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Pacu Rn Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Provide post-anesthesia care and pain management * Collaborate with anesthesiologists, surgeons ... Active, unrestricted RN and APRN licenses in the practicing state * Current BLS and ACLS ...

Provide post-anesthesia care and pain management * Collaborate with anesthesiologists, surgeons ... Active, unrestricted RN and APRN licenses in the practicing state * Current BLS and ACLS ...

Provide post-anesthesia care and pain management * Collaborate with anesthesiologists, surgeons ... Active, unrestricted RN and APRN licenses in the practicing state * Current BLS and ACLS ...

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Pacu Rn information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$878

$2.3K

$3.4K

How much do pacu rn jobs pay per week?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average weekly pay for pacu rn in Raleigh, NC is $2,259.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,775.00 and $2,711.54 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 the most commonly searched types of Pacu Rn jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Pacu Rn jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Pacu Rn jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Pacu Rn job openings:
Infographic showing various Pacu Rn job openings in Raleigh, NC 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 $117,513 per year, or $56.5 per hour.
FT PREOP/PACU Registered Nurse

FT PREOP/PACU Registered Nurse

Surgery Partners

Durham, NC

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Surgery Partners rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

187th of 875 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Southpoint Surgery Center (SPSC), an affiliate of North Carolina Specialty Hospital, is a new Ambulatory Surgery Center located between Raleigh and Durham in the Durham-Southpoint area. SPSC will provide a differentiated outpatient delivery model focused on providing high-quality, cost-effective solutions for surgical and related ancillary care for patients. SPSC is a multi-specialty 22,298 sq. ft. facility accommodating the following: Ortho, Spine, Ophthalmology, ENT, GYN, General, Urology, Plastics, Podiatry, Vascular, and Pain. At SPSC you will find highly motivated team-players and a welcoming team-oriented staff.

Why join North Carolina Specialty Hospital?

  • Award Winning Hospital for Special Surgery
  • 5 Star CMS rated facility for patient experience
  • Positive Work culture
  • Career growth opportunities
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • 401k Employer Match
  • Tuition Assistance

Job Summary:

The primary objective of this position is to assure the delivery of comprehensive, safe, effective, cost effective and appropriate nursing care for patients across the age continuum in accordance with established hospital policy, nursing practice standards. Under minimum supervision, directs and/or provides professional nursing care for an assigned group of patients across the age continuum (4 weeks to geriatric). Utilizes the nursing process for assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation to direct or provide nursing care. Provides supervision and guidance to other members of the team; and may be authorized, in the absence of the manager, to make decisions affecting the PACU.

Job Duties: 

  • Utilizes the nursing process to provide quality patient care according to established standards of care which includes planning, implementing, evaluating, and adjusting plan of care. Participates in the development of patient plan of care to include patient problems, goals, evaluations, and interventions; reports symptoms and significant changes in patient's condition to appropriate personnel
  • Collaborates and coordinates patient's discharge planning needs and readiness for discharge with other members of the care team.
  • Demonstrates appropriate application of age specific standards, policies, and procedures and guidelines in caring for adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients: follows age specific standards in administering medications based on patient's age; follows age specific standards of care during altered states of consciousness related to analgesia, conscious sedation or anesthesia; uses age specific standards, policies and procedures and guidelines to perform treatments and procedures that are routine for unit/clinic based on patient's age.
  • Incorporates cultural and developmental needs into plan of care: in collaboration with the patient/family, and in a developmentally and culturally appropriate manner, implements the plan of care; demonstrates competency in the provision of nursing care according to established standards of nursing practice and in developmentally appropriate manner.
  • Demonstrates critical thinking skills, ability to provide and delegate appropriate activities to staff based on patient assessment, complexity of the task, level of competence of staff and/or certification/licensure requirements and the requirements to deliver care in a safe efficient manner maximizing positive outcomes for the patient.
  • Provides documentation of patient care in the patient record according to established standards of nursing care.
  • Participates in performance improvement activities which include collecting, analyzing data to identify quantifiable measures to maintain quality and the promotion of desired outcomes. Also includes participation in development of patient care delivery systems, standards, policy and procedures, and problem-solving teams.
  • Completes additional duties as needed and assigned.

Skills & Abilities:

  • Able to work independently and met established deadlines
  • Able to make sound reasonable decisions
  • Highly organized
  • Ability to concentrate on many detailed requests despite numerous interruptions
  • Demonstrates accountability, professionalism, openness, receptive to change, creativity and innovative
  • Ability to identify and calmly handle inherently stressful situation with tact
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to develop excellent working relationships with consumers and staff
  • Seeks guidance, direction and assistance when needed
  • Ability to be flexible and take on new responsibilities

Experience, Training, & Education

  • Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing required; Associates degree required, BSN preferred
  • Current licensure in the State of North Carolina or compact multi-state RN license required
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross (ARC) is required upon hire
  • ACLS and PALS certifications through American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross (ARC) must be obtained within 6 months of employment. Both certifications are preferred on hire
  • A minimum of 1 year previous perioperative nursing experience in a hospital setting is preferred
  • One year of critical care nursing experience is required

Our employees are critical to our success and we value their contributions. North Carolina Specialty Hospital offers a competitive compensation and benefits package and an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that values employee ideas and diversity. Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled. We maintain a drug-free workplace and require pre-employment drug screening and background check.


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