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Preop Pacu Rn Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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$950

$2.4K

$3.6K

How much do preop pacu rn jobs pay per week?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average weekly pay for preop pacu rn in Colorado is $2,444.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,921.15 and $2,932.69 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is PACU less stressful than ICU?

Preop PACU RNs typically experience a different stress level compared to ICU nurses, as PACU involves focused post-anesthesia recovery with shorter shifts and a controlled environment. ICU nurses often face higher stress due to managing critically ill patients with complex needs and longer shifts. Both roles require strong assessment skills and the ability to handle emergencies, but the overall stress depends on individual preferences and work environment.

How to make an extra $2000 a month as a nurse?

Preop PACU RNs can increase their income by taking on per diem or overtime shifts, working in high-demand facilities, or obtaining specialized certifications like ACLS or PALS to qualify for higher-paying roles. Additionally, some nurses supplement income through travel assignments or teaching nursing courses, leveraging their clinical expertise and flexible schedules.

Do PACU nurses do preop?

Preoperative nursing is typically performed by preop nurses, who prepare patients before surgery. PACU nurses primarily focus on postoperative care, monitoring patients as they recover from anesthesia. While some facilities may have overlapping roles, PACU nurses generally do not conduct preoperative assessments.

What are Preop PACU RNs?

Preop PACU RNs are Registered Nurses who specialize in caring for patients before and after surgical procedures in the Preoperative (Preop) and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) settings. Their responsibilities include preparing patients for surgery, monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and providing post-anesthesia care as patients recover from surgery. These nurses play a critical role in patient safety, pain management, and communication with both patients and the surgical team. Preop PACU RNs must be skilled in emergency response and patient assessment.

What is the difference between Preop Pacu Rn vs Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Nurse?

AspectPreop Pacu RnPost Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Nurse
CertificationsRN license, possibly ACLS, PALSRN license, ACLS, PALS often required
Work EnvironmentPreoperative area, preparing patients for surgeryPostoperative recovery, monitoring patients after anesthesia
Employer & IndustryHospitals, outpatient surgical centersHospitals, surgical centers, anesthesia providers

Preop Pacu Rns focus on preparing patients before surgery, ensuring they are ready and safe for anesthesia. PACU Nurses care for patients immediately after surgery, monitoring recovery from anesthesia. While both roles require similar certifications and work in surgical settings, their responsibilities differ based on the patient care timeline.

How to make $150,000 as a nurse?

To earn $150,000 as a Preop PACU RN, gaining experience, obtaining specialized certifications, and working in high-paying facilities or regions can help increase salary. Working overtime, taking on leadership roles, or pursuing advanced education like a nurse practitioner license can also boost earning potential.

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

To thrive as a Preop PACU RN, you need a strong foundation in perioperative nursing, patient assessment, and knowledge of anesthesia recovery, typically supported by an active RN license and certifications such as ACLS and PALS. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), patient monitoring systems, and specialized recovery equipment is essential. Excellent critical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure patient safety, smooth surgical workflows, and high-quality care during the critical preoperative and post-anesthesia phases.

What are some common challenges Preop PACU RNs face during patient handoffs, and how can these be managed effectively?

Preop PACU RNs often encounter challenges during patient handoffs, such as incomplete communication of patient information, time constraints, and managing multiple priorities simultaneously. To manage these effectively, it's crucial to follow standardized handoff protocols like SBAR (Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation), actively engage with surgical and anesthesia teams, and ensure all necessary documentation is up to date. Good teamwork and clear communication help minimize errors and ensure patient safety during transitions.
What are popular job titles related to Preop Pacu Rn jobs in Colorado? For Preop Pacu Rn jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Preop Pacu Rn jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Preop Pacu Rn job openings:
Infographic showing various Preop Pacu Rn job openings in Colorado as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% As Needed, 58% Full Time, and 34% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $127,116 per year, or $61.1 per hour.
Registered Nurse PACU

Registered Nurse PACU

CommonSpirit Health

Colorado Springs, CO

Per diem

Posted 15 days ago


CommonSpirit Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 507 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

406th of 873 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Penrose-St. Francis Health Services is a full-service, 712-bed acute care provider in Colorado Springs comprising Penrose Hospital, St. Francis Hospital and St Francis Hospital - Interquest. St. Francis Hospital opened in 2008 to keep pace with the growing needs of the Colorado Springs' community on the north side of the city. St. Francis Hospital features 340-beds and offers a modern Birth Center, Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Cancer Center, Emergency Department, Level III Trauma Center, Imaging Services, Acute Inpatient Rehab, Surgical Services and Critical Care Unit. It also serves as southern Colorado's home base for the Flight For Life Colorado air medical transport service. It's an incredible time to join us as we celebrate recognition with Magnet Hospital designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for superior quality in nursing care. With more than 300 days of annual sunshine, mild winters and easy-to-access recreational areas including Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods and some of Colorado's top destination resorts, you will enjoy an incredible lifestyle while having the career you've always wanted.


Nurses are at the heartbeat of our organization and your time will be spent in a supportive, team environment with resources to help you flourish and leaders who care about your success. We offer Certification pay and a Clinical Career Ladder to help you grow and recognize your contributions to clinical excellence! 

Here, you will help advance modern nursing by providing your skills, experience, and commitment to compassionate care. The impact you will make in our faith-based, mission-driven culture will cultivate excellence and achieve professional fulfillment united in humankindness.

As a Registered Nurse (RN) you will assume responsibility and accountability for:

  • Facilitating, communicating, and collaborating with both the healthcare team, and the patient/family to identify and meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient.
  • Promote the optimal health, well-being and safety of the patient through use of the nursing process and in accordance with patient care standards, guidelines and the State Nurse Practice Act.
  • Demonstrate personal accountability for relationship-based care, organizational mission, and core values.

Previous PACU/ICU/Procedural experience highly preferred 

Day to Day duties:

  • Recover all cases both Phase I & II.
  • Approx. 45-50+ cases per day
  • Recovery of both Phase I & II in same area.
  • RNs will cover both pre-op and PACU areas with 3-4 total on each shift.  
  • Staff is expected to float between Pre Op/ PACU 
  • RNs in pre-op/ PACU are responsible for pre op calls, PATs, transports in addition to the clinical aspects of pre-op and PACU care.   
  • Unit does see a few recoveries form other departments but is rare
  • OR, Pre Op, PACU and SPD are all centrally located on the same floor

OR Suites-16

PACU Bays-23 

Prep Op Beds-17

Phase I & II recovered in same areas

Schedule Per policy PRN requires a Min availability for 5 shifts in a 6 week schedule block and 2 holidays per yr. TBD during interviews with OR Manager. 

Call required - weeknights/ weekends and Holidays - Approx. 2-4 weeknights and 1 weekend in a 8 week schedule.

30 Min Call Back radius required


In addition to bringing humankindness to the workplace each day, qualified nursing candidates will need the following:

Education Requirements

  • Associates Degree in Nursing required; Nursing Diploma or by endorsement
  • Bachelors Degree in Nursing preferred
  • Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing required for new graduates, preferred for experienced RNs

Experience Requirements

  • One year experience preferred
  • Nursing skills and knowledge base specific to specialty

Licenses/Certification Requirements

  • RN License required; Current state nursing licenses or valid RN license from a participating state in the National Licensure Compact

Physical Requirements 

  • Medium Work - (Exert up to 50lbs force occasionally, and/or up to 20lbs frequently, and/or up to 10lbs constantly)

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