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Per Diem Pacu Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Specialty: PACU - Post Anesthesia Care * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 07/02/2026 * Duration: 4 ... Per Diem * Staffing for every segment of the healthcare industry including, RNs, LPNs, and CNAs, ...

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Per Diem Pacu information

See salary details

$903

$2.3K

$3.5K

How much do per diem pacu jobs pay per week?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average weekly pay for per diem pacu in the United States is $2,324.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,826.92 and $2,788.46 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Per Diem PACU nurses?

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 (Post Anesthesia Care Unit) Nurse, and why are they important?

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.

More about Per Diem Pacu jobs
What cities are hiring for Per Diem Pacu jobs? Cities with the most Per Diem Pacu job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Pacu jobs? The most popular types of Pacu jobs are:
What states have the most Per Diem Pacu jobs? States with the most job openings for Per Diem Pacu jobs include:
Infographic showing various Per Diem Pacu job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 8% As Needed, 3% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 79% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,888 per year, or $58.1 per hour.
Registered Nurse (PACU)

Registered Nurse (PACU)

Greenlife Healthcare Staffing

New Orleans, LA โ€ข On-site

$39/hr

Contractor

Posted 24 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assess and monitor post-surgical patients upon arrival to PACU, including airway patency, breathing, circulation, vital signs, oxygen saturation, level of consciousness, and surgical sites.

  • Administer medications for pain control, nausea, shivering, and blood pressure management as ordered.

  • Communicate effectively with anesthesia providers and surgeons regarding patient status, vital sign trends, and any concerns.


Job description

Registered Nurse (PACU) - New Orleans, LA (#SM0129)
Schedule based on your preferred hours and days!
No Client Interview Needed. Start right after credentialing!
Get immediate login access to the platform with all open shifts!
Location: New Orleans, LA
Employment Type: Per-Diem
Hourly Rate: $39.54 per hour
Position Overview:
We are currently seeking a Registered Nurse (PACU) to fill an opening at a hospital located in New Orleans, LA. This role focuses on providing immediate post-anesthesia care to patients recovering from surgical procedures, ensuring safe emergence from anesthesia and stable transition to the appropriate care setting.
Why Join Us?
  • Competitive Compensation: $39.54 per hour
  • Work Schedule:
    • This is a per-diem position
    • 7:30 am - 4:00 pm CDT (30 min break)
    • 7:30 am - 4:00 pm CST (30 min break)
  • Professional Growth: Gain valuable experience in a collaborative, innovative, and supportive environment.
  • Impactful Work: Contribute to a mission-driven organization dedicated to improving patient outcomes.

Qualifications:
  • Education: Completion of an accredited Registered Nurse (RN) program (Associate's or Bachelor's degree).
  • Licensure: Active Louisiana state RN license and current BLS Certification.
  • Experience: At least one year of relevant experience is required.
  • Technical Skills: Proficient in airway management, pain management (including PCA pumps and epidurals), hemodynamic monitoring, management of post-op nausea/vomiting (PONV), and care of surgical drains, catheters, and wound vacs.
  • Soft Skills: Strong critical thinking and rapid assessment abilities; calm and decisive in emergency situations; excellent communication with anesthesiologists, surgeons, and OR staff; compassionate patient and family interaction.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Assess and monitor post-surgical patients upon arrival to PACU, including airway patency, breathing, circulation (ABCs), vital signs, oxygen saturation, level of consciousness, and surgical site(s).
  • Manage emergence from general anesthesia, regional blocks (spinal, epidural), and monitored anesthesia care (MAC).
  • Administer medications for pain control, nausea, shivering, and blood pressure management as ordered.
  • Monitor for and respond to immediate post-op complications including respiratory depression, laryngospasm, hypotension, hypertension, bleeding, or anaphylaxis.
  • Assess and manage incision sites, dressings, drains (Jackson-Pratt, Hemovac), chest tubes, and urinary catheters.
  • Communicate effectively with anesthesia providers and surgeons regarding patient status, vital sign trends, and any concerns.
  • Use sedation scales (e.g., Aldrete score, RASS) to determine readiness for discharge from PACU to the next level of care (Med/Surg, Stepdown, ICU, or Phase II discharge home).
  • Educate patients and families on post-procedure expectations, pain management, activity restrictions, and follow-up care.
  • Document all assessments, interventions, medications, and discharge criteria in the EMR accurately and promptly.


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About Greenlife Healthcare Staffing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Greenlife Healthcare Staffing is a nationwide recruitment agency, matching both new grads and advanced practitioners to hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, multi-specialty groups, and private practices.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

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