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Post Anesthesia Care Unit Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PACU

RN PACU

East Wareham, MA · On-site

$40.35 - $71.76/hr

Location: PACU - Tobey Hospital - Wareham, MA; This is a recovery center position must be willing to rotate through all areas of perioperative services, ASU, PACU, ENDO, CPU A career at Southcoast ...

ASA Healthcare Staffing

PACU

New Orleans, LA · 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 ...

Talent4Health

RN - PACU - Post Anesthesia Care

Fargo, ND · On-site

$2.5K/wk

Details Client Name Sanford Medical Center - Fargo Job Type Travel Offering Nursing Profession RN Specialty PACU - Post Anesthesia Care Job ID 37826675 Job Title RN - PACU - Post Anesthesia Care ...

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How much do post anesthesia care unit jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for post anesthesia care unit 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 unit nurse?

A Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in caring for patients recovering from anesthesia following surgery or other medical procedures. These nurses closely monitor patients for complications as they wake up from anesthesia, manage pain, and ensure vital signs remain stable. PACU nurses must be skilled in critical care, assessment, and quick decision-making to respond to any post-anesthesia emergencies. They also provide support and information to patients and their families during the recovery process.

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

To thrive as a Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Nurse, you need strong clinical assessment skills, knowledge of post-anesthesia recovery protocols, and an active RN license, often with ACLS and PALS certifications. Familiarity with patient monitoring systems, electronic health records (EHRs), and pain management equipment is typically required. Exceptional attention to detail, rapid critical thinking, and compassionate communication help nurses excel in this high-acuity environment. These skills are essential for ensuring patient safety, timely interventions, and optimal recovery after anesthesia.

What are some common challenges faced by nurses working in the post anesthesia care unit?

Nurses in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit often face the challenge of closely monitoring patients who are waking up from anesthesia, which can involve rapidly changing vital signs and unpredictable reactions. Quick decision-making and strong assessment skills are essential, as nurses must identify and respond to complications such as airway obstruction or pain management issues. The environment is fast-paced, with frequent admissions and discharges, requiring effective communication with surgical teams, anesthesiologists, and families. Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team and staying updated on protocols helps ensure patient safety and high-quality care.

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

AspectPost Anesthesia Care UnitAnesthesiologist
CredentialsRegistered Nurse (RN) with post-anesthesia certificationMedical degree (MD or DO) and anesthesia residency
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers, recovery roomsHospitals, clinics, surgical theaters
RoleMonitors and cares for patients recovering from anesthesiaAdministers anesthesia, manages pain, and oversees perioperative care

The Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) staff primarily focuses on patient recovery and monitoring after anesthesia, while anesthesiologists are medical doctors responsible for administering anesthesia and perioperative management. Both roles are essential in surgical settings but differ in training, responsibilities, and scope of practice.

How much do post-anesthesia care unit nurses make?

Post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) nurses typically earn a median annual salary of around $75,000 to $85,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications such as ACLS or PALS. Salaries can vary based on healthcare facility and shift differentials, with some earning over $100,000 annually in high-demand areas.

What does a post anesthesia care unit do?

A post anesthesia care unit (PACU) is a specialized area where patients are monitored and cared for immediately after surgery or anesthesia. Staff in the PACU assess vital signs, manage pain, and ensure patients recover safely from anesthesia before transferring them to other units or discharging them. Critical skills include monitoring equipment and understanding anesthesia effects.
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What states have the most Post Anesthesia Care Unit jobs?

States with the most job openings for Post Anesthesia Care Unit jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Post Anesthesia Care Unit jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Post Anesthesia Care Unit jobs are:

Post Anesthesia Care Unit jobs near you
Infographic showing various Post Anesthesia Care Unit job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,937 per year, or $54.8 per hour.

RN PACU

East Wareham, MA • On-site

PACU
See more jobs at PACUexternal

$40.35 - $71.76/hr

Other

Retirement

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

RN Position at Southcoast Health

Community Focused. Care Driven.

Join Southcoast Health, where your future is as promising as the care we provide. Our commitment to each other, our patients, and our community is more than a mission - it's our way of life, and you'll be at the heart of it.

Southcoast Health is a not-for-profit, charitable, health system with multiple hospitals, clinics and facilities throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Nestled in local communities, Southcoast Health provides inclusive, ethical workplaces where our highly skilled caregivers offer world-class, comprehensive healthcare close to home.

Find out for yourself why Southcoast Health has been voted 'Best Place to Work' for 7 years in a row!

We are searching for a talented RN.

$5,000 New Hire Sign On with 2+ years of RN PACU experience. Rehires Termed greater than 1 year are eligible

Hours: 40hrs

Shift: Day shift with on-call rotation (weeknights, weekends and holiday); 10-hour shifts. Varied start times to meet department needs.

Location: PACU - Tobey Hospital – Wareham, MA; This is a recovery center position must be willing to rotate through all areas of perioperative services, ASU, PACU, ENDO, CPU

A career at Southcoast Health offers you:

  • A culture of well-being that embraces, respects, and celebrates the rich diversity of one another and the communities we serve
  • Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits package
  • Generous Earned Time Off Package**
  • Employee Wellbeing Program
  • 403B Retirement Plan with company match
  • Tuition assistance / Federal Loan Forgiveness programs
  • Professional growth opportunities and customized leadership training

**Available to regular status employees who are scheduled to work a minimum of 24 hours.

Southcoast Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Responsibilities:

Under direction of the Manager, Patient Services or Designee of individual assigned unit, perform a variety of duties involving coordinating total nursing care for patients, participating in patient and family teaching and providing leadership by working cooperatively with ancillary nursing and other patient team personnel in maintaining standards for professional nursing practice within an assigned patient care unit. Has knowledge and skills necessary to provide care, which is appropriate to the age group of patient regularly served.

Qualifications:

  • Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing or equivalent is required.
  • Over three months up to and including one year experience is preferred.
  • Current RN Licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is required.
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is also required.
  • ACLS Certification required.
  • Pals certification required or within 6 months of hire.
  • PACU or Critical Care Experience Preferred
  • Must be fully vaccinated against seasonal Influenza and the COVID 19 virus or to be exempt from the requirement for medical or personal reasons by signing a statement certifying you are choosing to be exempt from vaccination once hired.
  • Compensation: Pay rate will be determined based on level of experience.

Pay Range: USD $40.35 - USD $71.76 /Hr.

Rotation Schedule Requirement: This is a recovery center position. Must be willing to rotate through all areas of perioperative services. ASU, PACU, ENDO, CPU

Apply