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Pediatric Pacu Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NavitasPartners

The ideal candidate will have strong critical care and PACU experience, excellent assessment skills, and the ability to provide high-quality care to both adult and pediatric post-operative patients.

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Pediatric Pacu information

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$903

$2.3K

$3.5K

How much do pediatric pacu jobs pay per week?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average weekly pay for pediatric pacu in the United States is $2,324.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,826.92 and $2,788.46 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Pediatric PACU Nurse, you need strong pediatric assessment skills, knowledge of post-anesthesia care, and an active RN license with experience in pediatric or critical care settings. Familiarity with pediatric monitoring equipment, electronic health records (EHRs), and certifications such as PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) are typically required. Compassion, quick decision-making, and effective communication with both children and their families are standout soft skills. These abilities ensure the safe and comforting recovery of pediatric patients after surgery, supporting optimal outcomes in high-stress environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Pediatric PACU nurses, and how can they be addressed?

Pediatric PACU nurses often encounter challenges such as managing the unique recovery needs of children, addressing anxiety in both young patients and their families, and quickly identifying post-anesthesia complications. Effective communication with children at various developmental stages, as well as collaborating closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and respiratory therapists, is essential for smooth recovery. Building strong skills in pediatric pain assessment, family-centered care, and rapid response to emergencies are key strategies to successfully handle these challenges.

What is a Pediatric PACU nurse?

A Pediatric PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit) nurse is a specialized registered nurse who cares for children recovering from anesthesia after surgery or other medical procedures. Their responsibilities include closely monitoring vital signs, managing pain and potential complications, and providing reassurance to both young patients and their families during the immediate post-operative period. Pediatric PACU nurses work closely with anesthesiologists, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals to ensure safe recovery and comfort for children.

What is the highest paying job in pediatrics?

In pediatrics, pediatric subspecialists such as pediatric cardiologists, pediatric intensivists, and pediatric anesthesiologists tend to have the highest salaries. These roles require additional fellowship training and certification, and they often work in hospital or specialized clinical settings with higher compensation levels.

Is there a pediatric PACU?

A pediatric PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit) is a specialized recovery area for children after surgery, staffed by healthcare professionals trained in pediatric anesthesia recovery. Pediatric PACUs are common in hospitals with pediatric surgical services and require staff with pediatric advanced life support (PALS) certification. Job roles such as Pediatric PACU nurse or technician involve monitoring vital signs, managing pain, and ensuring safe recovery for pediatric patients.

How much do pediatric PACU nurses make?

Pediatric PACU nurses typically earn between $60,000 and $85,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. They work in post-anesthesia care units, requiring skills in patient monitoring and emergency response.

What is the difference between Pediatric Pacu vs Pediatric Surgical Technologist?

AspectPediatric PacuPediatric Surgical Technologist
CertificationsCPR, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), CPR, PALS
Work EnvironmentPost-anesthesia recovery in hospitalsOperating rooms assisting during surgeries
Employer & IndustryHospitals, surgical centersHospitals, outpatient surgical facilities

The Pediatric Pacu focuses on caring for children recovering from anesthesia in the post-anesthesia care unit, requiring skills in patient monitoring and emergency response. In contrast, the Pediatric Surgical Technologist assists in the operating room, preparing and handling surgical instruments. Both roles require similar certifications like CPR and PALS, but their work environments and daily tasks differ significantly.

Is pediatric PACU nursing hard?

Pediatric PACU nursing can be challenging due to the need to monitor and manage postoperative care for children, requiring strong assessment skills and knowledge of pediatric physiology. Nurses in this role must respond quickly to emergencies and often work in fast-paced environments, making it a demanding but rewarding specialty. Certification in pediatric advanced life support (PALS) is typically required.
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What cities are hiring for Pediatric Pacu jobs? Cities with the most Pediatric Pacu job openings:
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Pediatric Pacu jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pediatric Pacu job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,888 per year, or $58.1 per hour.
Travel PACU Registered Nurse

Travel PACU Registered Nurse

American Traveler

New Orleans, LA • On-site

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Provide pre-op and Phase I and Phase II recovery care to adult and pediatric surgical patients in a large hospital PACU setting.

  • Support all surgical and procedural patient populations including endoscopy, interventional radiology, pulmonary lab, CT/MRI, and pediatric-heavy surgical areas.

  • Float to pediatric PACU as needed and participate in emergency response or relief teams during declared emergencies.

Job description

American Traveler is seeking a travel nurse RN PreOp / PACU - Post Anesthesia Care for a travel nursing job in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: PreOp / PACU - Post Anesthesia Care
  • Discipline: RN
  • Start Date: 07/13/2026
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 36 hours per week
  • Shift: 12 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Travel
Assignment Overview
  • Shift: Days, 3x12hrs
  • Hours: 36 hrs/wk
  • Start Date: Jul 13, 2026
  • Length: 13 weeks
  • Openings: 1
Description

American Traveler is seeking an experienced RN for a PACU position supporting all major surgical services across adult and pediatric populations, with Epic experience required and comfort floating to pediatric PACU.

Details
  • Large hospital PACU setting spanning two floors with a total of 34 ORs, including endoscopy, interventional radiology, pulmonary lab, CT/MRI, and pediatric-heavy surgical areas
  • Supports all surgical and procedural patient populations including adult and pediatric across pre-op, Phase I, and Phase II recovery
  • Specialized procedures include regional anesthesia and ECT
  • Special equipment includes Hoyer lift, bladder scanner, and AccuVein
  • Patient ratio of 1:2
  • Day shift, 3x12-hour shifts (11:00–23:30)
  • 2–3 weekends required per contract
  • Floating to pediatric PACU required as needed
  • Epic EMR experience required
Requirements
  • Active LA or compact RN license currently in hand
  • Current AHA certifications required: BLS, ACLS, and PALS
  • PACU or pre/post-op experience strongly preferred; critical care post-op experience is a plus
  • Must reside 65+ miles from the facility to be eligible for this position
Additional Information
  • Provides pre-op and Phase I and Phase II recovery care to both adult and pediatric surgical patients across a high-volume, multi-specialty environment
  • Candidates must be comfortable caring for patients of all ages, including a high volume of pediatric cases on the first floor
  • In the event of a declared emergency, staff may be assigned to an emergency response team and expected to remain on-site until the event has passed or to serve as part of a relief team — candidates should be comfortable with this expectation before applying
  • All requested time off (RTO) must be disclosed and discussed during the interview process
  • 13-week contract

American Traveler Job ID #P-720317. Pay package is based on 12 hour shifts and 36 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: Travel RN - PACU

About American Traveler

With over 25 years of experience, American Traveler has established a reputation for outstanding customer service. Our team ensures a smooth, worry-free experience for those starting on or expanding their travel nursing and allied careers.

With thousands of travel nursing and allied jobs nationwide, our attentive and approachable recruiters find positions that align perfectly with your career aspirations and personal requirements.

American Traveler offers exceptional benefits, including premium medical, dental, vision and life insurance beginning day one of your assignment, generous 401(k) match, substantial housing stipends, and more. Additionally, with 24/7 support and access to our in-house clinicians, you are assured confidence and comfort throughout your assignment.

With our team behind you, you can relax and enjoy a rewarding travel career.

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