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Per Diem Pacu Rn Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Travel PACU RN

Rockford, IL · On-site

$2.2K - $2.3K/wk

Travel PACU RN Company: Fusion Medical Staffing Location: Facility in Rockford, Illinois Job Details Fusion Medical Staffing is seeking a skilled PACU RN for a 13-week travel assignment in Rockford ...

Up to $ 2781.20 per week *The above pay package is an estimate, please contact our team to put ... Registered Nurse - RN PACU | Registered Nurse - RN in Rockford, IL LeaderStat is currently seeking ...

Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 10 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel Meda Health is looking for an PACU RN to work a travel assignment in an acute care hospital setting. Must have ...

PreOp/PACU RN Per Diem

Chicago, IL · On-site

$38 - $40/hr

Opportunity Overview We have an immediate opening for a PreOp/PACU RN Per Diem to join our team at Fertility Centers of Illinois in River North, Illinois . * Schedule: Hours varies as needed ...

Joliet, IL The PACU RN is accountable directly to the OR Charge Nurse and the Director of Surgical Services, and indirectly to the House Supervisor. The Registered Nurse is responsible for the ...

Amergis Healthcare is actively looking for a PACU RN that would be interested in an 13 Week , full-time contract opportunity at a hospital in Rockford , IL . Additional details of the contract are ...

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Showing results 1-20

Per Diem Pacu Rn information

See Illinois salary details

$875

$2.3K

$3.4K

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

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average weekly pay for per diem pacu rn in Illinois is $2,252.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,771.15 and $2,701.92 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 Illinois? The most popular types of Pacu Rn jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Per Diem Pacu Rn jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Per Diem Pacu Rn job openings:
Travel Nurse RN - Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) / Pre-Post Op - $2,260 per week in Glenview Na...

Travel Nurse RN - Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) / Pre-Post Op - $2,260 per week in Glenview Na...

TravelNurseSource

Glenview, IL

$2.2K/wk

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Registered Nurse (RN) | Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) / Pre-Post Op Location: Glenview Nas, IL Agency: Coast Medical Service Pay: $2,260 per week Shift Information: 5 days x 8 hours Contract Duration: 13 Weeks Start Date: 7/12/2026

About the Position

TravelNurseSource is working with Coast Medical Service to find a qualified PACU/Pre-Post Op RN in Glenview Nas, Illinois, 60026!
Coast Medical Service is a nationwide travel nursing & allied healthcare staffing agency dedicated to providing an elite traveler experience for the experienced or first-time traveler. Coast is featured on Blue Pipes' 2023 Best Travel Agencies and named a 2022 Top Rated Healthcare Staffing Firm & 2023 First Half Top Rated Healthcare Staffing Firm by Great Recruiters. Please note that pay rate may differ for locally based candidates. Please apply here or contact a recruiter directly to learn more about this position & the facility, and/or explore others that may be of interest to you. We look forward to speaking with you!

About Coast Medical Service

Coast Medical Service is a Joint Commission certified healthcare staffing agency focused on per diem and travel nursing opportunities nationwide. Established in 1979, we are guided by our commitment to providing quality service to make it easier for healthcare providers to focus on patients. Our team works feverishly to foster a work environment where each individual is deeply valued, highly respected and given every opportunity for personal, professional and financial growth.

At Coast Medical Service, we are fanatical about improving the quality of healthcare and connecting like-minded nurses with top-class facilities. We really listen and treat all our staff like family because, well, they are! As a result, Coast has grown 20x in the last 6 years and was included on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing private companies in America, as well as the Los Angeles Business Journal Top 100 fastest growing companies in LA.

Requirements Required for Onboarding
  • ACLS
  • BLS
  • Core Mandatory Part I Exam
  • Core Mandatory Part II (Nursing) Exam
  • Core Mandatory Part III Exam
  • FL Education Attestation
  • NIHSS
  • PACU RN Skills Checklist
  • PALS
  • Pre-Operative RN Exam
  • RN - PACU - Acute A
  • RN - Pharmacology A

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