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Per Diem Pacu Rn Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Post Anesthesia Care RN We are seeking a Post Anesthesia Care RN, also referred to as a PACU Nurse ... This position is on a per diem basis, meaning PD/PRN as needed. Responsibilities If you have at ...

Per Diem RN - PACU (Paediatrics) | St. Louis, MO 63110 St. Louis, Missouri 63110 | Children's Hospital | Day Shifts | Per Diem Location St. Louis, MO 63110 Setting Children's Hospital - Paediatric ...

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Per Diem Pacu Rn information

See Missouri salary details

$847

$2.2K

$3.2K

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

As of May 29, 2026, the average weekly pay for per diem pacu rn in Missouri is $2,180.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,713.46 and $2,615.38 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 Missouri? The most popular types of Pacu Rn jobs in Missouri are:
What cities in Missouri are hiring for Per Diem Pacu Rn jobs? Cities in Missouri with the most Per Diem Pacu Rn job openings:
Registered Nurse PACU

Per diem

Medical, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


Prime Healthcare rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 268 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

660th of 864 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Shift’s Available: Variable 

Employment Type: Per Diem (PD/PRN) 

Hours: Variable 

Location: St. Joseph Medical Center - Kansas City, MO

Here are some of the benefits of working at Prime Healthcare: 

  • Competitive compensation  
  • Medical insurance benefit plan 
  • 401K  

We are seeking a Post Anesthesia Care RN, also referred to as a PACU Nurse or PACU RN in the recovery room area for our post anesthesia care unit (PACU). The PACU RN, or Recovery Room Nurse, plays a critical role in our surgery center by caring for patients as they regain consciousness after surgery or other perioperative procedures requiring anesthesia. PACU RNs are essential in ensuring a safe recovery from anesthesia, addressing any complications promptly, and supporting patients through the critical early stages of post-operative or perioperative care. This position is on a per diem basis, meaning PD/PRN as needed. 


**If you have at least one year of experience in the Perioperative area of the operating room as a CirculatorOR NursePACU Nurse or Surgical Nurse you are encouraged to apply! 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (includes, but not limited to): 

  • Closely monitor patients’ vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and respiration, to detect any complications early 
  • Assess and manage pain levels, administer medications as needed to keep the patient comfortable 
  • Ensure the patient maintains a clear airway and adequate breathing, address any respiratory issues that may arise post-anesthesia 
  • Continuously assess the patient’s level of consciousness, neurological status, and overall stability as they recover from anesthesia 
  • Inspect surgical sites, manage drains, and dress wounds as necessary, while observing for signs of infection or other complications 
  • Offer reassurance and comfort to patients as they wake up, often disoriented, in a calm and soothing environment, keep the patient’s family informed about their condition and the expected timeline for recovery 
  • Communicate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals regarding the patient’s status and any concerns that arise 
  • Document all aspects of care provided, including medications administered, patient responses, and any interventions performed 
  • Deliver post-operative discharge instructions to outpatients prior to discharge 

Education and Work Experience

  1. Current and valid state RN License.
  2. Current BLS (AHA) certificate upon hire and maintain current.
  3. ACLS (AHA) certificate 30 days upon hire and maintain current.
  4. PALS (AHA) certificate preferred.
  5. Previous Critical Care or PACU experience or minimum of one year on the job training.
  6. Critical Care RN (CCRN) preferred.
  7. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.

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