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Pacu Nurse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

A PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit) nurse is a specialized nurse who cares for patients who have just undergone surgery or a procedure that required anesthesia. Their primary role is to monitor ...

A PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit) nurse is a specialized nurse who cares for patients who have just undergone surgery or a procedure that required anesthesia. Their primary role is to monitor ...

A PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit) nurse is a specialized nurse who cares for patients who have just undergone surgery or a procedure that required anesthesia. Their primary role is to monitor ...

Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Nurse The post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) nurse cares for patients who have undergone anesthesia. The post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) nurse is responsible for ...

Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Nurse The post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) nurse cares for patients who have undergone anesthesia. The post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) nurse is responsible for ...

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Pacu Nurse information

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$27

$42

$76

How much do pacu nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for pacu nurse in the United States is $42.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.65 and $46.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a PACU nurse?

PACU Nurses, or Post Anesthesia Care Unit Nurses, are registered nurses who specialize in caring for patients recovering from anesthesia after surgery or other medical procedures. They monitor vital signs, manage pain, and watch for any complications as patients regain consciousness. PACU Nurses play a critical role in ensuring patient safety and comfort during the immediate post-operative period. Their expertise allows them to respond quickly to any changes in a patient's condition, making them essential members of the surgical team.

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

To thrive as a PACU Nurse, you need strong skills in post-anesthesia patient assessment, airway management, and acute care, typically supported by an active RN license and experience in perioperative or critical care nursing. Familiarity with patient monitoring systems, pain management protocols, and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certification is essential. Attention to detail, quick decision-making, and compassionate communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure patient safety, rapid recovery, and effective response to complications in the high-stakes post-anesthesia care environment.

What are some common challenges PACU nurses face during patient recovery, and how can they be managed?

PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit) nurses frequently encounter challenges such as managing patients with varying responses to anesthesia, monitoring for post-operative complications, and addressing pain or nausea. Rapid changes in patient status require strong assessment skills and the ability to respond quickly to emergencies. Collaboration with anesthesiologists, surgeons, and other team members is essential to ensure safe and effective recovery. Ongoing education and clear communication with patients and families also help PACU nurses provide high-quality care and manage these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Pacu Nurse vs Scrub Nurse?

AspectPacu NurseScrub Nurse
CertificationsRN license, PACU certification often preferredRN license, OR or surgical tech certification optional
Work EnvironmentPost-anesthesia recovery units in hospitalsOperating rooms during surgeries in hospitals
Employer & IndustryHospitals, surgical centers, outpatient clinicsHospitals, surgical centers, outpatient facilities
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Pacu Nurse and a Scrub Nurse lies in their roles during surgical procedures. Pacu Nurses focus on patient recovery after anesthesia in the post-anesthesia care unit, while Scrub Nurses assist during surgery by preparing instruments and maintaining a sterile environment. Both roles require RN licensure, but their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly, making each essential in different phases of surgical care.

More about Pacu Nurse jobs

What cities are hiring for Pacu Nurse jobs?

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What are the most commonly searched types of Pacu Nurse jobs?

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What states have the most Pacu Nurse jobs?

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What are popular job titles related to Pacu Nurse jobs?

For Pacu Nurse jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Pacu Nurse job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 53% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 27% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,254 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Travel Nurse RN - PACU - Post Anesthesia Care

Amergis Healthcare Staffing, Inc.

Lebanon, NH • On-site

Contractor

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Amergis Healthcare Staffing, Inc. is seeking a travel nurse RN PACU - Post Anesthesia Care for a travel nursing job in Lebanon, New Hampshire.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: PACU - Post Anesthesia Care
  • Discipline: RN
  • Start Date: 09/28/2026
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 40 hours per week
  • Shift: 10 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Travel

Amergis is currently seeking experienced PACU RNs for TRAVEL assignments in Lebanon, NH !

Position Details:

Contract Length: 13 wks

Number of Openings: 4

Start Date: 9/14

Hours/Shifts/Schedules: Varying shifts 40 hrs/wk (4x10s) available!

40hrs Week - Varying Shifts - 6:00a - 4:30p, 7:00a - 5:30p, 8:00a - 6:30p, 0900a -7:30p, 1000-8:30p, 1100-9:30p.

*Every other weekend, every other holiday

Setting/Day to day

  • Hospital
  • EMR: Epic

Requirements

  • 2+ years of PACU experience
  • Level 1 and 2 trauma experience within last 2 yrs
  • BLS, ACLS, PALS (preferred)

The post-anesthesia care Unit (PACU) nurse cares for patients who have under gone anesthesia.   The post-anesthesia care Unit (PACU) nurse is responsible for observing and treating a patient postoperation and making sure that they safely awake from anesthesia.  The PACU nurse must monitor vital signs and levels of consciousness to make sure that the sedation is wearing off properly, there are no adverse reactions occurring and patients are regaining consciousness.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Current RN licensure in the state in which RN is working.
  • ACLS and PALS certification per contract requirements.
  • Current CPR if applicable
  • TB Questionnaire, PPD or chest x-ray if applicable
  • Current Health certificate (per contract or state regulation)
  • Must meet all federal, state and local requirements
  • Must be at least 18 years of age 

Amergis is currently seeking experienced PACU RNs for TRAVEL assignments in Lebanon, NH ! Position Details: Contract Length: 13 wks Number of Openings: 4 Start Date: 9/14 Hours/Shifts/Schedules: Varying shifts 40 hrs/wk (4x10s) available! 40hrs Week - Varying Shifts - 6:00a - 4:30p, 7:00a - 5:30p, 8:00a - 6:30p, 0900a -7:30p, 1000-8:30p, 1100-9:30p. *Every other weekend, every other holiday Setting/Day to day Hospital EMR: Epic Requirements 2+ years of PACU experience Level 1 and 2 trauma experience within last 2 yrs BLS, ACLS, PALS (preferred) The post-anesthesia care Unit (PACU) nurse cares for patients who have under gone anesthesia. The post-anesthesia care Unit (PACU) nurse is responsible for observing and treating a patient postoperation and making sure that they safely awake from anesthesia. The PACU nurse must monitor vital signs and levels of consciousness to make sure that the sedation is wearing off properly, there are no adverse reactions occurring and patients are regaining consciousness. Minimum Requirements: Current RN licensure in the state in which RN is working. ACLS and PALS certification per contract requirements. Current CPR if applicable TB Questionnaire, PPD or chest x-ray if applicable Current Health certificate (per contract or state regulation) Must meet all federal, state and local requirements Must be at least 18 years of age

About Amergis Healthcare Staffing, Inc.

Amergis, formerly known as Maxim Healthcare Staffing, has served our clients and communities by connecting people to the work that matters since 1988. We provide meaningful opportunities to our extensive network of healthcare and school-based professionals, ready to work in any hospital, government facility, or school. Through partnership and innovation, Amergis creates unmatched staffing experiences to deliver the best workforce solutions.