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Per Diem Pacu Rn Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Lone Peak Hospital

RN PACU

Draper, UT · On-site

Job Summary and Qualifications As a PACU Registered Nurse, you will play a critical role in the immediate post-operative care of surgical patients. Your responsibilities will include managing airway ...

Mission Hospital

RN PACU

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

Job Summary and Qualifications As a PACU Registered Nurse, you will play a critical role in the immediate post-operative care of surgical patients. Your responsibilities will include managing airway ...

St. Mark's Hospital

RN PACU

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

Job Summary and Qualifications As a PACU Registered Nurse, you will play a critical role in the immediate post-operative care of surgical patients. Your responsibilities will include managing airway ...

HCA Healthcare

PACU Nurse Float Pool

Kaysville, UT · On-site

Associate Degree in Nursing or RN Diploma or Higher degree in Nursing Required * 1+ years of nursing experience in a clinical setting, preferably in PACU, ICU or Surgery * Active RN license as ...

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Per Diem Pacu Rn information

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$822

$2.1K

$3.2K

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

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average weekly pay for per diem pacu rn in Utah is $2,116.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,663.46 and $2,538.46 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 cities in Utah are hiring for Per Diem Pacu Rn jobs? Cities in Utah 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 Utah as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 15% As Needed, 46% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,053 per year, or $52.9 per hour.
PACU Registered Nurse

PACU Registered Nurse

University of Utah Health

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

University Of Utah Health rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 140 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

160th of 889 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Overview
As a patient-focused organization, University of Utah Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of people through patient care, research and education. Success in this mission requires a culture of collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. University of Utah Health seeks staff that are committed to the values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, responsibility, integrity, quality and trust that are integral to our mission. EO/AA
Job Family
Nursing: Nursing provides patient care, promotes health, prevents illness and supports positive patient care outcomes through comprehensive care and patient advocacy.
Corporate Overview: The University of Utah is a Level 1 Trauma Center and is nationally ranked and recognized for our academic research, quality standards and overall patient experience. Our five hospitals and eleven clinics provide excellence in our comprehensive services, medical advancement, and overall patient outcomes.
Responsibilities
This position is posted as a PACU Registered Nurse and may be filled at multiple career levels, based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and demonstrated skill set.
All qualified applicants will be considered for appropriate placement within the PACU Registered Nurse practice setting. If selected to move forward in the hiring process, candidates will be assessed through interviews and other job related evaluations conducted by the hiring manager and clinical leadership.
The final position level and corresponding compensation will be determined at the time of offer, based on the candidate's assessed competencies, experience, and alignment with the requirements of each level within the practice setting. Different career levels within this practice setting may carry additional certification, education, and experience requirements, which must be met to qualify for placement at the corresponding level.
Post Anesthesia Care nurses provide a critical role in the continuum of surgical care in all surgical settings by providing pre- and post-operative care to patients recovering following surgery or other procedures. They monitor vital signs, manage pain, and ensure patients regain consciousness safely. These nurses are essential in identifying complications early and providing immediate interventions.
Nurse Level 1 (N1) - Supervised Learner
  • Entry level nurse that develops foundational clinical skills while providing patient care under close supervision.

Nurse Level 2 (N2) - Independent Practitioner
  • Developing nurse that independently manages routine patient care and escalates more complex clinical needs as appropriate.

Nurse Level 3 (N3) - Confident Practitioner
  • Experienced nurse that independently manages typical patient complexity, anticipates needs, and adapts care to clinical variations.

Nurse Level 4 (N4) - Leader and Mentor
  • Advanced level clinician that leads complex cases and serves as a clinical resource and mentor to other nursing staff.

Qualifications
Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Utah, or obtain one within 90 days of hire under the interstate compact if switching residency to State of Utah. Must maintain current Interstate Compact (multi-state) license if residency is not being changed to Utah.
Qualifications (Preferred)
Preferred
  • Some positions may require additional certifications such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), or Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) within one year of hire.
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
Employee must be able to meet the following requirements with or without an accommodation.
  • This position involves intensive work that may exert up to 100 pounds and may consistently require lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling or otherwise moving objects, such as medical equipment, or patients while providing medical care. Workers in this position may be exposed to infectious diseases and may be required to function around prisoners and behavioral health patients.

Physical Requirements
Carrying, Climbing, Color Determination, Crawling, Far Vision, Lifting, Listening, Manual Dexterity, Near Vision, Non Indicated, Pulling and/or Pushing, Reaching, Sitting, Speaking, Standing, Stooping and Crouching, Walking

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