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Per Diem Pacu Rn Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ATC West Healthcare

RN PACU - PER DIEM

Placentia, CA · On-site

$65/hr

ASSIGNMENT DETAILS FOR RN - PACU: Work Type: Per Diem Location: Torrance , CA Title: Registered Nurse Specialty: PACU Start Date: ASAP Assignment Length: TBD Shift length: 8 hrs, 10hrs, 12hrs Shift:

ATC West Healthcare

RN PACU - Per Diem

Colton, CA · On-site

$61 - $64/hr

ATC HEALTHCARE IS CURRENTLY HIRING FOR REGISTERED NURSE PACU PER DIEM ASSIGNMENT FOR A PROMINENT HEALTHCARE FACILITY IN COLTON, CA $61-$64/HR Type: Per Diem Specialty: RN PACU Location: Colton, CA ...

Focus Staff

Travel PACU RN

Fullerton, CA · On-site

Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 10 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel Focus Staff is seeking a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse for a travel contract in Fullerton, CA.

Focus Staff

Travel PACU RN

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 10 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel Focus Staff is seeking a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse for a travel contract in San Francisco, CA.

ATC West Healthcare

Registered Nurse - PACU

Torrance, CA · On-site

$58 - $65/hr

ATC HEALTHCARE IS CURRENTLY HIRING FOR A REGISTERED NURSE - PACU PER DIEM ASSIGNMENT FOR A PROMINENT HEALTHCARE FACILITY IN TORRANCE, CA * Location: Torrance CA * Title: Registered Nurse - PACU * Pay ...

Stability Healthcare

PACU - Travel RN

Oakland, CA · On-site

$2.7K/wk

PACU RN Contract Position Stability HealthCare is looking for a PACU RN contract position in Oakland, California. Job Details: Weekly Pay: $2730.20 Unit: PACU Shift: Days Duration: 13 Weeks Start ...

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Per Diem Pacu Rn information

See California salary details

$892

$2.3K

$3.4K

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

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average weekly pay for per diem pacu rn in California is $2,294.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,803.85 and $2,751.92 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a per diem PACU RN?

A Per Diem PACU RN is a registered nurse who works on an as-needed basis in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), caring for patients recovering from anesthesia following surgery or procedures. 'Per diem' means they are not scheduled for regular shifts but are called in to fill staffing gaps or cover busy periods. PACU nurses monitor vital signs, manage pain, and ensure patient safety as they wake from anesthesia, often working in hospitals or surgical centers. This role offers flexible scheduling but may not include the benefits of full-time positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a per diem PACU RN?

To thrive as a Per Diem PACU RN, you need a strong background in post-anesthesia care, acute patient assessment, and current RN licensure, often with ACLS and PALS certifications. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), patient monitoring devices, and medication administration systems is crucial. Exceptional communication, adaptability, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are valued soft skills in this role. These skills ensure safe and effective recovery for post-surgical patients and enable seamless integration into diverse clinical teams on an as-needed basis.

What are the main challenges faced by per diem PACU RNs, and how can they adapt to different surgical teams and patient populations?

Per Diem PACU RNs often work in varying clinical settings and with diverse surgical teams, which can present challenges in quickly adapting to different protocols, documentation systems, and team dynamics. Flexibility, strong communication skills, and the ability to rapidly assess and respond to changing patient conditions are essential. Embracing a proactive approach to orientation, asking questions, and developing a solid understanding of each facility’s processes can help ensure safe, high-quality care for patients recovering from anesthesia.

What is the difference between Per Diem Pacu Rn vs Per Diem Operating Room Nurse?

AspectPer Diem Pacu RnPer Diem Operating Room Nurse
CertificationsRN license, PACU certification (preferred)RN license, perioperative nursing certification (CNOR)
Work EnvironmentPost-anesthesia recovery units, hospitalsOperating rooms, surgical suites
Employer & IndustryHospitals, outpatient surgery centersHospitals, surgical centers

The main difference between a Per Diem Pacu Rn and a Per Diem Operating Room Nurse lies in their specific work settings and certifications. PACU nurses focus on post-anesthesia recovery, while OR nurses work directly in surgical procedures. Both roles require RN licensure, but OR nurses often hold perioperative certifications like CNOR. Understanding these distinctions helps healthcare facilities and professionals choose the right per diem role based on their skills and career goals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pacu Rn jobs in California?

The most popular types of Pacu Rn jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Per Diem Pacu Rn jobs?

Cities in California with the most Per Diem Pacu Rn job openings:

Per Diem Pacu Rn jobs near you
Infographic showing various Per Diem Pacu Rn job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 27% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,305 per year, or $57.4 per hour.

Registered Nurse(PACU)

US Department of Veterans Affairs

Loma Linda, CA • On-site

Other

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 672 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 297 rated public sector bodies

Job description

Post Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse

The Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Registered Nurse (RN) provides specialized care in the assessment, planning, implementing and evaluation of care throughout the peri anesthesia continuum to include the Pre anesthesia Phase, Post anesthesia Phase I, Post anesthesia Phase II, and extended care from sedation/analgesia and/or anesthesia for surgical, diagnostic, or therapeutic procedures. The PACU RN possesses knowledge related to the physiology associated with various anesthesia techniques and surgical interventions. The PACU RN assesses and prepare patients for procedures appropriately. Performs clinical assessment of the patient and readily recognizes contraindication for anesthesia and/or surgical intervention. The PACU RN applies the appropriate post sedation scoring and assesses the patient's postoperative status to include cardiovascular and respiratory systems and airway management needs, neurological system, hemodynamic stability, pain, and comfort needs and mental status, implementing appropriate interventions to maintain or return all physiological system to baseline or above. The PACU RN maintains knowledge of current American Society of Peri anesthesia Nurses (ASPAN) standards, Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Directives and service level standard operating procedures (SOPs). The PACU RN is responsible for ensuring comprehensive documenting of all phases of care and is timely, complete, and accurate in the electronic health record (EHR). The PACU RN collaborates in the development, implementation, evaluation, and revision of policies, procedures, and/or guidelines. Demonstrates performance and leadership that is broad enough to improve the care for a group of patients. Provides peers with formal or informal constructive feedback for improvement. Supports colleagues and other nurses through knowledge sharing to provide safe, quality nursing care. Fosters a safe and supportive environment conducive to the professional development of health care professionals. Evaluates outcomes of evidence-based decisions and practice changes for individuals, groups, and populations. Responsible for the documenting broad and complex outcomes at the program or service level, that can be demonstrated at any organizational level within a facility. May be required to perform on-call duties.

Preferred Experience: At least 2 years of recent acute care and/or critical care experience (PACU and ICU) preferred. Strong skills in post anesthesia recovery, airway management, and hemodynamic monitoring. Competent in moderate sedation recovery and rapid response workflows. Excellent communication and teamwork with anesthesia and surgical teams. Current BLS/ACLS required. BSN

Work Schedule: Monday -Friday, ShiftTBD

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

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