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Per Diem Pacu Rn Jobs in New Jersey (NOW HIRING)

PreOp/PACU RN

Somerville, NJ · On-site

$45 - $49/hr

PreOp/PACU RN Somerville, New Jersey Somerset Ambulatory Surgery Center Category Nursing Job ID ... Paid time off (vacation & sick leave) - Starting PTO accrual is 15 days per year. * 401k retirement ...

Showing results 41-60

Per Diem Pacu Rn information

See New Jersey salary details

$917

$2.4K

$3.5K

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

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average weekly pay for per diem pacu rn in New Jersey is $2,360.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,853.85 and $2,830.77 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 New Jersey?

The most popular types of Pacu Rn jobs in New Jersey are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Per Diem Pacu Rn job openings in New Jersey as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% As Needed. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $122,730 per year, or $59 per hour.

Registered Nurse / RN PACU

Pascack Valley Medical Center

Westwood, NJ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Overview

Join our team as a day shift, full-time, Recovery Room (PACU) Registered Nurse in Westwood, NJ.

Why Join Us? 

Thrive in a People-First Environment and Make Healthcare Better

  • Thrive: We empower our team with career growth opportunities, tuition assistance, and resources that support your wellness, education, and financial well-being.
  • People-First: We prioritize your well-being with paid time off, comprehensive health benefits, and a supportive, inclusive culture where you are valued and cared for.
  • Make Healthcare Better: We use advanced technology to support our team and enhance patient care.
  • Learn more about the benefits offered for this job.

Get to Know Your Team:

  • Hackensack Meridian Pascack Valley Medical Center is a 128-bed, full-service, acute-care community hospital with a new emergency department, a state-of-the-art maternity center, a women's imaging center, and an ICU.

Responsibilities
  •  PACU staff provides care for patients recovering from general, regional, or local anesthesia. Unless complicationsoccur, most patients only stay in the PACU for a few hours before returning home or to another department of the hospital.
  • The PACU staff, generally composed of highly trained nurses, performs many tasks vital to the care of post-anesthesia and post- operative patients. These essential activities include:
    • Monitoring vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, temperature and respiratory rate)
    • Treating symptoms of postoperative nausea and vomiting (or PONV)
    • Managing post-operative pain
    • Treating post-anesthetic shivering
    • Monitoring surgical site(s) for excessive bleeding, discharge, swelling, hematoma, redness, etc.
  • Additionally, PACU RNs often coordinate the delivery of care for post-anesthesia patients immediately following surgical procedures, so that the physical, psychological, safety, rehabilitative and education needs of patients and their family members are met.

Qualifications

Job Requirements: 

  • Current valid NJ State Professional Registered Nurse license or a valid multistate Registered Nurse License from the NCL required.
  • 2 years minimum as OR, PACU, critical care or Same Day surgery experience
  • BLS certification must be obtained within 14 days of hire or transfer into the role and prior to providing direct patient care.
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification (ACLS) by the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American Red Cross (ARC) required.
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) by the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American Red Cross (ARC) required.

Preferred Job Requirements:

  • CNOR or CPAN
  • Certification in a specialty 

Rate of pay is determined based on experience and education and may include other pay components such as differentials and call pay based on role.

Qualifications:

Job Requirements: 

  • Current valid NJ State Professional Registered Nurse license or a valid multistate Registered Nurse License from the NCL required.
  • 2 years minimum as OR, PACU, critical care or Same Day surgery experience
  • BLS certification must be obtained within 14 days of hire or transfer into the role and prior to providing direct patient care.
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification (ACLS) by the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American Red Cross (ARC) required.
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) by the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American Red Cross (ARC) required.

Preferred Job Requirements:

  • CNOR or CPAN
  • Certification in a specialty 

Rate of pay is determined based on experience and education and may include other pay components such as differentials and call pay based on role.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME