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

PreOp/PACU RN

Paramus, NJ · On-site

$48 - $50/hr

Per Diem PreOp/PACU RN Endoscopy Center of Bergen County is hiring a per diem PreOp/PACU RN! At Endoscopy Center of Bergen County (also known as Paramus Endoscopy, LLC) we believe health and care are ...

Registered Nurse (RN) - PACU Department: Medical Employment Type: Flexible Location: Millburn ... Per Diem OR Full-Time * Onsite * Address: 37 E Willow St, Millburn, NJ 07041 Benefits * 401(k) ...

PreOp/PACU RN

Verona, NJ · On-site

$48 - $51/hr

Suburban Endoscopy Center Hiring Per Diem PreOp/PACU RN At Suburban Endoscopy Center, we believe health and care are inseparable. We focus on offering a high quality, service oriented environment for ...

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 Travel PACU RN for a 13-week assignment. The ideal candidate will have a ...

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Per Diem Pacu information

See Hackensack, NJ salary details

$982

$2.5K

$3.8K

How much do per diem pacu jobs pay per week?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average weekly pay for per diem pacu 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 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 Hackensack, NJ?

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

What job categories do people searching Per Diem Pacu jobs in Hackensack, NJ look for?

The top searched job categories for Per Diem Pacu jobs in Hackensack, NJ are:

What cities near Hackensack, NJ are hiring for Per Diem Pacu jobs?

Cities near Hackensack, NJ with the most Per Diem Pacu job openings:

Infographic showing various Per Diem Pacu job openings in Hackensack, NJ as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 52% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical 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

Per diem

Re-posted 9 days ago


RWJBarnabas Health rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 332 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

231st of 898 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