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Post Anesthesia Care Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PACU

Glenview, IL ยท On-site

Registered Nurse - Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) City/State: Glenview, Illinois Shift: Rotating start times between 8am-11am, PACU end time 8:30pm, 36hrs per week (9hr shift) Contract Length: 13 ...

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Post Anesthesia Care information

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How much do post anesthesia care jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 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, 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.

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.

Is post anesthesia care a hard nursing job?

Post anesthesia care nursing can be challenging due to the need for quick assessment and management of patients recovering from anesthesia, often requiring strong critical thinking and multitasking skills. It involves monitoring vital signs, managing pain, and responding to complications in a fast-paced environment, which can be demanding but also rewarding for those with specialized training and experience.

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.

How much does a post-anesthesia care nurse make?

A post-anesthesia care nurse, also known as a PACU nurse, typically earns between $65,000 and $85,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can vary based on healthcare facility and shift differentials, with some nurses earning higher with specialized skills or advanced certifications like ACLS or CCRN.
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, 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.

Travel Nurse RN - PACU - Post Anesthesia Care

Care Career

Clarkston, WA โ€ข On-site

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Care Career is seeking a travel nurse RN PACU - Post Anesthesia Care for a travel nursing job in Clarkston, Washington.

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

Required Experience:

  • Strong Pre-Op, PACU, and Phase II Recovery experience is required.
  • Recent acute care PACU RN experience.
  • Experience with:
    • Post-anesthesia patient recovery
    • Airway management
    • Post-operative monitoring and care
    • Conscious sedation procedures
    • Recognizing and managing post-anesthesia complications
    • Peri-operative patient education
  • Must be willing to float within the Outpatient Services area, including Day Surgery, Endoscopy, PACU, and Pre-Op Clinic.
  • Must be able to participate in a shared on-call rotation.

Quick Offer Process Referral Bonus Available Fast Submission & Interview Process

About Care Career

Care Career brings together a portfolio of leading healthcare staffing organizations, each delivering specialized talent solutions across the industry. Wherever you want to go, We Make It Happen.

With travel nursing jobs across the country, you can discover the possibilities that create the lifestyle and financial position that you have dreamed of.

Care Career is a modern, transparent staffing firm creating the ultimate community of US.


Benefits
  • Referral bonus
  • Weekly pay
  • Medical benefits
  • Continuing Education
  • Dental benefits
  • Vision benefits