ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Post Op Rn Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Per Diem Staffing Systems, Inc.

PACU RN

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$76 - $79/hr

PQ AS Pre/Post Op Rns; FLEXIBILITY & RNs wanting to work! The team is looking for candidates who have flexibility to work 2-3 shifts per week, looking for week day and weekend coverage. The primary ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPost Op Rn JobsPost Op Rn Jobs in California

Post Op Rn information

See California salary details

$13

$45

$75

How much do post op rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 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:

Post Op Rn jobs near you
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

Adventist Health Twin Cities

Templeton, CA • On-site

$2.5K/wk

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

PACU/Pre-Post Op Travel Nurse Position

This PACU/Pre-Post Op travel nurse position in Templeton, California, with Advantis Medical is a 13-week Travel PACU/Pre-Post Op Registered Nurse (RN) contract at Adventist Health Twin Cities. This role pays $2,501 per week and follows a Days shift with a 5x8 schedule.

In this PACU/Pre-Post Op travel nursing role, 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.

Travel Nursing Requirements:

  • 2+ years of recent PACU/Pre-Post Op nursing experience
  • Active California RN License

Adventist Health Twin Cities — Templeton, CA

Apply