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Pacu Rn Jobs in Des Moines, IA (NOW HIRING)

DMOS

PACU/ARD RN Weekdays

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

In Post Op: Post-anesthesia care unit or PACU nurses care for patients who are recovering from ... Unrestricted IA RN license, BLS. ACLS and PALS preferred. Experience in a similar related industry ...

DMOS

PACU/ARD RN Weekdays

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

In Post Op: Post-anesthesia care unit or PACU nurses care for patients who are recovering from ... Unrestricted IA RN license, BLS. ACLS and PALS preferred. Experience in a similar related industry ...

DMOS

PACU/ARD RN Weekdays

Urbandale, IA · On-site

In Post Op: Post-anesthesia care unit or PACU nurses care for patients who are recovering from ... Unrestricted IA RN license, BLS. ACLS and PALS preferred. Experience in a similar related industry ...

DMOS

PACU/ARD RN Weekdays

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

In Post Op: Post-anesthesia care unit or PACU nurses care for patients who are recovering from ... Unrestricted IA RN license, BLS. ACLS and PALS preferred. Experience in a similar related industry ...

NR Consulting

RN/TRN

Des Moines, IA · On-site

RN/T-RN We have multiple job openings for local and travel RNs in multiple states (RI, PA, NJ, MD ... CCU, CVICU, PACU, Rehab, Behavioral Health, Case Management, OB/GYN Shift: Days, nights, and ...

Iowa Clinic

ASC RN Pre/Post Op (Full-Time)

Waukee, IA · On-site

Gather pertinent medical history and provide concise instruction for pre-operative, PACU ... Current RN license to practice nursing in the State of Iowa. * BLS andACLS Required What's in it ...

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All JobsPacu Rn JobsPacu Rn Jobs in Des Moines, IA

Pacu Rn information

See Des Moines, IA salary details

$882

$2.3K

$3.4K

How much do pacu rn jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average weekly pay for pacu rn in Des Moines, IA is $2,268.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,782.69 and $2,721.15 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 is a PACU RN?

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.

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 employment opportunities are expected to grow as healthcare services expand and surgical procedures increase.

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.
More about Pacu Rn jobs
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Pacu Rn jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pacu Rn job openings in Des Moines, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 26% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,978 per year, or $56.7 per hour.

RN Acute-PACU-Methodist West

UnityPoint Health

West Des Moines, IA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

UnityPoint Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

266th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Overview

Join our Pre-op and PACU team and play a vital role in helping patients preop as well as transition safely from surgery to recovery. Our Pre-Op features 8 pre-op rooms and PACU features 10 recovery bays plus 4 outpatient rooms, caring for a diverse surgical population including orthopedic procedures (total hip, knee, and shoulder replacements), ortho spine surgeries, podiatry, sports medicine, and general/gyn cases.

This is a fast-paced environment where RNs provide critical post-operative care, monitor patients of varying acuity, and collaborate closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and the perioperative team.

Be part of a team that combines advanced clinical skills with compassionate care to ensure every patient’s safe recovery.

Why UnityPoint Health?

At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.  

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in.  Here are just a few:      

  • Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.   
  • Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.  
  • Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.   

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.   

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience. 

Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.

Responsibilities
  • Provides and coordinates nursing care to patients utilizing the nursing process.
  • Completes documentation to assure an accurate record of patient’s care.
  • Utilizes critical thinking in making independent judgments, and maintains responsibility for the knowledge of conditions of assigned patients.
  • Collaborates with physicians and other professionals in planning and implementing care within hospital policy and legal limitations.
  • Assesses needs of patients and families, provides appropriate teaching to facilitate discharge planning, and makes the necessary referrals to community agencies to provide continuity of care.
  • Utilizes a holistic approach (considering physical, psych/social, spiritual, educational, safety, and related criteria) appropriate to the age of the patients served in the assigned service area.
  • Demonstrates initiative to improve quality of care, patient and employee safety, and customer service.
Qualifications

Education:

  • Graduate of an accredited school of nursing or IA Board of Nursing approved nursing program. 

License(s)/Certification(s):

  • Current licensure in good standing to practice as a Registered Nurse in Iowa 

Experience:

  • Minimum of twelve months acute RN experience.
    • All newly licensed RNs or RNs with less than 12 months of acute RN experience and who are interested in this department or any other Acute RN role within UnityPoint Health – Des Moines, are required to participate in the RN Residency program. Please search and apply for specific openings listed as "Registered Nurse Residency".  For more information about the program, please go to: Nursing Residency | Des Moines Area Hospitals

Other: 

  • Level 3 Medium Work:  Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
  • Must return to campus within 30 minutes when called in.

What UnityPoint Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About UnityPoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At UnityPoint Health, we provide care in nine regions throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. As the nation's fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, UnityPoint Health keeps people at the center of all we do. We are looking for dynamic and talented individuals to join our team. You'll find opportunities for every sized dream.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1995

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