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Post Operative Nurse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UnityPoint Health

RN - Post Operative

Waterloo, IA · On-site

Job ID: 185138 Overview RN, PACU Allen Hospital - Waterloo, IA 4-8hr shifts, rotating arrival times 10a,11a, 1p. Weekday call and 1 weekend a month. Eligible for a $10,000 Sign-on bonus 11-bay and 3 ...

The Portland Clinic

Pre/Post Operative RN

Portland, OR · On-site

ASC Pre/Post-Operative Registered Nurse At The Portland Clinic our mission is to be a trusted community collaborating to improve the health and well-being of those we serve. Join our team and let us ...

Concentric

Registered Nurse - PACU

Livingston, MT · On-site

Provide pre- and post-operative nursing care to pediatric patients in the PACU setting * Monitor and assess patients recovering from anesthesia and surgical procedures * Administer medications and ...

UnityPoint Health

RN - Post Operative

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$32.73 - $49.09/hr

Nursing * Salary Range: $32.73-$49.09/hr* * Sign On Bonus: $10,000 * FTE/Hours per pay period: 0.9 * Department: PACU- BE * Shift: 2 10-hour and 2 8-hour shifts, with typical start times between 7:00 ...

Mississippi Sports Medicine

ASC PREOP NURSE

Flowood, MS · On-site

The Pre-Op/PACU Nurse will collaborate with coworkers to achieve departmental goals and objectives in accordance with established policies. Responsibilities: * Assess, instruct, and prepare patients ...

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Post Operative Nurse information

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$35

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How much do post operative nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for post operative nurse in the United States is $35.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.88 and $39.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a post operative nurse?

Post Operative Nurses, also known as PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit) nurses, are registered nurses who specialize in caring for patients recovering from surgery. They monitor vital signs, manage pain, and watch for complications as patients wake up from anesthesia. Their role is crucial in ensuring a safe and smooth recovery immediately following surgical procedures. Post Operative Nurses also educate patients and families about post-surgical care and discharge instructions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a post operative nurse?

To thrive as a Post Operative Nurse, you need expertise in post-surgical patient care, vital sign monitoring, and wound management, typically requiring a nursing degree and RN licensure. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), patient monitoring devices, and medication administration systems is essential. Strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe recovery, timely intervention for complications, and effective support for both patients and surgical teams.

What are the main challenges a post operative nurse faces during patient recovery, and how can they be managed?

Post Operative Nurses often face challenges such as monitoring patients for complications like infection, managing pain effectively, and ensuring that recovery protocols are followed. These nurses must stay alert to subtle changes in patient condition, work efficiently with the surgical team, and communicate closely with families. Managing these challenges involves strong clinical assessment skills, adherence to best practices in patient care, and the ability to respond quickly to emergencies. Teamwork and continuous education are also key in maintaining high standards of postoperative care.

What is the difference between Post Operative Nurse vs Surgical Nurse?

AspectPost Operative NurseSurgical Nurse
CertificationsRN license, post-op care trainingRN license, surgical assisting skills
Work EnvironmentPost-surgery recovery units, hospitalsOperating rooms, surgical wards
Job FocusMonitoring recovery, managing pain, patient educationAssisting during surgery, preparing OR
Employer & IndustryHospitals, surgical centersHospitals, outpatient surgical centers

While both Post Operative Nurses and Surgical Nurses work in hospital settings and require RN licensure, Post Operative Nurses primarily focus on patient recovery after surgery, monitoring vital signs, and managing pain. Surgical Nurses assist during procedures, prepare the operating room, and support surgeons. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What cities are hiring for Post Operative Nurse jobs?

Cities with the most Post Operative Nurse job openings:

What states have the most Post Operative Nurse jobs?

States with the most job openings for Post Operative Nurse jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Post Operative Nurse jobs?

