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Post Anesthesia Care Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Details Client Name Sanford Medical Center - Fargo Job Type Travel Offering Nursing Profession RN Specialty PACU - Post Anesthesia Care Job ID 37826674 Job Title RN - PACU - Post Anesthesia Care ...

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PACU

New Orleans, LA ยท On-site

PACU New Orleans, Louisiana, United States $ None - 65.00 (US Dollar) Or refer someone Job Openings PACU About the Job PACU We are seeking an experienced and compassionate Post Anesthesia Care Unit ...

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Post Anesthesia Care information

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$54

$192

How much do post anesthesia care jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for post anesthesia care in the United States is $54.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $41.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a post anesthesia care nurse?

A Post Anesthesia Care Nurse, often called a PACU nurse, is a registered nurse who cares for patients recovering from anesthesia after surgery or medical procedures. Their responsibilities include monitoring vital signs, assessing patients for pain or complications, administering medications, and ensuring a safe recovery from anesthesia. PACU nurses play a critical role in identifying and managing any immediate post-surgical issues, providing support to both patients and their families during the initial recovery period.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a post anesthesia care nurse?

To thrive as a Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Nurse, you need a solid background in perioperative nursing, critical care, and patient assessment, generally supported by a nursing degree and RN licensure, with ACLS and PALS certifications highly encouraged. Familiarity with post-anesthesia monitoring equipment, electronic health records (EHRs), and pain management protocols is essential. Exceptional attention to detail, rapid decision-making, and compassionate communication are vital soft skills for responding to patients' immediate post-surgical needs. These skills ensure patient safety, effective recovery, and seamless care transitions in a high-acuity environment.

What are the typical challenges faced by nurses working in the post anesthesia care unit, and how can new team members prepare for them?

Nurses in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) often encounter challenges such as monitoring patients for complications as they recover from anesthesia, managing pain and nausea, and responding promptly to changes in vital signs. The environment can be fast-paced, requiring strong assessment skills, quick decision-making, and effective communication with surgical teams and anesthesiologists. New team members can prepare by familiarizing themselves with common post-operative complications, developing proficiency in patient monitoring technology, and seeking opportunities for mentorship from experienced PACU nurses. Regular training and simulation exercises can also help build confidence for handling emergencies.

What is the difference between Post Anesthesia Care vs Anesthesiologist Assistant?

AspectPost Anesthesia CareAnesthesiologist Assistant
CredentialsRegistered Nurse (RN) with specialized training in PACUMaster's degree in Anesthesiology assisting
Work EnvironmentPost-surgical recovery units, hospitalsOperating rooms, anesthesia teams
Employer & IndustryHospitals, surgical centersHospitals, anesthesia practices
Primary RoleMonitoring and caring for patients recovering from anesthesiaAssisting anesthesiologists in administering anesthesia and patient management

Post Anesthesia Care providers focus on patient recovery and monitoring after anesthesia, while Anesthesiologist Assistants support anesthesiologists in administering anesthesia and perioperative care. Both roles are vital in surgical settings but differ in scope, training, and responsibilities.

More about Post Anesthesia Care jobs

What cities are hiring for Post Anesthesia Care jobs?

Cities with the most Post Anesthesia Care job openings:

Infographic showing various Post Anesthesia Care job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,937 per year, or $54.8 per hour.

RN - PACU - Post Anesthesia Care

Genesis - West Region(Genesis Healthcare Uptown)

Madison, WI โ€ข On-site

$3.0K/wk

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Medical, Dental

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Job description

Details
Client Name
UW Health American Family Childrens Hospital
Job Type
Travel
Offering
Nursing
Profession
RN
Specialty
PACU - Post Anesthesia Care
Job ID
37682461
Job Title
RN - PACU - Post Anesthesia Care
Weekly Pay
$3008.4
Shift Details
Shift
4x12 Nights
Scheduled Hours
48
Job Order Details
Start Date
09/14/2026
End Date
01/11/2027
Duration
17 Week(s)
Job Description
Weekly rate listed is an estimate and can vary based on the applicant's home location, VMS Fees, and onboarding costs.
Our Client is currently seeking PACU - Post Anesthesia Care for positions in Madison, Wisconsin for a 4x12 Nights, 19:00:00-07:00:00, 12.00-4 shift.
The ideal candidate will possess a current Wisconsin license. This is a RN position in the SURG/OR - PRE/POST & PACU - RN,21110813040362. You must have a Nursing License and at least 2 years of recent experience as a RN - PACU - Post Anesthesia Care.
Requirements
โ€ข Current Resume
โ€ข Nursing License per state
โ€ข Current BLS and/or ACLS and/or Specialty Certifications
โ€ข 2 current clinical references
โ€ข Competitive pay rates
โ€ข Health/Dental Benefit package
โ€ข License reimbursement
โ€ข Refer a friend and earn extra cash!
Client Details
City
Madison
State
WI
Zip Code
53705