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Per Diem Pacu Rn Jobs in Milwaukee, WI (NOW HIRING)

St. Francis Hospital Department: PACU Schedule: Full-time | Day Shift Life at Ascension: Where ... Licensed Registered Nurse credentialed from the Wisconsin Board of Nursing or current home state ...

New

St. Francis Hospital Department: PACU Schedule: Full-time | Day Shift Life at Ascension: Where ... Licensed Registered Nurse credentialed from the Wisconsin Board of Nursing or current home state ...

New

St. Francis Hospital Department: PACU Schedule: Full-time | Day Shift Life at Ascension: Where ... Licensed Registered Nurse credentialed from the Wisconsin Board of Nursing or current home state ...

New

Mary's Ozaukee Department: PACU Schedule: Roating Shifts | PRN Life at Ascension: Where purpose ... Registered Nurse credentialed from the Wisconsin Board of Nursing obtained prior to hire date or ...

Mary's Ozaukee Department: PACU Schedule: Roating Shifts | PRN Life at Ascension: Where purpose ... Registered Nurse credentialed from the Wisconsin Board of Nursing obtained prior to hire date or ...

Mary's Ozaukee Department: PACU Schedule: Roating Shifts | PRN What You Will Do * Maintain a ... Registered Nurse credentialed from the Wisconsin Board of Nursing obtained prior to hire date or ...

Mary's Ozaukee Department: PACU Schedule: Roating Shifts | PRN Life at Ascension: Where purpose ... Registered Nurse credentialed from the Wisconsin Board of Nursing obtained prior to hire date or ...

... per diem, temp-to-perm, and direct hire opportunities nationwide. Our clinical coverage includes Registered Nurse specialties such as ER, ICU, Med-Surg, Telemetry, Step-Down, OR, PACU, L&D, Mother ...

... per diem, temp-to-perm, and direct hire opportunities nationwide. Our clinical coverage includes Registered Nurse specialties such as ER, ICU, Med-Surg, Telemetry, Step-Down, OR, PACU, L&D, Mother ...

... per diem, temp-to-perm, and direct hire opportunities nationwide. Our clinical coverage includes Registered Nurse specialties such as ER, ICU, Med-Surg, Telemetry, Step-Down, OR, PACU, L&D, Mother ...

... per diem, temp-to-perm, and direct hire opportunities nationwide. Our clinical coverage includes Registered Nurse specialties such as ER, ICU, Med-Surg, Telemetry, Step-Down, OR, PACU, L&D, Mother ...

New

... per diem, temp-to-perm, and direct hire opportunities nationwide. Our clinical coverage includes Registered Nurse specialties such as ER, ICU, Med-Surg, Telemetry, Step-Down, OR, PACU, L&D, Mother ...

New

Travel Nurse RN - Cardiac Cath Lab

Franklin, WI · On-site

$2.3K - $3.1K/wk

... per diem, temp-to-perm, and direct hire opportunities nationwide. Our clinical coverage includes Registered Nurse specialties such as ER, ICU, Med-Surg, Telemetry, Step-Down, OR, PACU, L&D, Mother ...

New

... per diem, temp-to-perm, and direct hire opportunities nationwide. Our clinical coverage includes Registered Nurse specialties such as ER, ICU, Med-Surg, Telemetry, Step-Down, OR, PACU, L&D, Mother ...

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Showing results 1-20

Per Diem Pacu Rn information

See Milwaukee, WI salary details

$890

$2.3K

$3.4K

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

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average weekly pay for per diem pacu rn in Milwaukee, WI is $2,290.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,800.00 and $2,748.08 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 are the most commonly searched types of Pacu Rn jobs in Milwaukee, WI? The most popular types of Pacu Rn jobs in Milwaukee, WI are:
Infographic showing various Per Diem Pacu Rn job openings in Milwaukee, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 19% As Needed, 41% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,104 per year, or $57.3 per hour.
Registered Nurse PACU

Registered Nurse PACU

Ascension

Milwaukee, WI

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Ascension Healthcare rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 1,026 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

416th of 886 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Your future role at a glance 

Location: Milwaukee, WI 

Facility: St. Francis Hospital 

Department: PACU 

Schedule: Full-time | Day Shift 


Life at Ascension: Where purpose meets opportunity

Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service, growth, care and connection. We empower our 97,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining healthcare, together. Recognized as one of the Best 150+ Places to Work in Healthcare and a Military-Friendly Gold Employer, you’ll find an inclusive and supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.


Benefits that help you thrive
  • Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and HSA/FSA options
  • Financial security & retirement: employer-matched 403(b), planning and hardship resources, disability and life insurance
  • Time to recharge: pro-rated paid time off (PTO) and holidays
  • Career growth: Ascension-paid tuition (Vocare), reimbursement, ongoing professional development and online learning
  • Emotional well-being: Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management resources
  • Family support: parental leave, adoption assistance and family benefits
  • Other benefits: optional legal and pet insurance, transportation savings and more


How you’ll make an impact in this role
  • Follow aseptic sterile technique according to Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses / American Society of Peri Anesthesia Nurses (AORN/ASPAN) standards.
  • Evaluate patient's responses to treatments and interventions.
  • Manage patient's pain.
  • Anticipate case-specific needs based on knowledge of procedures performed and pathophysiology.

What minimum requirements you’ll need

Licensure/Certification/Registration:

  • BLS Provider credentialed from the American Heart Association (AHA) obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date required.
  • Licensed Registered Nurse credentialed from the Wisconsin Board of Nursing or current home state license for multi-state license recognition "Compact State" obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date required.

Education:

  • Graduate of a board-approved Registered Nurse Program required.
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.

What additional preferences we're seeking
  • 36 hours a week | Monday through Friday with variable shifts along with call requirements shared within the department
  • 3-5 years of nursing and recovery room experience highly preferred

Equal employment opportunity employer

Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, lactation, breastfeeding, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, all as defined by applicable law, and any other legally protected status or characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. For further information, view the EEO Know Your Rights (English) poster or EEO Know Your Rights (Spanish) poster.

Fraud prevention notice

Prospective applicants should be vigilant against fraudulent job offers and interview requests. Scammers may use sophisticated tactics to impersonate Ascension employees. To ensure your safety, please remember: Ascension will never ask for payment or to provide banking or financial information as part of the job application or hiring process. Our legitimate email communications will always come from an @ascension.org email address; do not trust other domains, and an official offer will only be extended to candidates who have completed a job application through our authorized applicant tracking system.

E-Verify statement

Employer does not participate in E-Verify and therefore cannot employ STEM OPT candidates.


What Ascension Healthcare employees say

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About Ascension

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Ascension is a leading non-profit, faith-based national health system made up of over 150,000 associates and 2,600 sites of care, including more than 140 hospitals and 40 senior living communities in 19 states.

Industry

Health care and social assistance and outpatient health care

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

St. Louis, MO, US