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Pacu Rn Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

XPRT STAFFING INC

PACU RN

Petaluma, CA

$600 - $1K/day

A PACU RN (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse) is a licensed healthcare professional who provides specialized care to patients recovering from anesthesia after surgical procedures. They ...

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Pacu Rn information

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$892

$2.3K

$3.4K

How much do pacu rn jobs pay per week?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average weekly pay for pacu rn in California is $2,294.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,803.85 and $2,751.92 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a PACU RN Do?

As a PACU RN, your responsibilities are to monitor post-anesthesia care unit patients and ensure they recover properly from anesthesia after inpatient or outpatient surgeries or procedures. PACU RNs have a range of post-operative duties, including checking and changing bandages, administering post-operative medications, such as painkillers or antibiotics, and providing patients and their families with information about care after they leave the recovery room. PACU RNs address any issues with recovery and collaborate with physicians or surgeons whenever necessary.

What are PACU RNs?

PACU RNs, or Post Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurses, are specialized nurses who care for patients recovering from anesthesia after surgery or other medical procedures. They monitor vital signs, manage pain, and watch for complications as patients wake up from anesthesia. PACU RNs work closely with anesthesiologists and surgeons to ensure patients transition safely from surgery to recovery. Their role is critical in identifying and addressing any immediate post-operative needs or emergencies.

Is PACU stressful?

PACU RN (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse) positions can be stressful due to the fast-paced environment, the need for quick decision-making, and monitoring patients recovering from anesthesia. The role requires strong clinical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle emergencies efficiently.

How to make 150,000 as a nurse?

A PACU RN can earn $150,000 by gaining extensive experience, working in high-paying facilities, and obtaining specialized certifications such as CCRN or CNOR. Working overtime, night shifts, or in travel nursing roles can also increase income significantly.

Are PACU nurses in demand?

PACU nurses are in high demand due to the need for postoperative care in hospitals and surgical centers. The role requires specialized skills, and job opportunities are generally stable with competitive salaries, especially for those with certification and experience in perioperative nursing.

What does a PACU nurse do?

A PACU nurse, or Post-Anesthesia Care Unit nurse, is 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 Rn vs Cardiovascular Technologist?

AspectPacu RnCardiovascular Technologist
CertificationsRN license, Pacu certificationRegistered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS), certification varies
Work EnvironmentPost-anesthesia recovery units, hospitalsCatheterization labs, surgical settings
Industry UsageHospitals, outpatient surgery centersCardiology departments, hospitals

Both Pacu Rn and Cardiovascular Technologists work in hospital settings, focusing on cardiac procedures. Pacu Rns primarily assist in post-anesthesia recovery, while Cardiovascular Technologists support invasive cardiac procedures. The key differences lie in certifications and specific roles, but both are vital in cardiac care teams.

What are some common challenges faced by PACU RNs during patient recovery, and how can they be managed?

PACU RNs often encounter challenges such as managing patients with varying levels of consciousness, rapidly assessing vital signs, and responding to complications like airway obstruction or pain. Quick decision-making and effective communication with anesthesiologists and surgeons are essential. Staying organized, utilizing monitoring protocols, and maintaining a calm environment can help manage these challenges while ensuring patient safety and comfort.

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

To thrive as a PACU RN, you need strong knowledge of post-anesthesia care, patient assessment, and acute care nursing, supported by an active RN license and often ACLS and PALS certifications. Familiarity with monitoring equipment, electronic health records (EHRs), and pain management protocols is essential. Exceptional communication, critical thinking, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring patient safety, rapid response to complications, and effective teamwork during the critical recovery phase after surgery.
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Pacu Rn jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pacu Rn job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $119,305 per year, or $57.4 per hour.
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Registered Nurse RN

Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Registered Nurse RN

Nomad Health

Greenbrae, CA

$2K/wk

Contractor

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

We are looking for a Travel PACU RN for a great Travel nursing job in Greenbrae, CA.

This PACU Travel nursing job pays for 40 hours a week for 13 weeks. With Wanderly you can compare Travel nurse salary from leading Travel nurse agencies in the United States.

With Wanderly you can chat and apply to any agency with Wanderly’s Universal Application, below are the details of this Travel Nursing Job including the Travel nurse salary:

  • Specialty: PACU RN
  • Travel Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Registered Nurse : Greenbrae, CA
  • Travel Nurse Salary: $2552/Week
  • Start Date: June 11, 2026
  • Travel Nursing Job Assignment Length: 13 weeks
  • Travel Nurse Hours: 40 hours per week
  • Shift: 10 hours, Day
Nomad Health, the leading travel clinician marketplace, is seeking a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Registered Travel Nurse (RN) in Greenbrae, CA, $2552/wk.

PK-PAC23391

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About Nomad Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Nomad Health is an innovative company based in New York, NY, the United States that operates in the healthcare and technology industry. It is the first digital marketplace for healthcare jobs, specifically for doctors and nurses. The company was founded in 2015 by a team of medical professionals and technologists with the aim of modernizing healthcare staffing. Their mission is to simplify the previously chaotic process of recruiting to serve medical facilities and healthcare professionals more efficiently. Nomad Health’s key service involves the elimination of recruitment intermediaries, thereby streamlining the hiring process and facilitating a more direct connection between medical professionals and healthcare providers. They have truly revolutionized the healthcare staffing industry, earning them recognition as one of America's most promising startups.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

2015

Social media

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