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Per Diem Pacu Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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RN - PACU

Los Alamos, NM

$1.50K/wk

RN - PACU PACU nursing involves the care of patients who are recovering from surgery, particularly ... Client Affiliate time business day prior to shift for Per Diem Staff

ATC West Healthcare

RN PACU Per Diem

Colton, CA

$973/wk

RN Post Anesthesia Care Unit Per Diem , Colton, CA, USA. $973/shift Work Type: Per Diem Pay: $973/shift Location: Colton, CA Title: RN PACU Certifications: AHA BLS,AHA ACLS, AHA PALS, NIH, DL, CA RN ...

ATC West Healthcare

RN PACU - Per Diem

Colton, CA

$61 - $64/hr

ATC HEALTHCARE IS CURRENTLY HIRING FOR REGISTERED NURSE PACU PER DIEM ASSIGNMENT FOR A PROMINENT HEALTHCARE FACILITY IN COLTON, CA $61-$64/HR Type: Per Diem Specialty: RN PACU Location: Colton, CA ...

ATC West Healthcare

RN PACU - Per Diem

Colton, CA

$61 - $64/hr

ATC HEALTHCARE IS CURRENTLY HIRING FOR REGISTERED NURSE PACU PER DIEM ASSIGNMENT FOR A PROMINENT HEALTHCARE FACILITY IN COLTON, CA $61-$64/HR Type: Per Diem Specialty: RN PACU Location: Colton, CA ...

Holy Family Hospital

RN - PACU

Los Alamos, NM · On-site

$1.50K/wk

RN - PACU PACU nursing involves the care of patients who are recovering from surgery, particularly ... Client Affiliate time business day prior to shift for Per Diem Staff

ATC West Healthcare

RN PACU - PER DIEM

Placentia, CA

$65/hr

ASSIGNMENT DETAILS FOR RN - PACU: Work Type: Per Diem Location: Torrance , CA Title: Registered Nurse Specialty: PACU Start Date: ASAP Assignment Length: TBD Shift length: 8 hrs, 10hrs, 12hrs Shift:

IntelyCare

Registered Nurse PACU

Kansas City, MO

This position is on a per diem basis, meaning PD/PRN as needed. Responsibilities If you have at ... Nurse, PACU Nurse or Surgical Nurse you are encouraged to apply! Essential Duties and ...

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Per Diem Pacu information

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$903

$2.3K

$3.5K

How much do per diem pacu jobs pay per week?

As of Jun 1, 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 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 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 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.

Does per diem nursing pay more?

Per diem PACU nursing often pays higher hourly rates compared to full-time positions due to the flexibility and short-term nature of the work. However, it may lack benefits like health insurance and paid time off, which are typically included in salaried roles. Overall compensation depends on location, experience, and agency policies.

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:
What job categories do people searching Per Diem Pacu jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Per Diem Pacu jobs are:
Per Diem Pacu jobs near you
Infographic showing various Per Diem Pacu job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Locum Tenens, 28% As Needed, 27% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,888 per year, or $58.1 per hour.
Registered Nurse PACU

Registered Nurse PACU

Prime Healthcare

Kansas City, MO

Per diem

Medical, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago

Prime Healthcare rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 268 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

659th of 864 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Shift’s Available: Variable 

Employment Type: Per Diem (PD/PRN) 

Hours: Variable 

Location: St. Joseph Medical Center - Kansas City, MO

Here are some of the benefits of working at Prime Healthcare: 

  • Competitive compensation  
  • Medical insurance benefit plan 
  • 401K  

We are seeking a Post Anesthesia Care RN, also referred to as a PACU Nurse or PACU RN in the recovery room area for our post anesthesia care unit (PACU). The PACU RN, or Recovery Room Nurse, plays a critical role in our surgery center by caring for patients as they regain consciousness after surgery or other perioperative procedures requiring anesthesia. PACU RNs are essential in ensuring a safe recovery from anesthesia, addressing any complications promptly, and supporting patients through the critical early stages of post-operative or perioperative care. This position is on a per diem basis, meaning PD/PRN as needed. 


**If you have at least one year of experience in the Perioperative area of the operating room as a Circulator, OR Nurse, PACU Nurse or Surgical Nurse you are encouraged to apply! 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (includes, but not limited to): 

  • Closely monitor patients’ vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and respiration, to detect any complications early 
  • Assess and manage pain levels, administer medications as needed to keep the patient comfortable 
  • Ensure the patient maintains a clear airway and adequate breathing, address any respiratory issues that may arise post-anesthesia 
  • Continuously assess the patient’s level of consciousness, neurological status, and overall stability as they recover from anesthesia 
  • Inspect surgical sites, manage drains, and dress wounds as necessary, while observing for signs of infection or other complications 
  • Offer reassurance and comfort to patients as they wake up, often disoriented, in a calm and soothing environment, keep the patient’s family informed about their condition and the expected timeline for recovery 
  • Communicate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals regarding the patient’s status and any concerns that arise 
  • Document all aspects of care provided, including medications administered, patient responses, and any interventions performed 
  • Deliver post-operative discharge instructions to outpatients prior to discharge 

Education and Work Experience

  1. Current and valid state RN License.
  2. Current BLS (AHA) certificate upon hire and maintain current.
  3. ACLS (AHA) certificate 30 days upon hire and maintain current.
  4. PALS (AHA) certificate preferred.
  5. Previous Critical Care or PACU experience or minimum of one year on the job training.
  6. Critical Care RN (CCRN) preferred.
  7. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.

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Per Diem
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Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. Company prohibits discrimination against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (subject to applicable law), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Know Your Rights: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf

 

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