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Per Diem Pacu Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA (NOW HIRING)

Ochsner Health

Registered Nurse

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

Telemetry / PCU. * Step-Down. * L&D / Mother-Baby. * OR / PACU. * Cath Lab. * Oncology. * Behavioral Health. Requirements: * Active LA RN license (or compact). * BLS required; ACLS/PALS/NRP per unit ...

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Per Diem Pacu information

See Baton Rouge, LA salary details

$867

$2.2K

$3.3K

How much do per diem pacu jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average weekly pay for per diem pacu in Baton Rouge, LA is $2,232.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,753.85 and $2,676.92 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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Per Diem Pacu jobs in Baton Rouge, LA?

For Per Diem Pacu jobs in Baton Rouge, LA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Per Diem Pacu jobs in Baton Rouge, LA look for?

The top searched job categories for Per Diem Pacu jobs in Baton Rouge, LA are:

Per Diem Pacu jobs near you
Infographic showing various Per Diem Pacu job openings in Baton Rouge, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 55% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 31% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $116,081 per year, or $55.8 per hour.

Registered Nurse- Pre-Op/PACU

Perkins Plaza Ambulatory Surgery Center

Baton Rouge, LA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

DESCRIPTION
Job Summary: The Pre-Op/PACU Registered Nurse is responsible for providing professional nursing care to patients in the pre-operative and post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) of a surgery center. The RN ensures safe, efficient, and compassionate care before and after surgical or procedural interventions. This position requires critical thinking, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
Pre-Operative Duties:
  • Conduct pre-operative assessments including medical history review, vital signs, and medication reconciliation.
  • Educate patients and families regarding the surgical procedure, anesthesia process, and post-operative expectations.
  • Confirm patient identity, surgical procedure, and consent forms per protocol.
  • Start IVs, administer pre-operative medications, and ensure proper surgical site markings are completed.
  • Collaborate with anesthesia, surgical team, and administrative staff to coordinate care.

Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Duties:
  • Receive patients from the operating room and monitor them through the immediate post-anesthesia period.
  • Assess airway, breathing, circulation, pain, level of consciousness, and surgical site.
  • Administer medications and treatments as prescribed, including pain management.
  • Provide emotional support and education to patients and families during recovery.
  • Monitor for complications and respond to emergencies following ACLS/PALS protocols as applicable.
  • Document all care and assessments thoroughly and accurately in the electronic medical record.

Skills and Abilities:
  • Strong assessment and critical thinking skills.
  • Ability to work independently and prioritize effectively.
  • Proficient in IV insertion, medication administration, and emergency response.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Familiarity with EMR systems and documentation standards.
  • Committed to patient safety and infection control practices.

Working Conditions:
  • Fast-paced ambulatory surgery environment.
  • Frequent standing, walking, lifting, and exposure to bodily fluids and sharp instruments.
  • May be required to work extended shifts depending on patient needs.

REQUIREMENTS
  • Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing. BSN preferred.
  • Current RN license in the state of practice.
  • BLS and ACLS required. PALS may be required depending on patient population.
  • Minimum 1-2 years of experience in pre-op, PACU, ICU, or ER preferred. Ambulatory surgery center experience a plus.

At the Baton Rouge Orthopedic Clinic our goal is to provide a seamless continuum of health care services to maximize patient outcomes and convenience. We offer an organized and coordinated continuum to provide better and timelier feedback between the patient, physician, and ancillary services provider. Our main campus is located on Bluebonnet, but we have various clinics and therapies across the state of Louisiana as well as the BROC foundation that supports local schools and athletic programs by providing services throughout various communities.

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