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Per Diem Pacu Nurse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a PACU nurse at our facility, you have the opportunity to enjoy no calls, no weekends and no ... We have been in operation at this locationsince 1985 and perform over 6,000 surgeries per year.

PACU RN

Denville, NJ · On-site

$44 - $50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

PACU RN Denville Surgery Center is hiring a per diem PACU RN! At Denville Surgery Center, we believe health and care are inseparable. We focus on offering a high quality, service oriented environment ...

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Per Diem RN PACU

Marrero, LA · On-site

$40 - $47/hr

Per Diem RN - PACU | Marrero, LA 70072 Marrero, Louisiana 70072 | Hospital | Per Diem | Location Marrero, LA 70072 Setting Hospital - PACU Employment Type Per Diem Break 30-minute break per shift Pay ...

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Per Diem PACU RN - Chicago

Chicago, IL · On-site

$56 - $57/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Here you go! PACU RN - Per Diem | $56-$57/hr We are seeking PACU RNs to join our team on a per diem basis in the city of Chicago! OR Staffing Solutions is a Healthcare staffing agency specializing in ...

RN PACU

Houston, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Nurse The post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) nurse cares for ... ACLS and PALS certification per contract requirements. * Current CPR if applicable * TB ...

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Per Diem Pacu Nurse information

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$903

$2.3K

$3.5K

How much do per diem pacu nurse jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average weekly pay for per diem pacu nurse 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 nurse, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Per Diem PACU Nurse, you need strong post-anesthesia care skills, advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certification, and an active RN license, often with prior critical care or recovery room experience. Familiarity with patient monitoring systems, electronic health records (EHRs), and pain management protocols is crucial. Excellent communication, quick decision-making, and adaptability help you manage fluctuating patient needs and collaborate effectively with surgical teams. These skills ensure safe patient recovery, timely interventions, and seamless care transitions in a dynamic perioperative environment.

What is a Per Diem PACU nurse?

A Per Diem PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit) Nurse is a registered nurse who works on an as-needed basis, providing care to patients recovering from anesthesia after surgery or procedures. Unlike full-time or part-time staff, per diem nurses do not have a set schedule and are often called in to cover shifts during peak times, staff shortages, or special circumstances. Their responsibilities include monitoring vital signs, managing pain and post-operative symptoms, and ensuring safe patient recovery. This flexible role allows nurses to choose when and where they work, making it ideal for those seeking a varied schedule.

What are some common challenges faced by a Per Diem PACU nurse, and how can they prepare for them?

Per Diem PACU Nurses often encounter challenges such as adapting quickly to different facility protocols, managing varied patient acuity levels, and needing to establish rapport with new teams on each shift. To succeed, it's helpful to stay up-to-date on best practices in post-anesthesia care, maintain strong communication skills, and be proactive in familiarizing oneself with each facility’s documentation systems and emergency procedures. Flexibility and continual learning are key, as the role often requires rapid transitions and efficient patient assessments in a fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between Per Diem Pacu Nurse vs Per Diem Cardiac Catheterization Lab Nurse?

AspectPer Diem Pacu NursePer Diem Cardiac Catheterization Lab Nurse
CertificationsRN license, BLS, ACLSRN license, BLS, ACLS, specialized cath lab training
Work EnvironmentPost-anesthesia recovery in hospitals or outpatient centersCardiac catheterization labs performing diagnostic and interventional procedures
Employer & IndustryHospitals, outpatient surgery centersHospitals, specialized cardiac centers

Per Diem Pacu Nurses focus on patient recovery after anesthesia, monitoring vital signs and ensuring safe discharge. Per Diem Cardiac Catheterization Lab Nurses assist during cardiac procedures, managing patient care in the cath lab. While both roles require RN licensure and similar certifications, the Pacu Nurse specializes in post-anesthesia care, whereas the cath lab nurse works directly in cardiac procedures. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right per diem nursing role based on your skills and interests.

More about Per Diem Pacu Nurse jobs

What cities are hiring for Per Diem Pacu Nurse jobs?

Cities with the most Per Diem Pacu Nurse job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Pacu Nurse jobs?

The most popular types of Pacu Nurse jobs are:

What states have the most Per Diem Pacu Nurse jobs?

States with the most job openings for Per Diem Pacu Nurse jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Per Diem Pacu Nurse jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Per Diem Pacu Nurse jobs are:

Infographic showing various Per Diem Pacu Nurse job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 23% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,888 per year, or $58.1 per hour.

