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Pacu Rn Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Registered Nurse PACU

Plainfield, IL ยท On-site

$34 - $48/hr

The PACU RN is responsible for maintaining clinical, communication and personal knowledge and skills required to meet the challenge of delivering safe and effective patient care in the PACU. * ...

OR/PACU RN Per Diem Job Category: Clinical Requisition Number: PERDI010846 Part-Time On-site Chicago, IL 60610, USA Job Details Build What Matters Most--Families, Futures, and Your Career Enjoy ...

The Charge Nurse - Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) is a registered professional nurse who provides clinical leadership, coordination, and expertise in the delivery of post-operative care. This role ...

RN - ICU

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

BLS and ACLS certifications * 1-2 years of nursing experience (ICU or PACU preferred) * Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Pre-Op & PACU RN

Lombard, IL ยท On-site

$30 - $54/hr

JOB TITLE : Preop PACU RN (Full time) Salary Range: $30.00 - $54.00 per hour, based on skill and experience level. GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES : Assists in provision of nursing care to patients in an ...

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Pacu Rn information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$893

$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 Elgin, IL is $2,298.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,805.77 and $2,755.77 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.
What are popular job titles related to Pacu Rn jobs in Elgin, IL? For Pacu Rn jobs in Elgin, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Pacu Rn jobs in Elgin, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Pacu Rn jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Pacu Rn jobs? Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Pacu Rn job openings:
Infographic showing various Pacu Rn job openings in Elgin, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $119,499 per year, or $57.5 per hour.

Registered Nurse PACU

Company Set

Plainfield, IL โ€ข On-site

$34 - $48/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Description:

Shift Type: 3 days per week; 10 hours per shift


Provides nursing care to the surgical patient. Involves assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of surgical patient in the immediate post-anesthetic period. Provides PACU/Recovery nursing care to patients in the facility by performing the following duties.

The PACU RN is responsible for maintaining clinical, communication and personal knowledge and skills required to meet the challenge of delivering safe and effective patient care in the PACU.

  1. Demonstrates competency in all procedures within the scope of practice, as appropriate to the ages of the patient served, including the ability to obtain, interpret, and communicate information in terms of the patientโ€™s needs, a knowledge of growth and development, and an understanding of the range of treatment needed by the following age groups:

___ INFANT (0-1 year) ___ PEDIATRIC (2-12 years) ___ ADOLESCENT (13-17 years) ___ ADULT (18-69 years) ___ GERIATRIC (70+ years)

  1. The Registered Nurse is responsible for utilization of the nursing process in all aspects of the delivery of patient care and completion of all activities according to established policy, procedure, and protocol.

Communicates accurate and timely information regarding patients and their care and/or their significant others

Records pertinent information clearly, accurately and in a timely manner

Demonstrates positive interpersonal relationships with patients, significant others, and co-workers

Utilities appropriate lines of communication

Assess the health status of the patient by collecting date via:

i. Patient interview

ii. Performance of a physical assessment for all age groups according to the plan of care

iii. Recognizes variances in the assessment which are normal/abnormal for the age group

iv. Review of records

v. Consultation with other members of the perioperative team

Organizes a plan of care that incorporates physician prescribes treatments, nursing assignments and diagnostic date in a manner that:

i. Is prioritized, timely & integrated with the surgical plan of care

ii. Gathering supplies, x-rays and instruments/equipment for cases

As an Admission/Discharge RN:

Completes admission on patient admission as evidenced by ongoing chart review

Completes all necessary lab work and IVโ€™s in timely and efficient manner

Prepares the patient for discharge in the following ways, as evidenced by ongoing chart review:

Evaluates the patientโ€™s progress for achievement of outcomes/discharge criteria

Provides discharge instructions to the patient/SO

Validates ability of the patient/SO to mange continuing care needs after discharge, through post-op phone calls

Provides education according to the specific knowledge/skill level of the patient/SO to meet the patientโ€™s ongoing health needs including:

Safe and effective use of medication including food-drug interaction, as evidenced by chart review

Safe and effective use of medical equipment, if applicable

When and how to obtain further treatment

Implementation of teaching protocols for patient education

As a PACU RN:

Implements orders for post-anesthesia care of patients

Implements standing orders for critical care emergencies

Demonstrates knowledge of critical care medications and administers them properly according to policy

Changes the patients plan of care to meet outcomes

Documents patient care:

In a eligible manner

According to form guidelines

According to protocol

Content reflects patient condition

Restocks area with applicable supplies

Performs appropriate cleaning functions for the unit

Participate in conference, committee meetings, and educational programs as necessary

Obtains appropriate patient health history

Participates in appropriate patient safety related practices

Clinical Leadership:

Demonstrates appropriate judgment and decision-making skills

Acts as the patientโ€™s advocate in meeting his/her physical and psychological needs

Serves as a preceptor and orients new members of the surgical team

Demonstrates effective communication skills and the ability to recognize and intervene in stressful situations involving the patient, significant other and/or team members

Creates and maintains a safe and comfortable environment in which surgery can take place

Explains procedures and treatments to patient to gain cooperation, understanding, and ally apprehension

Administers prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with approved nursing technique

Prepares equipment and aids physician during treatment and examination of patient

Maintains awareness of comfort and safety needs of patient

Observes patient, records significant conditions and reactions, and notifies supervisor or Physician of patientโ€™s condition and reaction to drugs, treatments, and significant incidents.

Take temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and other vial signs to detect deviations from normal assess condition of patient.

Responds to life saving situation based upon nursing standards, policies, procedures, and protocol

Documents nursing history and physical assessment for assigned patients

Initiatives a patient education plan according to the individualized needs of the patient, as prescribed by physician and/or facility policy including patient and family instruction

Prepares rooms, sterile instruments, equipment, and supplies for surgery.

Responsible for all logs and documentation in regard to medication control

Participates in facility quality improvement activities







Requirements:

Understanding and commitment to the mission, values, and philosophy of the organization

Current license as a RN

Awareness of changing trends in nursing trends in nursing and ability to adapt

Knowledge and skills to provide patient care appropriate to specific location and patient population

Ability to function effectively in stressful situations

Ability to communicate in verbal and written methods

Ability and willingness to adjust schedule (trade or work extra) to meet the needs of the facility

BLS certification within 6 months of hire

Ability to work under supervision as well as ability to oversee others

Must be able to meet physical demands of:

Standing for prolonged periods of time

Lifting/moving heavy objects