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Per Diem Pacu Rn Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

RN PreOP PACU

Lakewood, CO · On-site

$34 - $53/hr

Lakewood Endoscopy is hiring a Full Time Preop/Pacu RN to join our team! Preop/PACU Registered Nurse at Lakewood Endoscopy Center: Under the direct supervision of the Pre-Op/PACU manager, the PACU ...

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Per Diem Pacu Rn information

See Colorado salary details

$950

$2.4K

$3.6K

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

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average weekly pay for per diem pacu rn in Colorado is $2,444.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,921.15 and $2,932.69 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Per Diem PACU RN, and why are they important?

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 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.

Are PACU nurses in demand?

PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit) nurses are in high demand due to ongoing staffing shortages and the need for specialized perioperative care. Their skills in patient monitoring, airway management, and recovery are essential in hospitals and surgical centers, leading to strong job prospects and competitive salaries.

How to make an extra $2000 a month as a nurse?

Per Diem PACU RNs can increase their income by taking on additional shifts, working overtime, or picking up assignments at multiple facilities. Gaining specialized certifications like ACLS or PALS can also make you eligible for higher-paying assignments, especially in high-demand environments. Scheduling flexibility and experience can help maximize earning potential to reach an extra $2000 monthly.

How to make $300,000 as a nurse?

Per Diem PACU RNs can increase earnings by working multiple shifts, gaining specialized certifications, and choosing high-paying facilities or regions. Building experience and taking on overtime or travel assignments can also help reach higher income levels, but earning $300,000 annually typically requires a combination of these strategies and a high volume of work hours.

How to make $150,000 as a nurse?

Per Diem PACU RNs can reach a $150,000 annual salary by working multiple shifts, often including weekends and nights, and gaining extensive experience in post-anesthesia care. Additional certifications like ACLS and BLS can improve earning potential, and working in high-demand or high-paying regions may also contribute to higher income levels.
What are the most commonly searched types of Pacu Rn jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Pacu Rn jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Per Diem Pacu Rn jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Per Diem Pacu Rn job openings:
Infographic showing various Per Diem Pacu Rn job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 19% As Needed, 45% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,116 per year, or $61.1 per hour.
PREOP/PACU/PROCEDURAL REGISTERED NURSE

PREOP/PACU/PROCEDURAL REGISTERED NURSE

United Surgical Partners International Inc (USPI)

Superior, CO • On-site

$34 - $53/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


United Surgical Partners International rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

RN PreOp/PACU 

Colorado Urologic Surgery Center - Superior is hiring a PREOP/PACU Registered Nurse

Welcome to Colorado Urologic Surgery Center - Superior

At Colorado Urologic Surgery Center, we specialize in advanced outpatient urologic procedures — and we believe exceptional care starts with an exceptional team. Whether you’re in a clinical, administrative, or support role, your work plays a vital part in delivering a safe, seamless, and compassionate experience for every patient who walks through our doors.

PreOp/PACU Registered Nurse at Colorado Urologic Surgery Center - Superior

The PreOp/PACU Registered Nurse provides continuity and quality nursing care for all patients, with continual evaluation of the patient's condition, providing patient safety, comfort, and privacy at all times. May assist the physicians in the procedure rooms with various tasks, including conscious sedation, and utilizing sterile techniques as deemed appropriate. Will provide total comprehensive patient care to patients emerging from general anesthesia and/or sedation; assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of the patient and family in preparation for discharge

Qualifications

  • Graduate of an accredited RN School of Nursing

  • Active RN license in the state

  • BLS and ACLS Required, PALS if required by the center

  • 2 years of experience in PACU or Critical Care preferred

  • Ability to make decisions based on nursing judgment

  • Able to prioritize and organize workload to meet the needs of patients and the unit

  • Strong communication skills, verbal and written

 

What We Offer

As an organization, one way we care for our communities and each other is by providing a comprehensive benefits package that includes the following, subject to employment status:

  • Benefits

    USPI offers the following benefits, subject to employment status:

    • 401(k) retirement plan
    • Employee Assistance Program
    • Employee discount program
    • USPI provides paid leave in accordance with applicable law

 

Who We Are

At USPI, we create relationships that create better care. We partner with physicians and healthcare systems to provide first-class ambulatory solutions throughout the United States. We are committed to providing surgical services in the most efficient and clinically excellent manner.

USPI is committed to, and proud of our inclusive culture. An inclusive culture, in our view, is respectful of differences and nurtures and supports the contributions of each individual, while also embracing and leveraging diversity. A diverse workforce, combined with an inclusive culture, makes USPI stronger and better able to meet the needs of our diverse patient and physician population.

 


Required Skills

Pay: $34/HR-$53/HR. (based on experince)

Job Posted 07/15/2026 and will remain open for two weeks


Required Experience

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