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New Grad Pacu Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sinai Chicago

Post Anesthesia RN - PACU

Chicago, IL · On-site

Registered Nurse - PACU Sinai Health System - Level 1 Trauma Center, is a Chicago-based not-for-profit organization, comprised of seven member organizations: Mount Sinai Hospital, Holy Cross Hospital ...

Sinai Chicago

Post Anesthesia RN - PACU

Chicago, IL · On-site

$31.62 - $39.52/hr

Registered Nurse - PACU Sinai Health System - Level 1 Trauma Center, is a Chicago-based not-for-profit organization, comprised of seven member organizations: Mount Sinai Hospital, Holy Cross Hospital ...

Sinai Chicago

Post Anesthesia RN - PACU

Chicago, IL · On-site

$31.62 - $39.52/hr

Registered Nurse - PACU Sinai Health System - Level 1 Trauma Center, is a Chicago-based not-for-profit organization, comprised of seven member organizations: Mount Sinai Hospital, Holy Cross Hospital ...

Sinai Chicago

Post Anesthesia RN - PACU

Chicago, IL · On-site

Registered Nurse - PACU Sinai Health System - Level 1 Trauma Center, is a Chicago-based not-for-profit organization, comprised of seven member organizations: Mount Sinai Hospital, Holy Cross Hospital ...

Stability Healthcare

Travel PACU RN

Olympia Fields, IL · On-site

Specialty: PACU - Post Anesthesia Care * Discipline: RN * Duration: 13 weeks * 36 hours per week ... Boston and New York, and hit the beaches of Florida in the winter. Our Nurses work in the best ...

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All JobsNew Grad Pacu JobsNew Grad Pacu Jobs in Chicago, IL

New Grad Pacu information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$931

$2.4K

$3.6K

How much do new grad pacu jobs pay per week?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average weekly pay for new grad pacu in Chicago, IL is $2,394.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,882.69 and $2,873.08 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a new grad PACU nurse?

New Grad PACU nurses are newly graduated registered nurses who work in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). Their primary role is to care for patients as they recover from anesthesia following surgery or other procedures. These nurses monitor vital signs, manage pain, and ensure patients safely regain consciousness. As new grads, they often receive specialized training and mentorship to help them transition into this critical care environment.

What are some common challenges new graduate nurses face when starting in the PACU, and how can they overcome them?

New grad nurses in the PACU often encounter challenges such as managing rapidly changing patient conditions, mastering post-operative assessments, and prioritizing care in a fast-paced environment. Adjusting to frequent monitoring and learning to recognize early signs of complications like airway distress or pain requires vigilance and quick decision-making. To overcome these challenges, new grads should actively seek feedback from experienced colleagues, participate in unit-specific training, and make use of mentoring programs commonly available in most hospitals. Building strong communication skills with anesthesia providers and the surgical team also supports effective patient handoffs and collaborative care.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a new grad PACU nurse, and why are they important?

To thrive as a New Grad PACU Nurse, you need a solid understanding of post-operative care, patient monitoring, and basic life support, typically supported by a nursing degree and RN licensure. Familiarity with patient monitoring systems, electronic health records (EHRs), and ACLS/PALS certifications is often required. Strong communication, critical thinking, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help new grads excel in the fast-paced PACU environment. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure patient safety, effective recovery, and collaboration with surgical and anesthesia teams.

What is the difference between New Grad Pacu vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectNew Grad PacuSurgical Technologist
Required CredentialsCPR certification, nursing degree or equivalentCertified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential, post-secondary education
Work EnvironmentPost-anesthesia care units, hospitals, clinicsOperating rooms, surgical centers, hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, outpatient surgery centers, clinicsHospitals, outpatient surgical facilities, clinics

Both roles involve patient care in surgical settings, but New Grad Pacu focuses on post-anesthesia recovery, requiring nursing or similar credentials, while Surgical Technologists assist during surgeries with specialized certifications. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right fit in healthcare environments.

Are new graduate post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) nurses in demand?

New graduate PACU nurses are in demand due to ongoing staffing needs in hospitals and surgical centers. Employers often seek candidates with strong critical thinking skills, certification such as ACLS, and the ability to work in fast-paced environments, making entry-level positions available for recent graduates.

Can a new graduate start in the post-anesthesia care unit?

A new graduate can start as a PACU nurse if they have completed necessary nursing education, obtained licensure, and have some clinical experience or training in perioperative or critical care settings. Employers often look for strong assessment skills, knowledge of anesthesia recovery protocols, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Additional certifications such as ACLS or PALS may be required or preferred for PACU roles.

What are popular job titles related to New Grad Pacu jobs in Chicago, IL?

For New Grad Pacu jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching New Grad Pacu jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for New Grad Pacu jobs in Chicago, IL are:

New Grad Pacu jobs near you
Infographic showing various New Grad Pacu job openings in Chicago, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 22% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $124,533 per year, or $59.9 per hour.

Travel Nurse RN - PACU - Post Anesthesia Care

Olympia Fields, IL • On-site

ADN Healthcare
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about ADN Healthcareexternal

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

ADN Healthcare is seeking a travel nurse RN PACU - Post Anesthesia Care for a travel nursing job in Olympia Fields, Illinois.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: PACU - Post Anesthesia Care
  • Discipline: RN
  • Start Date: 09/20/2026
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 36 hours per week
  • Shift: 12 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Travel

Weekly rate listed is an estimate and can vary based on the applicant's home location, VMS Fees, and onboarding costs.
Our Client is currently seeking PACU - Post Anesthesia Care for positions in Olympia Fields, Illinois for a 3x12 Days, 07:00:00-19:00:00, 12.00-3 shift.

The ideal candidate will possess a current Illinois license. This is a RN position in the Recovery Room (74270). You must have a Nursing License and at least 2 years of recent experience as a RN – PACU - Post Anesthesia Care.

Requirements

• Current Resume

• Nursing License per state

• Current BLS and/or ACLS and/or Specialty Certifications

• 2 current clinical references

• Competitive pay rates

• Health/Dental Benefit package

• License reimbursement

• Refer a friend and earn extra cash!

ADN Healthcare Job ID #37962077. Pay package is based on 12 hour shifts and 36.0 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: RN:PACU - Post Anesthesia Care,07:00:00-19:00:00

About ADN Healthcare

ADN Healthcare has thousands of contract and direct hire positions available. We offer medical, dental, and vision coverage.

Benefits
  • Guaranteed Hours
  • Continuing Education
  • Company provided housing options
  • Mileage reimbursement
  • Referral bonus
  • Medical benefits
  • Dental benefits
  • Vision benefits
  • License and certification reimbursement
  • Weekly pay
  • Life insurance
  • Health Care FSA
ADN Healthcare logo

About ADN Healthcare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

ADN Healthcare is a nurse-centric staffing company backed by a leadership team with over 40 years of combined healthcare staffing experience. Our team’s expertise and industry insights have allowed us to develop and implement organizational metrics that exceed client facility expectations, positioning us as a Tier 1 candidate provider. When you partner with ADN Healthcare, you can trust that you are working with professionals who understand your unique needs and can deliver exceptional results. We are committed to connecting talented candidates with rewarding travel assignments that allow them to build their careers while exploring new locations. With ADN Healthcare, healthcare professionals can embark on a journey of professional growth and fulfill their passion for helping others.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Boynton Beach, FL, US

Year founded

2014

Social media

Facebook

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