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Pacu Nurse Jobs in Rochester, MN (NOW HIRING)

Travel Ambulatory RN

Rochester, MN ยท On-site

$2.2K - $3.0K/wk

Specialty: PreOp / PACU - Post Anesthesia Care * Discipline: RN * Start Date: ASAP * Duration: 14 weeks * 36 hours per week * Shift: 12 hours * Employment Type: Travel ID: 64206656 Shift: This is for ...

Specialty: PreOp / PACU - Post Anesthesia Care * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 08/24/2026 * Duration: 14 weeks * 36 hours per week * Shift: 12 hours * Employment Type: Travel ID: 64319570 Shift: PEDS ...

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Pacu Nurse information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$27

$43

$77

How much do pacu nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for pacu nurse in Rochester, MN is $43.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.23 and $47.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How hard is it to get a PACU job?

Securing a PACU nurse position typically requires relevant experience in perioperative or critical care nursing, along with active licensure and certifications such as BLS and ACLS. Competition can vary based on location and facility demand, but strong clinical skills and a relevant background improve chances of employment.

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.

Is PACU a stressful job?

PACU nurses work in a fast-paced environment where they monitor patients recovering from anesthesia, which can be stressful due to the need for constant vigilance and quick decision-making. The job requires strong clinical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle emergencies, making it potentially stressful for some individuals.

What do PACU nurses do?

PACU nurses, or Post-Anesthesia Care Unit nurses, are responsible for monitoring and caring for patients recovering from anesthesia after surgery or procedures. They assess vital signs, manage pain, and ensure patients are stable before transferring them to other units or discharging them. The role requires knowledge of anesthesia effects, patient assessment skills, and often certification in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS).

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 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.

How to make $300,000 as a nurse?

A Pacu nurse can earn $300,000 by gaining extensive experience, working in high-paying facilities, and taking on overtime or per diem shifts. Specializing in critical care or advanced certifications can also increase earning potential, especially in high-demand environments or through travel nursing assignments.

What are PACU Nurses?

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 popular job titles related to Pacu Nurse jobs in Rochester, MN? For Pacu Nurse jobs in Rochester, MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Pacu Nurse jobs in Rochester, MN look for? The top searched job categories for Pacu Nurse jobs in Rochester, MN are:
What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Pacu Nurse jobs? Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Pacu Nurse job openings:
Infographic showing various Pacu Nurse job openings in Rochester, MN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,709 per year, or $43.1 per hour.

Travel Ambulatory RN

Prime Staffing

Rochester, MN โ€ข On-site

$2.2K - $3.0K/wk

Contractor

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Prime Staffing is seeking a travel nurse RN PreOp / PACU - Post Anesthesia Care for a travel nursing job in Rochester, Minnesota.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: PreOp / PACU - Post Anesthesia Care
  • Discipline: RN
  • Start Date: ASAP
  • Duration: 14 weeks
  • 36 hours per week
  • Shift: 12 hours
  • Employment Type: Travel

ID: 64206656 Shift: This is for the PEDIATRIC ICU13 week assignment36 hours per weekDay/Night Rotation 0700-1930 and Description: Position Overview: The registered nurse (RN) is accountable for the coordination of nursing care, including direct patient care, patient/family education and transitions of care. The RN supports professional nursing practice across practice settings and across the continuum of care to meet the needs of the patient and family. The RN will function within the Mayo Clinic Nursing Professional Practice Model, which includes accountability for planning, implementing, evaluating and communicating all phases of nursing care for assigned patients. The ANA Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice provide a basis for the practice of the RN. The RN provides leadership through activities such as preceptor role, informal leadership roles, and quality improvement efforts. The RN delegates patient care according to skill level, experience, patient acuity, fiscal accountability, and adequacy of resources. The RN possesses excellent communication skills; is skillful in mentoring and teaching; and may participate on committees or projects. Specializes in the care of critically ill pediatric patients of all specialties. The unit serves a diverse patient population, including medical, surgical, trauma, orthopedic, cardiac, neurological, and pulmonary. The PICU is a designated pediatric liver and kidney transplant and bone marrow transplant unit. Additionally, critical patients with congenital and complex, multi organ problems, requiring ongoing interventions are cared for in the PICU.   Schedule Notes:This is for the PEDIATRIC ICU13 week assignment36 hours per weekDay/Night Rotation 0700-1930 and 1900-0730, Every 3rd weekend required.Floating is required as neededCardiac monitoring/telemetry and ability to read strips is a requirement 6 months of travel requiredECG Exam required during orientation - must PASS to continue assignmentSkills: N/A 2 years of recent acute nursing experience required6 months of travel experience required, 1 year preferredTwo years PICU RN experience is requiredRequired experience: Level 1 trauma and intubated patient care. Solid organ transplant is strongly preferred. Required Skills: [ "ACUTE NURSING", "TRAVEL NURSING", "PEDIATRIC INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (PICU) NURSING"] Additional Skills: [ "LEVEL 1 TRAUMA CARE", "INTUBATED PATIENT CARE", "SOLID ORGAN TRANSPLANT", "CCRN CERTIFICATION", "TCTCN CERTIFICATION"]Education: Minimum Education:Student or Graduate of an accredited baccalaureate, associate, or diploma nursing program, as recognized by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN- formerly NLN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). If graduated from a nursing program that was not accredited by ACEN or CCNE, at least one year of RN experience (within the last 5 years) in an applicable care setting is required. If graduation did not occur within the last two years, one year of RN experience in an applicable care setting is required.Current RN license by applicable state requirements.Arizona and Florida: Maintains Basic Life Support (BLS) competency.Midwest: Basic Cardiac Life Support for healthcare providers- BCLS certificate of course completion required and must not expire within 3 months after start date.Additional specialty certification/training as required by the work area. Required by manager: BLS, PALS, RN LicensePreferred by manager: CCRN, TCTCN strongly preferredJob Category: Clinical-Nursing-Travel Guaranteed Hours: 36 Contract Weeks:97

Prime Staffing Job ID #37620406. 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:Ambulatory,07:00:00-19:00:00

About Prime Staffing

At Prime Staffing, we understand the importance of finding the perfect fit for both our clients and candidates. Prime Staffing utilizes a unique matchmaking approach, providing the most qualified contingent staffing to our clients, and the most competitive contracts to our workforce. Our experienced team takes the time to get to know both our clients and candidates, their needs, and preferences, to ensure that each placement is a success.

We offer a wide range of staffing services including temporary, temp-to-perm, and direct hire placements. Our extensive network of qualified candidates includes nurses, allied healthcare professionals, corporate support professionals and executives.