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Post Anesthesia Care Unit Jobs (NOW HIRING)

St. Luke's Wood River Medical Center

PACU

Ketchum, ID · On-site

RN - PACU PACU nursing involves the care of patients who are recovering from surgery, particularly when the application of anesthesia is involved. Once the patient sufficiently recovers from the ...

GHR Healthcare

Travel PACU Nurse

Hilo, HI · On-site

$1.8K - $1.9K/wk

Specialty: PACU - Post Anesthesia Care * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 09/14/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 36 hours per week * Shift: 12 hours * Employment Type: Travel PACU Registered Nurse Jobs ...

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Post Anesthesia Care Unit information

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

As of Aug 6, 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 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.

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.

Is there a demand for post anesthesia care unit nurses?

Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) nurses are in high demand due to the increasing volume of surgical procedures and the need for specialized postoperative care. Hospitals and surgical centers seek qualified nurses with certifications such as ACLS and PALS, and employment opportunities are expected to grow faster than average in the coming years.

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 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 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 use and understanding anesthesia effects.
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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, 70% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,937 per year, or $54.8 per hour.

RN - PACU - Post Anesthesia Care

Massachusetts General Hospital(MGH)

Newton, MA • On-site

$2.3K/wk

Other

Medical, Dental

Re-posted 12 days ago

Massachusetts General Hospital rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

221st of 1,054 rated hospitals

Job description

Details
Client Name
Newton-Wellesley Hospital(NWH)
Job Type
Travel
Offering
Nursing
Profession
RN
Specialty
PACU - Post Anesthesia Care
Job ID
37619379
Job Title
RN - PACU - Post Anesthesia Care
Weekly Pay
$2398.0
Shift Details
Shift
3x12 Nights
Scheduled Hours
36
Job Order Details
Start Date
08/16/2026
End Date
11/14/2026
Duration
13 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 Newton, Massachusetts for a 3x12 Nights, 19:00:00-07:00:00, 12.00-3 shift.
The ideal candidate will possess a current Massachusetts license. This is a RN position in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit(NW6211) (SO00003215). You must have a Nursing License and at least 2 years of recent experience as a RN - PACU - Post Anesthesia Care.
Requirements
• Current Resume
• Nursing License per state
• Current BLS and/or ACLS and/or Specialty Certifications
• 2 current clinical references
• Competitive pay rates
• Health/Dental Benefit package
• License reimbursement
• Refer a friend and earn extra cash!
Client Details
City
Newton
State
MA
Zip Code
02258

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About Massachusetts General Hospital

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Mass General has the largest hospital based research program in the U.S. Guided by the needs of our patients, Mass General delivers care grounded in leading edge research, advanced treatment offerings and the latest clinical trials. Massachusetts General Hospital was established to provide care to Boston's sick, regardless of socioeconomic status, and became the first teaching hospital of Harvard University's new medical school. We have remained at the forefront of medicine by fostering a culture of collaboration and education, pushing the boundaries of medical research, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to the diverse community we were created to serve. We believe that because of diversity we excel, through inclusion we respect our community, and with a keen focus on equity we serve, heal, educate and innovate at the highest levels. Our first priority is the well-being of our patients—near and far. As a team we are able to maintain a singular focus on providing the highest quality, most compassionate care to each and every patient.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Boston, MA, US

Year founded

1811

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