For Post Operative Nurse jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Post Operative Nurse jobs near you

Registered Nurse, Surgery OR, PRN

Atchison, KS • On-site

Amberwell Health
Health Care and Social Assistance • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Amberwell Healthexternal

Per diem

Re-posted 15 days ago

Amberwell Health rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description


The Department of Surgical Care encompasses three phases of the patient's surgical experience. The Surgical Care Nurse must be proficient in Pre-operative, Intra-Operative, and Post-operative policies, workflow, processes, medication administration, and documentation. The Surgical Care Nurse demonstrates proficiency in managing patient care by leading as a patient advocate and coordinates patient care through the entire surgical experience.
Perioperative Nursing Care is centered on preparing the patient for their surgical procedure, preparation begins at the time the patient is scheduled for the procedure. The perioperative nurse plays a key role in gathering information, collaboration with surgeons and their staff, and patient teaching. In addition to this the perioperative RN is knowledgeable and able to perform proficiently in the below phases of surgical care:
Pre-Op Nursing Care
  • Medication administration
  • Preparing patients for surgical procedures
  • Preoperative patient teaching and instructions
  • Obtains surgical consent and ensures the patients questions and or concerns about the procedure is addressed prior to the procedure.
  • Obtains all required documentation for the medical record to ensure the patient is appropriately prepared for their surgical procedure.
  • Physical Assessment
  • Expert in IV placement
  • Proficient with ultrasound IV placement
  • Proficient caring for and preparing patients of all ages for surgical procedures

Intra-Operative Nursing Care
  • Medication administration
  • The OR Circulator is the "Gate Keeper" and ensures patients are informed, consented for scheduled procedures, and the medical record is completed prior to the start of the procedure.
  • The OR Circulator works directly with the Surgeon, Anesthesia, and the OR Team to ensure the OR suite is set up according to the scheduled procedure and surgeon preferences.
  • The OR Circulator should display great communication skills, leadership qualities, critical thinking, high level coordination when the surgery schedule changes, and delivers safe care for the patient during the surgical procedure.
  • The OR Circulator is the expert in sterile technique and has a sterile conscious. The OR Circulator always applies sterile conscious when setting up for surgical procedure and during the surgical procedure.
  • The OR Circulator displays the ability to perform under pressure with a calm and responsive attitude and thrives in a high stress environment.

Post Anesthesia Nursing Care
  • Medication administration
  • Knowledgeable with Phase I, Phase II, and Post operative discharge instructions for post-operative patients of all ages.
  • The post-operative nurse must be proficient in monitoring patients transiting from Phase I to Phase II post anesthesia care.
  • Knowledgeable and comfortable with post-operative airway management.
  • Excellent communication skills and collaboration with Anesthesia Care Providers, Surgeons and their assistants.
  • ABOUT AMBERWELL HEALTH:
    Amberwell Health is a healthcare system dedicated to improving the health and wellness of the communities we serve, providing compassionate healthcare with clinical excellence. Amberwell locations include several complete care facilities that provide a full spectrum of patient care services including inpatient, surgical, orthopedic, maternal, health at home, emergency care services. In addition, Amberwell clinic locations offer primary care and specialty care services. Amberwell Health supports service lines and locations across the system with a range of support services including radiology, laboratory, cardiopulmonary, rehabilitation therapy, occupational health, infusion, nutrition, pharmacy, administrative services, and many other specialty services.
    AMBERWELL CULTURE:
    Amazing Amberwell employees are at the heart of a workplace focused on competencies with our cultural values. Excellence in healthcare is expected and our patients deserve nothing less. Our culture competencies range from warm greetings in the hall to providing patients with "wow" experiences in each department. At Amberwell, we go beyond excellence to provide the unexpected.
    At Amberwell, you will find a professional environment that values consistency, collaboration, and patient-first decision making. Servant leadership is both modeled and mentored, with a focus on regular appreciation. Amberwell employees enjoy many appreciation events and activities to help them know just how important they are to our organization, our patients, and our communities.
    To learn more about Amberwell Health, our affiliated organizations, and available career opportunities, visit careers.amberwellhealth.org.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Experience:
    • Minimum Required Experience: New Registered Nurse Graduate
    • Preferred Experience: 2+ year experience in Pre-Operative, Post-Operative, and or OR Circulating nursing.
  • Education:
    • Minimum Required Education: Associates of Nursing
    • Preferred Education: Bachelor of Health Science in Nursing
  • Licenses:
    • Minimum Required Licenses: Registered Nurse license
    • Preferred Licenses: N/A
  • Certifications:
    • Minimum Required: BLS, ACLS, PALS
    • Preferred Certifications: CNOR

What Amberwell Health employees say

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