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Per Diem Pacu Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Travel PACU Registered Nurse

Washington, DC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Specialty: PACU - Post Anesthesia Care * Discipline: RN * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week ... Per Diem Allowance and Paid Travel * Licensure and Certification Reimbursement * Free Liability ...

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Registered Nurse, PACU (Per-Diem)

Arlington, VA · On-site

$51.75 - $73.85/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Position Title Registered Nurse, PACU (Per-Diem) Purpose & Scope: Across all levels, the registered professional nurse is responsible for the direct and indirect total nursing care of their assigned ...

Position TitleRegistered Nurse, PACU (Per-Diem) Purpose & Scope: Across all levels, the registered professional nurse is responsible for the direct and indirect total nursing care of their assigned ...

Registered Nurse, PACU (Per-Diem)

Arlington, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Position Title Registered Nurse, PACU (Per-Diem) Purpose & Scope: Across all levels, the registered professional nurse is responsible for the direct and indirect total nursing care of their assigned ...

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Per Diem Pacu information

See Washington salary details

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How much do per diem pacu jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average weekly pay for per diem pacu in Washington is $2,633.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $2,069.23 and $3,157.69 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a per diem PACU nurse?

Per Diem PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit) nurses are registered nurses who work on an as-needed basis to provide care to patients recovering from anesthesia after surgery or procedures. Unlike full-time staff, per diem nurses fill in for staff shortages, busy periods, or specific shifts, offering flexibility for both the nurse and the healthcare facility. Their responsibilities include monitoring patients' vital signs, managing pain, and ensuring a safe recovery from anesthesia. Per diem roles are common in hospitals and surgical centers, and these nurses must be skilled in post-anesthesia care and emergency response.

What are the main challenges faced by per diem PACU nurses, and how can they effectively adapt to different hospital environments?

Per diem PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit) nurses often face the challenge of quickly adapting to varying hospital protocols, team dynamics, and patient populations. Since they may work in multiple facilities or units, they need to be highly flexible, fast learners, and comfortable with changing equipment and documentation systems. Building strong communication skills and proactively seeking out unit-specific guidelines can help per diem PACU nurses integrate smoothly and provide high-quality care. Additionally, maintaining up-to-date certifications and staying current with best practices in post-anesthesia care are essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a per diem PACU nurse?

To thrive as a Per Diem PACU Nurse, you need strong clinical assessment skills, knowledge of post-anesthesia care, and a valid RN license, often with ACLS and PALS certifications. Familiarity with patient monitoring systems, electronic health records, and pain management protocols is typically required. Excellent communication, adaptability, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure effective patient recovery, safety, and teamwork in the dynamic PACU environment.

What is the difference between Per Diem Pacu vs Per Diem RN?

AspectPer Diem PacuPer Diem RN
CertificationsCPR, PALS, ACLS, Pacu-specific certificationsRN license, BLS, ACLS, PALS
Work EnvironmentPost-anesthesia care units, outpatient surgery centersHospitals, clinics, outpatient facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesMonitoring patients recovering from anesthesia, vital signs, recovery assessmentsPatient care, medication administration, vital signs, assessments
Industry UsageCommon in outpatient and surgical centersWidespread across healthcare settings

Per Diem Pacu and Per Diem RN both work in healthcare settings, but Pacu nurses specialize in post-anesthesia recovery, focusing on monitoring patients after surgery. RN roles are broader, encompassing various patient care duties across multiple departments. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right per diem position based on your certifications and career goals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pacu jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Pacu jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Per Diem Pacu jobs in Washington?

For Per Diem Pacu jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Per Diem Pacu jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Per Diem Pacu jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Per Diem Pacu jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Per Diem Pacu job openings:

Infographic showing various Per Diem Pacu job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 53% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 27% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,918 per year, or $65.8 per hour.

Registered Nurse, PACU (Per-Diem)

Virginia Hospital Center

Arlington, VA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Position Title

Registered Nurse, PACU (Per-Diem)

Job Description

Purpose & Scope:

Across all levels, the registered professional nurse is responsible for the direct and indirect total nursing care of their assigned patients. The RN is also responsible for the supervision of assigned personnel. The position requires knowledge of both department and hospital policies and procedures relevant to the delivery of nursing care. Interpretive skills, frequent interactive and consultative associations, along with management and supervisory skills are inherent in the position. The ability to retrieve, communicate or otherwise present information in a written, auditory or visual fashion is essential. The primary method to express or exchange ideas is through the spoken word. Written, telephone, and manual dexterity skills are required for this position.

Education:

Associate's in Nursing Required

Bachelor's in Nursing Preferred

Experience:

One year of Nursing/Patient Care in an acute care setting is required

Certification/Licensure:

Licensed as a Registered Nurse by the Virginia Department of Health Professions required or,

Compact State Licensure in Nursing required

BLS certification required

Registered Nurses on designated units are required to maintain certain certifications. New to practice area nurses or new graduates have 1 year to complete the specialty requirements below.

ACLS: ED, ICU, CVICU, Cardiac Cath Lab, Cardiopulmonary Rehab, Bronch Suite, Interventional Radiology, Radiology Safety Nurses, Step down Units (3A, 3B, 4B), 6A, 6B, 7A, Labor and Delivery, Hemodialysis, Respiratory Therapy, Float pool, GI Unit, and PACU

PALS: PACU: Pediatric Nurses, ED

NRP: NICU, Mother Baby, Labor and Delivery

De-escalation training: BHU, ED

Per policy ACLS or PALS cards stand as showing competence in BLS Skills per American Heart Association Guidelines. If an employee holds current ACLS or PALS certification, this meets the requirement for BLS in their job description. They do not need to also carry a separate BLS certification.