Registered Nurse, (Per Diem RN) Post Anesth Care Unit

RWJBarnabas Health

Elizabeth, NJ • On-site

$48.29 - $65.06/hr

Per diem

Posted 11 days ago


RWJBarnabas Health rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 331 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

234th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Job Title: PD RN

Location: WILLIAMSON STREET

Department Name: Post Anesth Care Unit

Req #: 0000259175

Status: Hourly

Shift: Day

Pay Range: $48.29 - $65.06 per hour

Pay Transparency:

The above reflects the anticipated hourly wage range for this position if hired to work in New Jersey.

The compensation offered to the candidate selected for the position will depend on several factors, including the candidate's educational background, skills and professional experience.

At RWJBarnabas Health, our Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Registered Nurses provide expert care during one of the most critical phases of a patient's surgical experience. As a Per Diem PACU RN at Trinitas Regional Medical Center, you'll care for patients as they safely transition from anesthesia to recovery, utilizing advanced clinical assessment skills, sound judgment, and compassionate care to ensure optimal outcomes. Working alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, procedural teams, and multidisciplinary healthcare professionals, you'll play an essential role in delivering exceptional perioperative care while supporting patients and families during a vulnerable time. Joining RWJBarnabas Health means becoming part of a collaborative team where clinical excellence, innovation, and patient safety are at the center of everything we do.

As a Per Diem PACU Registered Nurse (RN), a typical day may include:

  • Performing comprehensive post-anesthesia assessments while closely monitoring patients recovering from surgical and procedural interventions
  • Supporting patients through the critical transition from an anesthetized state to a stable, awake condition by maintaining airway patency, adequate ventilation, hemodynamic stability, and circulation
  • Utilizing advanced clinical judgment to recognize subtle changes in patient condition, prioritize care, and intervene proactively to prevent complications
  • Assessing neurological status, level of consciousness, pain, and recovery progression while providing individualized pain management and symptom control
  • Administering medications, IV therapies, blood products, and other post-operative treatments in accordance with evidence-based practice and physician orders
  • Collaborating with surgeons, anesthesiologists, procedural teams, and interdisciplinary caregivers to ensure seamless patient transitions and continuity of care
  • Educating patients and families on recovery expectations, discharge instructions, medications, and post-procedure care to promote safe recovery at home
  • Maintaining accurate documentation within the electronic medical record while adhering to patient safety, infection prevention, and regulatory standards
  • Demonstrating strong teamwork, professionalism, and effective communication while fostering a positive, collaborative, perioperative environment
  • Participating in on-call coverage and maintaining clinical competencies to support the ongoing needs of the Surgical Services team

This role might be for you if:

  • You thrive in a fast-paced procedural environment where advanced assessment skills and rapid clinical decision-making are essential
  • You remain calm and confident while caring for patients recovering from anesthesia and complex surgical procedures
  • Strong critical thinking and sound clinical judgment guide every patient interaction
  • You enjoy collaborating with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and multidisciplinary teams to deliver exceptional perioperative care
  • You provide compassionate reassurance to patients and families during vulnerable moments of recovery
  • Patient safety, evidence-based practice, and continuous professional growth are central to your nursing practice
  • You value teamwork and contribute to a culture built on collaboration, accountability, and clinical excellence

To be considered for this Per Diem PACU Registered Nurse opportunity, you must be a graduate of an accredited school of nursing and hold an active New Jersey Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing. Current American Heart Association (AHA) BLS/CPR and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications are required. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification is required or must be obtained within 60 days of hire. Candidates must possess a minimum of one year of PACU experience or two years of Emergency Department (ED) or Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nursing experience. Two or more years of PACU experience is strongly preferred. The ideal candidate demonstrates exceptional assessment skills, clinical judgment, adaptability, and the ability to provide safe, compassionate care to patients recovering from anesthesia and surgical procedures.

Per Diem Commitment

To support consistent patient care and operational excellence, per diem PACU nurses are expected to maintain the following scheduling commitments:

  • One regular work shift during each two-week scheduling cycle
  • One 12-hour weekend on-call shift each month
  • One summer holiday on-call shift annually
  • One winter holiday on-call shift annually

This per diem opportunity offers flexibility to maintain work-life balance while remaining an integral member of Trinitas Regional Medical Center's Surgical Services team, delivering exceptional post-anesthesia care in a collaborative, patient-centered environment.


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About RWJBarnabas Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s largest integrated health care delivery system, providing treatment and services to more than three million patients each year. Throughout RWJBarnabas Health, our dedicated physicians, nurses, and health professionals are committed to providing the highest quality of patient care and health education to the community and region. We aim to truly make a unique impact in local communities throughout New Jersey. From vastly improving the health of local residents to creating educational and career opportunities, this combination greatly benefits the state. We understand the growing and evolving needs of residents in New Jersey - whether that be enhancing the coordination for treating complex health conditions or improving community health through local programs and education.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Orange, NJ, US

Year founded

2015