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Per Diem Pacu Rn Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

RN, PACU

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$2.6K/wk

RN, PACU Care Career is looking for PACU RN's to fulfill an assignment in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Gross pay: $2,660 Hourly rate: $28 Weekly stipend: $1,540 Shift: 5x8 hour night shift Shifts per week ...

RN - PACU PACU nursing involves the care of patients who are recovering from surgery, particularly when the application of anesthesia is involved. Once the patient sufficiently recovers from the ...

RN - PACU

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$2.6K/wk

Details Client Name Froedtert Hospital - Milwaukee Job Type Travel Offering Nursing Profession RN Specialty PACU Job ID 37315078 Job Title RN - PACU Weekly Pay $2660.0 Shift Details Week 1 Shift 5x8 ...

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Per Diem Pacu Rn information

See Wisconsin salary details

$912

$2.3K

$3.5K

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

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average weekly pay for per diem pacu rn in Wisconsin is $2,346.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,844.23 and $2,815.38 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 Wisconsin are hiring for Per Diem Pacu Rn jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Per Diem Pacu Rn job openings:
Infographic showing various Per Diem Pacu Rn job openings in Wisconsin as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 19% As Needed, 45% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,019 per year, or $58.7 per hour.
Travel Nurse RN - PACU - Post Anesthesia Care - $2,208 per week

Travel Nurse RN - PACU - Post Anesthesia Care - $2,208 per week

Focus

Madison, WI • On-site

$2.2K/wk

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Focus Staff is seeking a travel nurse RN PACU - Post Anesthesia Care for a travel nursing job in Madison, Wisconsin.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: PACU - Post Anesthesia Care
  • Discipline: RN
  • Start Date: 08/17/2026
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 40 hours per week
  • Shift: 8 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Travel

Focus Staff is seeking a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse for a travel contract in Madison, WI. The ideal candidate will have at least 1 year of experience in a PACU setting.

Contract Length: 13 Weeks

Start Date: 08/17/2026

Shift: 5x8 Days

Benefits for Travel PACU RNs:

  • Health insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Licensure reimbursement
  • Travel reimbursement
  • Relocation assistance
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Competitive pay
  • Referral bonus
  • Holiday bonus

Requirements:

  • 1 Year of Experience, 2 Preferred
  • Valid WI RN License
  • BLS (Basic Life Support)
  • ACLS
  • Eligible to work in the United States

About Focus Staff:

Focus Staff is a traveler-first nurse and healthcare staffing agency! We prioritize the needs of our travelers, giving you complete control over your journey. Our mission is to help you create the life you love, explore the country and do what you do best, help others.

Interested in becoming a traveler with Focus Staff? Discover why travelers choose us, apply today!

All-Star Status:

  • Dallas 100 (Multiple Years in a Row)
  • Inc. 5000
  • Middle Market 50
  • Certified by The Joint Commission
  • Best of Staffing Talent Satisfaction 2022
  • Best of Staffing Client Satisfaction 2022
  • Fastest-Growing US Staffing Firms 2017

If you’re seeking a Travel Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Nurse position in Madison, WI and are looking to work with an agency that will listen to your needs and career goals, then Focus Staff is the right place to be. We are proud of our ability to build relationships with all our healthcare professionals, whether you’re seeking travel assignments, PR or permanent positions.

We Offer:

  • Immediate Openings
  • Weekly Pay through Direct Deposits
  • Flexible Schedules
  • Day and Night Shifts Available
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Guaranteed Hours (based on employer)
  • Travel Assistance
  • Dedicated/Responsive Recruiters
  • Day One Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
  • Generous Housing Stipend
  • 24/7 Support
  • Company Provided Housing Options
  • Referral Bonus ($600)
  • Loyalty Bonus ($1,200)
  • Discounts/Coupons to Hotels
  • Access to Jobs in all 50 States
  • Painless Credentialing Process
  • U.S.A.-based Company
  • Equal Opportunity Employer
  • Joint Commission Certified
  • Licensure Reimbursement
  • Pet-Friendly
  • Access to Discounts, Rewards, and more

Other Information:

Job Title: Travel PACU Nurse

Employment Time: Contract/Travel

Date Posted: 07/08/2026 05:15:11 PM

Valid Through: 11/16/2026

Job City: Madison

Job State: WI

Job Country: USA

Shift: 5x8 Days

Job ID: a0xVt00000QMnvxIAD

Hiring Organization: Focus Staff

Focus Staff is an EEO/AA (Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action) Employer.

Estimated pay package based on bill rate at time job was posted. Bill rates can change frequently and without notice. Exact pay package may vary based on several factors, including, but not limited to, guaranteed hours, travel distance, demand, experience, etc.

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Focus Staff Job ID #a0xVt00000QMnvxIAD. Pay package is based on 8 hour shifts and 40 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: Travel PACU RN - Post Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse

About Focus Staff

Your Journey, Our Focus. Travel Confidently, Care Boldly with Focus Staff.

At Focus Staff, we’re here to make your travel healthcare career rewarding, seamless, and stress-free.

Whether you’re a travel nurse, therapist, or allied health professional, we take care of the details so you can focus on what you do best — caring for others. Our mission is simple: to help healthcare heroes like you thrive, no matter where your journey takes you.

With thousands of job opportunities across all 50 states, our dedicated recruiters work closely with you to match you to the right assignment, based on what matters most to you — pay, location, benefits, or career growth.

From day one, you’ll enjoy premium benefits like medical coverage that bridges between assignments, 401K matching, travel and licensing reimbursements, and personalized housing support. Plus, our team is here for you 24/7, with clinical support available whenever you need guidance or backup.

At Focus Staff, we believe in making every assignment a smooth, comfortable, and empowering experience. Let’s make your next adventure your best one yet.

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