PACU Nurse Jobs
PACU Nurse jobs are open across hospital systems, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities, from new-grad to lead and charge nurse roles, with concentrations in cardiac, pediatric, and orthopedic recovery nursing. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
Find PACU Nurse JobsOverview
Open roles893+
Top stateTexas
Top employerSCA Health
Top citySan Antonio, TX
Work type100% On-site
Top industryHealthcare
Showing 5 of 893+ PACU Nurse jobs
Registered Nurse PreOp PACU II - North Jersey Ambulatory Surgery Center Associates
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New 4h ago
SCA Health
Registered Nurse PreOp PACU II - North Jersey Ambulatory Surgery Center Associates
Clifton, New Jersey
New 4h ago
Registered Nurse (RN), PACU, Part time Evenings
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New 4h ago
Beacon Health System
Registered Nurse (RN), PACU, Part time Evenings
South Bend, Indiana
New 4h ago
Registered Nurse (RN) -Day Surgery PACU
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New 5h ago
Advocate Aurora Health
Registered Nurse (RN) -Day Surgery PACU
Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
New 5h ago
RN PACU Nurse
We won't show you this job again
New 6h ago
Surgery Ventures
RN PACU Nurse
Plano, Texas
New 6h ago
Registered Nurse PACU
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New 6h ago
Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center
Registered Nurse PACU
Fredericksburg, Virginia
New 6h ago
New 4h ago
Registered Nurse PreOp PACU II - North Jersey Ambulatory Surgery Center Associates
SCA Health·Clifton, New Jersey
Job functions:
$53 - $56/hr
PALS Certification
10,000+ employees
Job Description
Overview:
As part of Optum, SCA Health is redefining specialty care by developing more accessible, patient-centered practice solutions for a network of more than 370 ambulatory surgical centers, over 400 specialty physician practice clinics and numerous labs and surgical hospitals. Our work spans a broad spectrum of services, all designed to support physicians, health systems and employers in delivering efficient, value-based care to patients without compromising quality or autonomy.
Our values aren’t empty words – they inform our attitudes, actions and culture. At SCA Health, your work directly impacts patients, physicians and communities. Here, you’ll find opportunities to build your career alongside a team that values your expertise, invests in your success, and shares a common mission to care for patients, serve physicians and improve health care in America.
Your ideas should inspire change. If you join our team, they will.
Accountabilities / Responsibilities:
At SCA Health, we believe health care is about people – the patients we serve, the physicians we support and the teammates who push us forward. Behind every successful facility, procedure or innovation is a team of 15,000+ professionals working together, learning from each other and living out the mission, vision and values that define our organization.
As part of Optum, SCA Health is redefining specialty care by developing more accessible, patient-centered practice solutions for a network of more than 370 ambulatory surgical centers, over 400 specialty physician practice clinics and numerous labs and surgical hospitals. Our work spans a broad spectrum of services, all designed to support physicians, health systems and employers in delivering efficient, value-based care to patients without compromising quality or autonomy.
What sets SCA Health apart isn’t just what we do, it’s how we do it. Each decision we make is rooted in seven core values:
Clinical quality- Integrity
- Service excellence
- Teamwork
- Accountability
- Continuous improvement
- Inclusion
Our values aren’t empty words – they inform our attitudes, actions and culture. At SCA Health, your work directly impacts patients, physicians and communities. Here, you’ll find opportunities to build your career alongside a team that values your expertise, invests in your success, and shares a common mission to care for patients, serve physicians and improve health care in America.
At SCA Health, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to support your health, well-being, and financial future. Our offerings include medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401k plan with company match, paid time off, life and disability insurance, and more. Please visit, https://careers.sca.health/why-sca, to learn more about our benefits.
Your ideas should inspire change. If you join our team, they will.
We are actively hiring for an Registered Nurse (RN) PreOp PACU.
- Promote the mission, vision, and values of SCA.
