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Post Op Rn Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Post Op Rn information

See California salary details

$13

$45

$75

How much do post op rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for post op rn in California is $45.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.37 and $53.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a post op RN?

Post Op RNs, or Postoperative Registered Nurses, are specialized nurses who care for patients recovering from surgery. They monitor vital signs, manage pain, watch for complications, and help patients transition safely from the operating room to recovery. Their role is essential for ensuring patients are stable after surgery and receive the necessary education and support for a successful recovery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a post op RN, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Post Op RN, you need strong clinical assessment abilities, a nursing degree, RN licensure, and knowledge of post-anesthesia care protocols. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), patient monitoring systems, and pain management tools is typically required. Excellent communication, quick decision-making, and empathy help you support patients recovering from surgery and collaborate with surgical teams. These skills ensure safe, effective care and optimal patient recovery during the critical postoperative period.

What are some common challenges faced by post op RNs, and how can I prepare for them before starting this role?

As a Post Op RN, you'll often encounter fast-paced situations that require quick decision-making and strong prioritization skills, especially when monitoring patients for complications after surgery. Managing pain, preventing infection, and ensuring smooth patient recoveries are central to the role, which can be challenging due to varying patient needs and responses. Building confidence in assessment skills, staying updated on post-operative protocols, and practicing effective communication with the surgical team will help you excel. Many facilities also offer mentorship or orientation programs to help new Post Op RNs transition smoothly into the role.

What is the difference between Post Op Rn vs Surgical Nurse?

AspectPost Op RnSurgical Nurse
CredentialsRegistered Nurse (RN), specialized in post-operative careRegistered Nurse (RN), with surgical experience
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers, recovery unitsOperating rooms, surgical wards, clinics
Job FocusMonitoring recovery, managing pain, patient education post-surgeryAssisting during surgeries, pre- and post-operative patient care

Post Op RNs primarily focus on caring for patients after surgery, ensuring safe recovery and managing complications. Surgical Nurses assist during surgeries and provide pre- and post-operative care. Both roles require RN licensure and surgical knowledge, but Post Op RNs specialize in post-surgical recovery, while Surgical Nurses are more involved in the operative process.

How much do post-op RNs get paid?

Post-op RNs typically earn an average annual salary ranging from $65,000 to $85,000, depending on experience, location, and healthcare facility. Salaries can be higher in urban areas or specialized surgical units, and additional certifications may influence pay rates.

What cities in California are hiring for Post Op Rn jobs?

Cities in California with the most Post Op Rn job openings:

Infographic showing various Post Op Rn job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,963 per year, or $45.7 per hour.

PACU/Pre-Post Op Travel Nurse

Fullerton, CA • On-site

$2.1K/wk

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Travel Rn Pacu/Pre-Post Op Nurse

This PACU/Pre-Post Op travel nurse job in Fullerton, California, with Advantis Medical is a 13-week Travel PACU/Pre-Post Op Registered Nurse (RN) contract at Saint Jude Medical Center. This role pays $2,189 per week and follows a Days shift with a 4x10 schedule. In this PACU/Pre-Post Op travel nursing job, you will provide patient care in a hospital setting, assess and monitor patient conditions, support urgent interventions, document care accurately, and collaborate with physicians and the clinical care team during fast-moving patient situations.

Advantis Medical supports travel clinicians with streamlined credentialing to help with fast start dates, free license support and renewals, and Day 1 benefits.

Job Details

Facility: Saint Jude Medical Center

Location: Fullerton, CA 92835

Contract Length: 13 Weeks

Shift: Days (4x10)

Travel Pacu/Pre-Post Op Requirements

2+ years of recent PACU/Pre-Post Op experience.

Must hold all required certifications and licenses as mandated by California and national regulatory bodies.

Benefits

Day One Benefits, Medical, Dental, Vision & 401(k)

Relocation and Travel Reimbursement

Dedicated team to help with state licensing & renewals

Weekly Direct Deposit

$1,000 Referral Bonus + $250 Bonus for Your Referral