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Per Diem Pacu Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Atrium Staffing

Per Diem PACU Nurse

New Brunswick, NJ · On-site

$55 - $65/hr

They are looking to add a Per Diem PACU Nurse to their team. Salary/Hourly Rate: $55/hr - $65/hr DOE Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced Per Diem PACU Nurse to support a busy ambulatory ...

Atrium

Per Diem PACU Nurse

New Brunswick, NJ

$55 - $65/hr

They are looking to add a Per Diem PACU Nurse to their team. Salary/Hourly Rate: $55/hr - $65/hr DOE Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced Per Diem PACU Nurse to support a busy ambulatory ...

CareRev

IP PACU Registered Nurse (RN)

Dallas, TX

$52 - $57/hr

Find per diem PACU nurse shifts in Dallas, Texas. Flexible shifts are available now--you choose the shifts you work for maximum flexibility and work-life balance. View the PACU nurse requirements ...

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How much do per diem pacu jobs pay per week?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average weekly pay for per diem 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 Per Diem PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit) Nurse, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Per Diem PACU Nurse, you need strong clinical assessment skills, knowledge of post-anesthesia care, and a valid RN license, often with ACLS and PALS certifications. Familiarity with patient monitoring systems, electronic health records, and pain management protocols is typically required. Excellent communication, adaptability, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure effective patient recovery, safety, and teamwork in the dynamic PACU environment.

What are the main challenges faced by per diem PACU nurses, and how can they effectively adapt to different hospital environments?

Per diem PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit) nurses often face the challenge of quickly adapting to varying hospital protocols, team dynamics, and patient populations. Since they may work in multiple facilities or units, they need to be highly flexible, fast learners, and comfortable with changing equipment and documentation systems. Building strong communication skills and proactively seeking out unit-specific guidelines can help per diem PACU nurses integrate smoothly and provide high-quality care. Additionally, maintaining up-to-date certifications and staying current with best practices in post-anesthesia care are essential for success in this role.

What are Per Diem PACU nurses?

Per Diem PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit) nurses are registered nurses who work on an as-needed basis to provide care to patients recovering from anesthesia after surgery or procedures. Unlike full-time staff, per diem nurses fill in for staff shortages, busy periods, or specific shifts, offering flexibility for both the nurse and the healthcare facility. Their responsibilities include monitoring patients' vital signs, managing pain, and ensuring a safe recovery from anesthesia. Per diem roles are common in hospitals and surgical centers, and these nurses must be skilled in post-anesthesia care and emergency response.

Does per diem nursing pay more?

Per diem PACU nursing often pays higher hourly rates compared to full-time positions due to the flexibility and short-term nature of the work. However, it may lack benefits like health insurance and paid time off, which are typically included in salaried roles. Overall compensation depends on location, experience, and agency policies.

What is the difference between Per Diem Pacu vs Per Diem RN?

AspectPer Diem PacuPer Diem RN
CertificationsCPR, PALS, ACLS, Pacu-specific certificationsRN license, BLS, ACLS, PALS
Work EnvironmentPost-anesthesia care units, outpatient surgery centersHospitals, clinics, outpatient facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesMonitoring patients recovering from anesthesia, vital signs, recovery assessmentsPatient care, medication administration, vital signs, assessments
Industry UsageCommon in outpatient and surgical centersWidespread across healthcare settings

Per Diem Pacu and Per Diem RN both work in healthcare settings, but Pacu nurses specialize in post-anesthesia recovery, focusing on monitoring patients after surgery. RN roles are broader, encompassing various patient care duties across multiple departments. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right per diem position based on your certifications and career goals.

More about Per Diem Pacu jobs
What cities are hiring for Per Diem Pacu jobs? Cities with the most Per Diem Pacu job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Pacu jobs? The most popular types of Pacu jobs are:
What states have the most Per Diem Pacu jobs? States with the most job openings for Per Diem Pacu jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Per Diem Pacu jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Per Diem Pacu jobs are:
Per Diem Pacu jobs near you
Infographic showing various Per Diem Pacu job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Locum Tenens, 28% As Needed, 27% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,888 per year, or $58.1 per hour.

Per Diem PACU Nurse

Atrium Staffing

New Brunswick, NJ • On-site

$55 - $65/hr

Other

Medical, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

About Atrium:
What you do matters. Guided by our Applicant-Centric™ approach, we foster an environment of collaboration, high performance, and innovation where your talents are valued, and your achievements are celebrated. Join us and become part of an inclusive team committed to your growth and success.
Client Overview:
Our client is a confidential ambulatory surgical center located in the North Brunswick, NJ area, providing high-quality outpatient surgical care in a patient-focused, team-oriented environment. They are looking to add a Per Diem PACU Nurse to their team.
Salary/Hourly Rate:
$55/hr - $65/hr DOE
Position Overview:
We are seeking an experienced Per Diem PACU Nurse to support a busy ambulatory surgical center. This role is responsible for delivering safe, efficient post-anesthesia care, ensuring patients recover comfortably and meet discharge criteria following surgical procedures. The schedule is Tuesdays 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Responsibilities of the Per Diem PACU Nurse:
  • Receive patients from the anesthesia team and perform initial PACU assessments.
  • Monitor and document vital signs, airway status, cardiac rhythm, pain levels, and level of consciousness.
  • Administer medications including analgesics and antiemetics as ordered.
  • Monitor surgical sites, dressings, drains, and IV therapy.
  • Continuously reassess patients and document nursing care and outcomes.
  • Ensure patients meet PACU discharge criteria and confirm discharge support.
  • Maintain PACU supplies, equipment, and medication par levels.
  • Perform safety checks on emergency equipment and crash cart.
  • Participating in narcotics counts per policy.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized recovery environment.
Required Experience/Skills for the Per Diem PACU Nurse:
  • Active Registered Nurse (RN) license (New Jersey).
  • BLS and ACLS certification (PALS required if assigned to pediatric patients).
  • Prior PACU, ICU, ER, or critical care nursing experience.
  • Strong patient assessment, clinical judgment, and documentation skills.
  • Per diem Tuesdays, 7:00 AM start; flexible end time varies (8-11 hours) depending on cases.
  • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced surgical setting.
Preferred Experience/Skills for the Per Diem PACU Nurse:
  • Ambulatory surgery center experience.
  • Experience caring for post-anesthesia patients in an outpatient setting.
  • Familiarity with anesthesia recovery protocols.
Education Requirements:
  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Nursing from an accredited program is required.
Benefits:
  • Daytime schedule (no nights or weekends).
  • Supportive clinical team environment.
  • Competitive hourly compensation.
  • Atrium Care Package available, upon eligibility (including healthcare plans, discount programs, and paid time off).

  • Apply now

By applying to this job, you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages, and/or emails from Atrium and its affiliates, and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You can reply STOP to opt out on any message you receive. For more details, please review our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .
As a woman-owned firm, we value diversity. We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), age, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, citizenship or any other characteristic protected by law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Candidates who apply for roles through the Atrium website will be added to our candidate pool and may be considered for additional roles of a similar title. Please contact us to request an accommodation.
EOE/M/F/D/V/SO

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