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Post Anesthesia Care Unit Nurse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

California Pain

PACU Nurse

La Mesa, CA · On-site

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 monitor ...

California Pain

PACU Nurse

San Diego, CA · On-site

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 monitor ...

California Pain

PACU Nurse

San Diego, CA · On-site

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 monitor ...

Amergis Healthcare Staffing

RN PACU

Charleston, WV · On-site

Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Nurse The post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) nurse cares for patients who have undergone anesthesia. The post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) nurse is responsible for ...

Amergis Healthcare Staffing

RN PACU

West Lebanon, NH · On-site

Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Nurse The post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) nurse cares for patients who have undergone anesthesia. The post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) nurse is responsible for ...

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

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for post anesthesia care unit nurse in the United States is $42.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.65 and $46.63 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 specialized registered nurse who cares for patients recovering from anesthesia following surgery or other medical procedures. PACU nurses closely monitor patients' vital signs, manage pain and nausea, and ensure that patients safely regain consciousness. They are trained to quickly identify and respond to potential complications as patients transition from anesthesia to full awareness. These nurses are essential in providing post-operative care and support to ensure patient safety and comfort.

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 Nurse, you need strong clinical assessment skills, in-depth knowledge of anesthesia recovery, and a valid RN license—often with ACLS and PALS certifications. Familiarity with patient monitoring systems, EHRs, and specialized recovery equipment is crucial for safe and effective care. Outstanding critical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help nurses respond quickly to patient needs. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring patient safety and smooth recovery during the vulnerable post-anesthesia period.

What are some common challenges faced by post anesthesia care unit nurses during a typical shift?

PACU Nurses often encounter challenges such as rapidly assessing patients emerging from anesthesia, managing unexpected complications like airway obstruction or pain, and balancing care for multiple patients at different recovery stages. They must communicate effectively with anesthesiologists, surgeons, and family members to ensure patient safety and comfort. High attention to detail and quick decision-making are essential, as patient conditions can change quickly in the post-anesthesia setting.

What is the difference between Post Anesthesia Care Unit Nurse vs Operating Room Nurse?

AspectPost Anesthesia Care Unit NurseOperating Room Nurse
CredentialsRN license, anesthesia-related certifications often preferredRN license, perioperative nursing certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentPost-anesthesia recovery area, hospitals, surgical centersOperating room, surgical suites in hospitals
Employer & IndustryHospitals, surgical centers, outpatient facilitiesHospitals, outpatient surgical centers
Primary FocusMonitoring and caring for patients recovering from anesthesiaAssisting during surgeries, maintaining sterile environment

While both roles require RN licensure and involve perioperative care, Post Anesthesia Care Unit Nurses focus on patient recovery after anesthesia, whereas Operating Room Nurses assist during surgeries. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

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Post Anesthesia Care Unit Nurse jobs near you
Infographic showing various Post Anesthesia Care Unit Nurse 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 $88,254 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Travel Nurse RN - PACU - Post Anesthesia Care

Amergis Healthcare Staffing, Inc.

Lebanon, NH • On-site

Contractor

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Amergis Healthcare Staffing, Inc. is seeking a travel nurse RN PACU - Post Anesthesia Care for a travel nursing job in Lebanon, New Hampshire.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: PACU - Post Anesthesia Care
  • Discipline: RN
  • Start Date: 09/28/2026
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 40 hours per week
  • Shift: 10 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Travel

Amergis is currently seeking experienced PACU RNs for TRAVEL assignments in Lebanon, NH !

Position Details:

Contract Length: 13 wks

Number of Openings: 4

Start Date: 9/14

Hours/Shifts/Schedules: Varying shifts 40 hrs/wk (4x10s) available!

40hrs Week - Varying Shifts - 6:00a - 4:30p, 7:00a - 5:30p, 8:00a - 6:30p, 0900a -7:30p, 1000-8:30p, 1100-9:30p.

*Every other weekend, every other holiday

Setting/Day to day

  • Hospital
  • EMR: Epic

Requirements

  • 2+ years of PACU experience
  • Level 1 and 2 trauma experience within last 2 yrs
  • BLS, ACLS, PALS (preferred)

The post-anesthesia care Unit (PACU) nurse cares for patients who have under gone anesthesia.   The post-anesthesia care Unit (PACU) nurse is responsible for observing and treating a patient postoperation and making sure that they safely awake from anesthesia.  The PACU nurse must monitor vital signs and levels of consciousness to make sure that the sedation is wearing off properly, there are no adverse reactions occurring and patients are regaining consciousness.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Current RN licensure in the state in which RN is working.
  • ACLS and PALS certification per contract requirements.
  • Current CPR if applicable
  • TB Questionnaire, PPD or chest x-ray if applicable
  • Current Health certificate (per contract or state regulation)
  • Must meet all federal, state and local requirements
  • Must be at least 18 years of age 

Amergis is currently seeking experienced PACU RNs for TRAVEL assignments in Lebanon, NH ! Position Details: Contract Length: 13 wks Number of Openings: 4 Start Date: 9/14 Hours/Shifts/Schedules: Varying shifts 40 hrs/wk (4x10s) available! 40hrs Week - Varying Shifts - 6:00a - 4:30p, 7:00a - 5:30p, 8:00a - 6:30p, 0900a -7:30p, 1000-8:30p, 1100-9:30p. *Every other weekend, every other holiday Setting/Day to day Hospital EMR: Epic Requirements 2+ years of PACU experience Level 1 and 2 trauma experience within last 2 yrs BLS, ACLS, PALS (preferred) The post-anesthesia care Unit (PACU) nurse cares for patients who have under gone anesthesia. The post-anesthesia care Unit (PACU) nurse is responsible for observing and treating a patient postoperation and making sure that they safely awake from anesthesia. The PACU nurse must monitor vital signs and levels of consciousness to make sure that the sedation is wearing off properly, there are no adverse reactions occurring and patients are regaining consciousness. Minimum Requirements: Current RN licensure in the state in which RN is working. ACLS and PALS certification per contract requirements. Current CPR if applicable TB Questionnaire, PPD or chest x-ray if applicable Current Health certificate (per contract or state regulation) Must meet all federal, state and local requirements Must be at least 18 years of age

About Amergis Healthcare Staffing, Inc.

Amergis, formerly known as Maxim Healthcare Staffing, has served our clients and communities by connecting people to the work that matters since 1988. We provide meaningful opportunities to our extensive network of healthcare and school-based professionals, ready to work in any hospital, government facility, or school. Through partnership and innovation, Amergis creates unmatched staffing experiences to deliver the best workforce solutions.

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