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Post Anesthesia Care Jobs (NOW HIRING)

California Pain

PACU Nurse

San Diego, CA · On-site

Negotiable A PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit) nurse is a specialized nurse who cares for patients who have just undergone surgery or a procedure that required anesthesia. Their primary role is to ...

California Pain

PACU Nurse

San Diego, CA · On-site

Negotiable A PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit) nurse is a specialized nurse who cares for patients who have just undergone surgery or a procedure that required anesthesia. Their primary role is to ...

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Post Anesthesia Care information

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How much do post anesthesia care jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 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 are the typical challenges faced by nurses working in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), 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 can I do after anesthesia?

Post Anesthesia Care involves monitoring patients as they recover from anesthesia, ensuring vital signs stabilize and managing pain or nausea. After anesthesia, patients typically stay in a recovery area until they are alert and stable, and healthcare providers may provide instructions for post-discharge care or follow-up. The role requires knowledge of patient assessment, vital sign monitoring, and emergency response skills.

What is the highest paying job in anaesthesia?

The highest paying roles in anesthesia are often anesthesiologist positions, which require extensive training and certification. Anesthesiologists typically earn higher salaries than nurse anesthetists or anesthesia technicians due to their advanced education and responsibilities in perioperative care.

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.

What does a post-anesthesia care nurse do?

A post-anesthesia care nurse, also known as a PACU nurse, monitors patients recovering from anesthesia after surgery or procedures. They assess vital signs, manage pain, ensure patient stability, and provide education on recovery before discharge, often working in hospital recovery units with specialized training and certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Nurse, and why are they important?

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 other jobs can anesthesiologists do?

Anesthesiologists can transition into roles such as pain management specialists, critical care physicians, or medical directors in hospitals. They often utilize their expertise in physiology, pharmacology, and patient monitoring, and may work in outpatient clinics, research, or healthcare administration.

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.
More about Post Anesthesia Care jobs
What cities are hiring for Post Anesthesia Care jobs? Cities with the most Post Anesthesia Care job openings:
What job categories do people searching Post Anesthesia Care jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Post Anesthesia Care jobs are:
Post Anesthesia Care jobs near you
Infographic showing various Post Anesthesia Care job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,937 per year, or $54.8 per hour.

Travel Nurse RN - PACU - Post Anesthesia Care

GHR Healthcare

Lancaster, PA • On-site

$1.4K - $1.5K/wk

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

GHR Healthcare is seeking a travel nurse RN PACU - Post Anesthesia Care for a travel nursing job in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: PACU - Post Anesthesia Care
  • Discipline: RN
  • Start Date: 08/18/2026
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 24 hours per week
  • Shift: 8 hours
  • Employment Type: Travel

PACU Registered Nurse (RN) Contract Opportunity in Lancaster, PA

Experienced PACU RN needed for a 13-week contract in Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17602. This on-site perioperative nursing role is ideal for a clinically strong Registered Nurse with recent pre-op, post-op, and PACU experience who thrives in a fast-paced surgical recovery environment. Join a collaborative healthcare team and help deliver safe, compassionate post-anesthesia care in the welcoming Lancaster, PA community.

Job Details
  • Weekly Estimated Pay: $1420-$1500
  • Specialty: PACU / Post Anesthesia Care Unit
  • Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17602
  • Start Date: 8/18/2026
  • Duration: 13-week contract
  • Schedule: Part-time, 24 hours per week
  • Shift: Wednesday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM and/or 8:00 AM-4:30 PM; potential coverage on Monday-Tuesday as needed
  • Work Setting: On-site in Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17602
Job Requirements
  • 2+ years of recent Pre-Op, Post-Op, and PACU nursing experience required
  • Active Pennsylvania RN license or Compact RN license required
  • BSN required
  • ACLS certification required upon submission
  • BLS certification required upon submission
  • Strong clinical assessment, monitoring, and recovery care skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a perioperative and surgical recovery team environment
Responsibilities
  • Provide skilled PACU nursing care to patients in the pre-operative and post-anesthesia care setting
  • Monitor patients closely for changes in condition during recovery from anesthesia and surgical procedures
  • Perform focused assessments, document patient status, and communicate updates to the care team
  • Administer medications and treatments in accordance with established protocols
  • Support safe patient transitions through pre-op, recovery, and discharge processes
  • Educate patients and families regarding post-procedure care and recovery expectations
  • Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and interdisciplinary staff to ensure high-quality patient outcomes

Apply now to take the next step in your PACU nursing career in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Benefits

401K with Matching, Healthcare, Dental and Vision

Equal Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity across our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

GHR Healthcare Job ID #502948. Pay package is based on 8 hour shifts and 24 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: PACU

About GHR Healthcare

For over 30 years, GHR Healthcare has been the bridge between healthcare

professionals and the facilities that need them nationwide. We're committed to

uncovering your ideal fit, supported by GHR's dedication to competitive

compensation, transparent communication, and a devoted team that genuinely

cares about your career journey. You can trust us to stand by your side as your

advocate, confidante, and partner in advancing your career. At GHR, care and

consideration are at the heart of everything we do. Visit ghrhealthcare.com to

learn more.

Apply