1

New Grad Pacu Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Specialty: PACU - Post Anesthesia Care * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 09/15/2026 * Duration: 13 ... Our passion has led us to where we are today as one of the top 10 agencies in our home state of New ...

Specialty: PACU - Post Anesthesia Care * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 09/15/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 36 hours per week * Shift: 12 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel Looking for a great Travel ...

RN - PACU

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$2.2K/wk

Details Client Name Per Diem - Providence Milwaukie Hospital Job Type Travel Offering Nursing Profession RN Specialty PACU Job ID 18993704 Job Title RN - PACU Weekly Pay $2275.2 Shift Details Shift ...

Showing results 41-60

New Grad Pacu information

See Portland, OR salary details

$958

$2.5K

$3.7K

How much do new grad pacu jobs pay per week?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average weekly pay for new grad pacu in Portland, OR is $2,465.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,936.54 and $2,957.69 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 Portland, OR?

For New Grad Pacu jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching New Grad Pacu jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for New Grad Pacu jobs in Portland, OR are:

Infographic showing various New Grad Pacu job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 30% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $128,203 per year, or $61.6 per hour.

Travel PACU RN

Access Healthcare

Portland, OR โ€ข On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Access Healthcare is seeking a travel nurse RN PACU - Post Anesthesia Care for a travel nursing job in Portland, Oregon.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: PACU - Post Anesthesia Care
  • Discipline: RN
  • Start Date: 09/15/2026
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 36 hours per week
  • Shift: 12 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Travel

Access Healthcare Job ID #79614079. Pay package is based on 12 hour shifts and 36 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined.

About Access Healthcare

Access Healthcare aims to provide superior service to our nursing family by providing around the clock support, competitive pay packages and an unmatched benefits package! Unlike other agencies, we offer a true family feel and work with you to find the placement that is right for you. We offer one of the top leading pay packages in the industry and we are ready to get you the money you deserve!


Access Healthcare was founded by two travel nurses, Danielle and Diego, who had a dream and a shared vision of creating an agency which all nurses would want to work with. Our passion has led us to where we are today as one of the top 10 agencies in our home state of New Jersey, with access to contracts in all 50 states! We encourage you to join our team and we cannot wait to get to know you!