tulsa, OK (NOW HIRING)

John Medical Center Department/Specialty: PACU Schedule: PRN Evening and Afternoon Shifts, Mondays ... Registered Nurse credentialed from the Oklahoma Board of Nursing obtained prior to hire date or job ...

John Medical Center Department/Specialty: PACU Schedule: Full Time Evening Shift, Monday through ... Registered Nurse credentialed from the Oklahoma Board of Nursing obtained prior to hire date or job ...

John Medical Center Department/Specialty: PACU Schedule: PRN Evening and Afternoon Shifts, Mondays ... Registered Nurse credentialed from the Oklahoma Board of Nursing obtained prior to hire date or job ...

John Medical Center Department/Specialty: PACU Schedule: Full Time Evening Shift, Monday through ... Registered Nurse credentialed from the Oklahoma Board of Nursing obtained prior to hire date or job ...

Our clinical coverage includes Registered Nurse specialties such as ER, ICU, Med-Surg, Telemetry, Step-Down, OR, PACU, L&D, Mother/Baby, NICU, Cath Lab, Endoscopy, and more along with a full range of ...

Discipline: RN * Start Date: 07/20/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 36 hours per week * Shift: 12 hours ... Cath Lab Days3 12hr shifts in cath lab PACU.Must be familiar with cath lab recovery (groin site ...

Travel Neuro ICU Registered Nurse

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$1.8K - $2.4K/wk

Our clinical coverage includes Registered Nurse specialties such as ER, ICU, Med-Surg, Telemetry, Step-Down, OR, PACU, L&D, Mother/Baby, NICU, Cath Lab, Endoscopy, and more along with a full range of ...

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Entry Level Pacu Rn information

See Tulsa, OK salary details

$825

$2.1K

$3.2K

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

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average weekly pay for entry level pacu rn in Tulsa, OK is $2,123.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,669.23 and $2,546.15 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 Tulsa, OK? The most popular types of Pacu Rn jobs in Tulsa, OK are:
What cities near Tulsa, OK are hiring for Entry Level Pacu Rn jobs? Cities near Tulsa, OK with the most Entry Level Pacu Rn job openings:
Registered Nurse PACU

$40.41/hr

Per diem

Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead the immediate post-operative recovery for anesthetized patients, providing vigilant, direct care during critical phases following their procedure.

  • Champion patient comfort and safety by managing pain levels and evaluating real-time responses to interventions to ensure a smooth recovery.

  • Advocate for the patient's journey through precise documentation and communication, ensuring the care team has an accurate roadmap of the patient's progress.


Ascension Healthcare rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 1,014 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

404th of 877 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Your future role at a glance 

Location:  Tulsa, OK

Facility:  Ascension St. John Medical Center

Department/Specialty:  PACU

Schedule:  PRN Evening and Afternoon Shifts, Mondays through Fridays Only.  Minimal call required.  Must be able to work occasional night, weekend, or holiday.

Life at Ascension: Where purpose meets opportunity

Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service, growth, care and connection. We empower our 97,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining healthcare, together. Recognized as one of the Best 150+ Places to Work in Healthcare and a Military-Friendly Gold Employer, you’ll find an inclusive and supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.

Benefits that help you thrive
  • Retirement: 403(b) plan
  • Well-being support: Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management resources

How you’ll make an impact in this role
  • In this high-acuity environment, you are the bridge between the operating suite and recovery. Your clinical expertise ensures that every patient transitions safely and comfortably following their procedure.
  • Lead the immediate post-operative recovery for anesthetized patients, providing vigilant, direct care during the most critical phases of their procedural journey.
  • Anticipate and manage clinical needs by applying deep knowledge of pathophysiology and surgical procedures to stay one step ahead of potential complications.
  • Champion patient comfort and safety by expertly managing pain levels and evaluating real-time responses to interventions to ensure a smooth recovery.
  • Uphold the highest clinical standards by maintaining a sterile environment and following evidence-based protocols (AORN/ASPAN) to eliminate risks and promote healing.
  • Advocate for the patient’s journey through precise documentation and communication, ensuring the entire care team has an accurate roadmap of the patient's progress.
What minimum requirements you’ll need

Licensure / Certification / Registration:

  • Registered Nurse credentialed from the Oklahoma Board of Nursing obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date required.
  • One or more of the following required:
    • Advanced Life Support obtained within 6 Months (180 days) of hire date or job transfer date. American Heart Association or American Red Cross accepted.
    • BLS Provider obtained within 1 Month (30 days) of hire date or job transfer date. American Heart Association or American Red Cross accepted.
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support preferred. American Heart Association or American Red Cross accepted.

Education:

  • Diploma from an accredited school/college of nursing OR Required professional licensure at time of hire.

Equal employment opportunity employer

Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, lactation, breastfeeding, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, all as defined by applicable law, and any other legally protected status or characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. For further information, view the EEO Know Your Rights (English) poster or EEO Know Your Rights (Spanish) poster.

Fraud prevention notice

Prospective applicants should be vigilant against fraudulent job offers and interview requests. Scammers may use sophisticated tactics to impersonate Ascension employees. To ensure your safety, please remember: Ascension will never ask for payment or to provide banking or financial information as part of the job application or hiring process. Our legitimate email communications will always come from an @ascension.org email address; do not trust other domains, and an official offer will only be extended to candidates who have completed a job application through our authorized applicant tracking system.

E-Verify statement

Employer participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program. Please click here for more information.


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About Ascension

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Ascension is a leading non-profit, faith-based national health system made up of over 150,000 associates and 2,600 sites of care, including more than 140 hospitals and 40 senior living communities in 19 states.

Industry

Health care and social assistance and outpatient health care

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

St. Louis, MO, US