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Per Diem Pacu Rn Jobs in Hackensack, NJ (NOW HIRING)

PACU RN

Denville, NJ · On-site

$44 - $50/hr

Denville Surgery Center is hiring a per diem PACU RN! Welcome to Denville Surgery Center At Denville Surgery Center, we believe health and care are inseparable. We focus on offering a high quality ...

RN - PACU Registered Nurse - Health Advocates Network is urgently hiring PACU RNs with at least 2 ... Travel reimbursement and per diem allowances, Employee discounts, educational opportunities, and ...

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Englewood, NJ Unit: PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit) Position: RN Type: Travel Assignment Start Date: 5/20/2025 End Date: 8/19/2025 Shift: 7:00 PM - 7:00 AM (12-hour nights) Pay Rate: $80 per hour ...

Englewood, NJ Unit: PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit) Position: RN Type: Travel Assignment Start Date: 5/20/2025 End Date: 8/19/2025 Shift: 7:00 PM - 7:00 AM (12-hour nights) Pay Rate: $80 per hour ...

Responsibilities The PACU RN is accountable directly to the OR Charge Nurse and the Director of ... Employment Status Per Diem Shift Variable Equal Employment Opportunity Company is an equal ...

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Per Diem Pacu Rn information

See Hackensack, NJ salary details

$982

$2.5K

$3.8K

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

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average weekly pay for per diem pacu rn in Hackensack, NJ is $2,527.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,986.54 and $3,030.77 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?

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.
What cities near Hackensack, NJ are hiring for Per Diem Pacu Rn jobs? Cities near Hackensack, NJ with the most Per Diem Pacu Rn job openings:
Infographic showing various Per Diem Pacu Rn job openings in Hackensack, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 24% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,405 per year, or $63.2 per hour.

Registered Nurse, (Per Diem RN) Post Anesth Care Unit

RWJBarnabas Health

Elizabeth, NJ • On-site

$48.29 - $65.06/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago


RWJBarnabas Health rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 329 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

232nd of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Job Title: PD RN

Location: WILLIAMSON STREET

Department Name: Post Anesth Care Unit

Req #: 0000259175

Status: Hourly

Shift: Day

Pay Range: $48.29 - $65.06 per hour

Pay Transparency:

The above reflects the anticipated hourly wage range for this position if hired to work in New Jersey.

The compensation offered to the candidate selected for the position will depend on several factors, including the candidate's educational background, skills and professional experience.

At RWJBarnabas Health, our Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Registered Nurses provide expert care during one of the most critical phases of a patient's surgical experience. As a Per Diem PACU RN at Trinitas Regional Medical Center, you'll care for patients as they safely transition from anesthesia to recovery, utilizing advanced clinical assessment skills, sound judgment, and compassionate care to ensure optimal outcomes. Working alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, procedural teams, and multidisciplinary healthcare professionals, you'll play an essential role in delivering exceptional perioperative care while supporting patients and families during a vulnerable time. Joining RWJBarnabas Health means becoming part of a collaborative team where clinical excellence, innovation, and patient safety are at the center of everything we do.

As a Per Diem PACU Registered Nurse (RN), a typical day may include:

  • Performing comprehensive post-anesthesia assessments while closely monitoring patients recovering from surgical and procedural interventions
  • Supporting patients through the critical transition from an anesthetized state to a stable, awake condition by maintaining airway patency, adequate ventilation, hemodynamic stability, and circulation
  • Utilizing advanced clinical judgment to recognize subtle changes in patient condition, prioritize care, and intervene proactively to prevent complications
  • Assessing neurological status, level of consciousness, pain, and recovery progression while providing individualized pain management and symptom control
  • Administering medications, IV therapies, blood products, and other post-operative treatments in accordance with evidence-based practice and physician orders
  • Collaborating with surgeons, anesthesiologists, procedural teams, and interdisciplinary caregivers to ensure seamless patient transitions and continuity of care
  • Educating patients and families on recovery expectations, discharge instructions, medications, and post-procedure care to promote safe recovery at home
  • Maintaining accurate documentation within the electronic medical record while adhering to patient safety, infection prevention, and regulatory standards
  • Demonstrating strong teamwork, professionalism, and effective communication while fostering a positive, collaborative, perioperative environment
  • Participating in on-call coverage and maintaining clinical competencies to support the ongoing needs of the Surgical Services team

This role might be for you if:

  • You thrive in a fast-paced procedural environment where advanced assessment skills and rapid clinical decision-making are essential
  • You remain calm and confident while caring for patients recovering from anesthesia and complex surgical procedures
  • Strong critical thinking and sound clinical judgment guide every patient interaction
  • You enjoy collaborating with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and multidisciplinary teams to deliver exceptional perioperative care
  • You provide compassionate reassurance to patients and families during vulnerable moments of recovery
  • Patient safety, evidence-based practice, and continuous professional growth are central to your nursing practice
  • You value teamwork and contribute to a culture built on collaboration, accountability, and clinical excellence

To be considered for this Per Diem PACU Registered Nurse opportunity, you must be a graduate of an accredited school of nursing and hold an active New Jersey Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing. Current American Heart Association (AHA) BLS/CPR and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications are required. Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification is required or must be obtained within 60 days of hire. Candidates must possess a minimum of one year of PACU experience or two years of Emergency Department (ED) or Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nursing experience. Two or more years of PACU experience is strongly preferred. The ideal candidate demonstrates exceptional assessment skills, clinical judgment, adaptability, and the ability to provide safe, compassionate care to patients recovering from anesthesia and surgical procedures.

Per Diem Commitment

To support consistent patient care and operational excellence, per diem PACU nurses are expected to maintain the following scheduling commitments:

  • One regular work shift during each two-week scheduling cycle
  • One 12-hour weekend on-call shift each month
  • One summer holiday on-call shift annually
  • One winter holiday on-call shift annually

This per diem opportunity offers flexibility to maintain work-life balance while remaining an integral member of Trinitas Regional Medical Center's Surgical Services team, delivering exceptional post-anesthesia care in a collaborative, patient-centered environment.


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About RWJBarnabas Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s largest integrated health care delivery system, providing treatment and services to more than three million patients each year. Throughout RWJBarnabas Health, our dedicated physicians, nurses, and health professionals are committed to providing the highest quality of patient care and health education to the community and region. We aim to truly make a unique impact in local communities throughout New Jersey. From vastly improving the health of local residents to creating educational and career opportunities, this combination greatly benefits the state. We understand the growing and evolving needs of residents in New Jersey - whether that be enhancing the coordination for treating complex health conditions or improving community health through local programs and education.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Orange, NJ, US

Year founded

2015