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Preop Pacu Rn Jobs in Idaho (NOW HIRING)

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Preop Pacu Rn information

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$850

$2.2K

$3.3K

How much do preop pacu rn jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average weekly pay for preop pacu rn in Idaho is $2,187.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,719.23 and $2,623.08 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Preop PACU RN?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a Preop PACU RN?

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 challenges do Preop PACU RNs face during patient handoffs, and how can they be managed?

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 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.

Are preoperative PACU registered nurses in demand?

Preoperative PACU registered nurses are in high demand due to the need for specialized perioperative care in hospitals and surgical centers. The role requires certification such as ACLS and strong skills in patient monitoring and recovery management, contributing to steady job growth in healthcare settings.

What are popular job titles related to Preop Pacu Rn jobs in Idaho?

For Preop Pacu Rn jobs in Idaho, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Preop Pacu Rn job openings in Idaho as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 57% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 27% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,743 per year, or $54.7 per hour.

SURGERY - PREOP/PACU REGISTERED NURSE

Idaho Falls Community Hospital

Idaho Falls, ID • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Idaho Falls Community Hospital rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

780th of 1,064 rated hospitals


Job description

Surgery - Preop/Pacu Registered Nurse

Idaho Falls Community Hospital is looking for a Registered Nurse to join our team!

Job Summary: The Pre-Op/Admitting nurse provides nursing care to patients being admitted for surgery. The nursing role during this phase focuses on assessing, identifying, and solving nursing care and pre-operative problems. The nurse is responsible for starting and monitoring IVs, administering pre-operative medications and performing pre-operative instruction and explanation of patient's rights and procedures. They must facilitate and demonstrate cooperative behavior with colleagues and supervisors at all times. The PACU, Phase I nurse provides nursing care to patients returning from surgery. The nursing role during this phase focuses on assisting the patient through the transition from an anesthetized state to an awake condition. The nurse is responsible for assisting and maintaining adequate ventilation, hemostasis and circulation; assessing level of consciousness, providing pain management, and ensuring the safety of the patient until transferred to another unit. He/she must facilitate and demonstrate cooperative behavior with colleagues and supervisors at all times.

About Idaho Falls Community Hospital:

At Idaho Falls Community Hospital, helping our community get better is our number one priority. We are committed to providing compassionate, emergency care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Idaho Falls Community Hospital is proud to have a state-of-the-art Emergency Department, a stroke and diagnostic cardiac center, and a trauma center.

Our work environment is collaborative, purpose driven and people centric. Our culture is unique and it is what makes people excited to come to work each day. If you are looking for a career where you can make a difference, we have a place for you on our team.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Maintains area in a state of readiness at all times, ensuring that all necessary equipment is available and in good working order, with age specific supplies ready for use as needed.
  2. Assesses physical and emotional needs of patients and implements appropriate nursing interventions. Completes the nursing pre-assessment record, including confirmation of the following: allergies, medications taken at home, dentures, contact lenses and glasses, pertinent medical conditions listed, pertinent past medical history listed, confirmations of consent and operative site, confirmation of responsible party, confirmation of ordered labs/test results on chart.
  3. Respects the patient's right to privacy, dignity and confidentiality.
  4. Assists the patient in undressing if needed and stores belongings appropriately.
  5. Assesses or performs the following: vital signs, weight and height, blood glucose monitoring, if applicable, pregnancy test, if applicable, starts IV on all patients, except those who have an order not to start an IV. Utilizes anesthesia protocol regarding IV fluids and catheter size, pain level.
  6. Performs pre-operative instruction and explanation of procedures and patient's rights.
  7. Ensures that patients are seen by the anesthesia provider prior to being taken to the O.R.
  8. Sets priorities to facilitate the timely and efficient flow of patents throughout the day.
  9. Carries out physician/anesthesia orders.
  10. Records pertinent patient information on the nurse's notes.

The Perioperative RN, PACU, Phase I RN:

  1. Maintains the PACU area in a state of readiness at all times, ensuring that all necessary equipment is available and in good working order, with age specific supplies ready for use as needed.
  2. Assess patients on admission to PACU for the following: patient airway, respirations, vital signs, level of consciousness according to the Aldrete scale Level of pain.
  3. Assesses and records vital signs every 5 minutes and Aldrete scale every 15 minutes.
  4. Uses appropriate devices and techniques to assist patient's respirations and maintains optimum blood oxygen saturation.
  5. Assess surgical site for bleeding, reinforce dressing and notifying physician if increased drainage.
  6. Able to assess and treat post-operative pain effectively
  7. Proficient knowledge of drugs used in the PACU.
  8. Positions patient as ordered by physician.
  9. Assesses and records intake and output of all fluids.
  10. Carries out physician / anesthesiologist orders.

Benefits:

  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Paid Time Off (vacation, holidays and sick days) and Medical Paid Time Off
  • Retirement Plans (401K with up to 6% match)
  • Earned Quarterly Bonus Program
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Discount for medically necessary procedures performed at Idaho Falls Community Hospital and Mountain View Hospital

Please note benefits are based on eligibility according to full-time, part-time or PRN status classification.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification: Graduate of an accredited school of nursing. Licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Idaho. Current BLS, ACLS and PALS certification required.

Experience: Two years of Critical Care or PACU experience preferred.


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