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Pacu Nurse Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

United Surgical Partners

PACU RN

Rio Rancho, NM · On-site

As a PACU nurse at our facility, you have the opportunity to enjoy no calls, no weekends and no holidays. We focus on offering a high quality, ambulatory care alternative to a hospital for surgical ...

United Surgical Partners

PACU RN

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

As a PACU nurse at our facility, you have the opportunity to enjoy no calls, no weekends and no holidays. We focus on offering a high quality, ambulatory care alternative to a hospital for surgical ...

UNM Hospital

RN - PACU

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

RN - PACU PACU nursing involves the care of patients who are recovering from surgery, particularly when the application of anesthesia is involved. Once the patient sufficiently recovers from the ...

Skyline Med Staff, LLC

RN - PACU

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$2.7K/wk

Details Client Name UNM Hospital Job Type Travel Offering Nursing Profession RN Specialty PACU Job ID 37790209 Job Title RN - PACU Weekly Pay $2738.0 Shift Details Shift 4x12 Hour Day Shift Scheduled ...

UNM Hospital

PACU Travel Nurse

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$2.6K/wk

Travel PACU Nurse in Albuquerque, NM This PACU travel nurse job in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with Advantis Medical is a 18-week Travel PACU Registered Nurse (RN) contract at UNM Hospital. This role ...

USPI, INC.

PACU RN

Rio Rancho, NM · On-site

PACU RN Presbyterian Rust Medical Center ASC is hiring a RN PACU Full Time. Presbyterian Rust Medical Center is a fast paced ASC environment committed to producing the highest quality work and ...

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Pacu Nurse information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$25

$39

$71

How much do pacu nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for pacu nurse in Rio Rancho, NM is $39.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.63 and $43.85 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.

What are popular job titles related to Pacu Nurse jobs in Rio Rancho, NM?

For Pacu Nurse jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Pacu Nurse jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for?

The top searched job categories for Pacu Nurse jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Pacu Nurse jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Pacu Nurse job openings:

Pacu Nurse jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pacu Nurse job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $79,596 per year, or $38.3 per hour.

Travel Nurse RN - PACU - Post Anesthesia Care - $2,548 per week

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Focus
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Focusexternal

$2.5K/wk

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Focus Staff is seeking a travel nurse RN PACU - Post Anesthesia Care for a travel nursing job in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: PACU - Post Anesthesia Care
  • Discipline: RN
  • Start Date: 09/28/2026
  • Duration: 18 weeks
  • 48 hours per week
  • Shift: 12 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Travel

Focus Staff is seeking a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse for a travel contract in ALBUQUERQUE, NM. The ideal candidate will have at least 1 year of experience in a PACU setting.

Contract Length: 18 Weeks

Start Date: 09/28/2026

Shift: 4x12 Days

Benefits for Travel PACU RNs:

  • Health insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Licensure reimbursement
  • Travel reimbursement
  • Relocation assistance
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Competitive pay
  • Referral bonus
  • Holiday bonus

Requirements:

  • 1 Year of Experience, 2 Preferred
  • Valid NM RN License
  • BLS (Basic Life Support)
  • ACLS
  • Eligible to work in the United States

About Focus Staff:

Focus Staff is a traveler-first nurse and healthcare staffing agency! We prioritize the needs of our travelers, giving you complete control over your journey. Our mission is to help you create the life you love, explore the country and do what you do best, help others.

Interested in becoming a traveler with Focus Staff? Discover why travelers choose us, apply today!

All-Star Status:

  • Dallas 100 (Multiple Years in a Row)
  • Inc. 5000
  • Middle Market 50
  • Certified by The Joint Commission
  • Best of Staffing Talent Satisfaction 2022
  • Best of Staffing Client Satisfaction 2022
  • Fastest-Growing US Staffing Firms 2017

If you’re seeking a Travel Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Nurse position in ALBUQUERQUE, NM and are looking to work with an agency that will listen to your needs and career goals, then Focus Staff is the right place to be. We are proud of our ability to build relationships with all our healthcare professionals, whether you’re seeking travel assignments, PR or permanent positions.

We Offer:

  • Immediate Openings
  • Weekly Pay through Direct Deposits
  • Flexible Schedules
  • Day and Night Shifts Available
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Guaranteed Hours (based on employer)
  • Travel Assistance
  • Dedicated/Responsive Recruiters
  • Day One Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
  • Generous Housing Stipend
  • 24/7 Support
  • Company Provided Housing Options
  • Referral Bonus ($600)
  • Loyalty Bonus ($1,200)
  • Discounts/Coupons to Hotels
  • Access to Jobs in all 50 States
  • Painless Credentialing Process
  • U.S.A.-based Company
  • Equal Opportunity Employer
  • Joint Commission Certified
  • Licensure Reimbursement
  • Pet-Friendly
  • Access to Discounts, Rewards, and more

Other Information:

Job Title: Travel PACU Nurse

Employment Time: Contract/Travel

Date Posted: 08/13/2026 12:15:48 AM

Valid Through: 02/01/2027

Job City: ALBUQUERQUE

Job State: NM

Job Country: USA

Shift: 4x12 Days

Job ID: a0xVt00000Smry0IAB

Hiring Organization: Focus Staff

Focus Staff is an EEO/AA (Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action) Employer.

Estimated pay package based on bill rate at time job was posted. Bill rates can change frequently and without notice. Exact pay package may vary based on several factors, including, but not limited to, guaranteed hours, travel distance, demand, experience, etc.

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Focus Staff Job ID #a0xVt00000Smry0IAB. Pay package is based on 12 hour shifts and 48 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: Travel PACU RN - Post Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse

About Focus Staff

Your Journey, Our Focus. Travel Confidently, Care Boldly with Focus Staff.

At Focus Staff, we’re here to make your travel healthcare career rewarding, seamless, and stress-free.

Whether you’re a travel nurse, therapist, or allied health professional, we take care of the details so you can focus on what you do best — caring for others. Our mission is simple: to help healthcare heroes like you thrive, no matter where your journey takes you.

With thousands of job opportunities across all 50 states, our dedicated recruiters work closely with you to match you to the right assignment, based on what matters most to you — pay, location, benefits, or career growth.

From day one, you’ll enjoy premium benefits like medical coverage that bridges between assignments, 401K matching, travel and licensing reimbursements, and personalized housing support. Plus, our team is here for you 24/7, with clinical support available whenever you need guidance or backup.

At Focus Staff, we believe in making every assignment a smooth, comfortable, and empowering experience. Let’s make your next adventure your best one yet.

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