-
Assess patient’s preoperative and postoperative status at intervals according to facility or health care organization policies and procedures to include the patient’s
- cardiovascular system,
- respiratory system and airway management needs,
- neurological system,
- hemodynamic stability,
- pain and comfort needs, and
- mental status.
- Interpret information accurately from various noninvasive and invasive monitors.
- Describe the underlying pathophysiology of commonly encountered disease processes.
- Describe the physiology associated with various anesthesia techniques and surgical or procedural interventions.
- Apply the relevant scoring system/discharge criteria for patient transfer (e.g., Aldrete Score, Modified Aldrete Score [i.e., PARSAP], Post Anesthesia Discharge Scoring System [PADSS], White) score accurately as defined by organizational policy.
- Develop an individualized perianesthesia plan of care.
-
Implement the plan of care including the following interventions:
- Preparing for and managing patient recovery from anesthesia – general.
- Preparing for and managing patient recovery from anesthesia – monitored anesthesia care.
- Preparing for and managing patient recovery from anesthesia – regional.
- Preparing for and managing patient recovery from anesthesia – local.
- Preparing for and protecting patient from injury caused by positioning, thermal sources, and extraneous objects.
- Communicating the patient’s current status throughout the perianesthesia continuum of care.
- Providing acute pain and comfort management as needed.
- Administering medications safely and correctly by using the 8-rights of safe medication administration.
- Performing interventions to maintain the integrity of the patient’s wound and tissue perfusion at or above baseline levels.
- Performing interventions to maintain the status of the patient’s genitourinary, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological systems, and fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balances at or above baseline levels.
- Performing interventions to ensure the patient is at or returned to normothermia at the conclusion of the immediate postoperative period.
- Performing interventions to protect patient from infection.
- Managing patient’s other co-morbid conditions as applicable.
- Managing patient’s fluid as prescribed.
- Assessing knowledge level of patient or designated support person and providing education regarding the expected psychosocial response, nutritional management, medication management, pain and comfort management, wound management, and expected responses to the operative or invasive procedure;
- Involving patient or designated support person actively in decisions affecting his or her perioperative plan of care and the rehabilitation process.
- Protecting patient’s rights, dignity, and privacy.
- Providing age-specific, culturally competent, ethical care within legal standards of practice; and
- Providing consistent and comparable care regardless of the setting.
- Evaluate the patient’s progress toward attaining outcomes.
- Transfer care as needed.
- Provide hand-off report to other teammates that are accurate, concise and pertinent to the patient’s condition and response to care.
- Delegate tasks according to the state Nurse Practice Act (if applicable), state board of nursing or professional registration requirements, state laws, and job descriptions.
- Document nursing care completely, accurately, and legibly.
- Collaborate effectively with other disciplines as needed.
- Participate in quality review and performance improvement projects.
- Participate in the performance appraisal process.
- Use problem-solving and conflict resolution skills to foster effective work relationships with team members.
- Maintain required competencies.
- Pursue professional growth.
- Act as a patient advocate and maintain privacy and confidentiality of individuals and health information.
- Comply with all facility policies and procedures when providing patient care.
- Actively participate in team meetings, trainings, and daily safety huddles.
- Demonstrate fiscal responsibility.
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
- Graduate of an Accredited School of Nursing.
- One year of Pre Operative or PACU experience required
- Medical / surgical nursing experience
- Current state licensure to practice within good standings. Successful completion of Basic Life Support (BLS) or Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) within 90 days of employment or documentation of current BLS/BCLS certification.
- Successful completion of Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Course within 90 days of employment or documentation of current ACLS certification.
- Successful completion of Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) course is required when pediatric care is included in the facility scope services within 90 days of employment or documentation of current PALS certification.
SCA Health
Registered Nurse PreOp PACU II - North Jersey Ambulatory Surgery Center Associates
Clifton, New Jersey
New 4h ago10,000+ employees
Job functions:
$53 - $56/hr
PALS Certification
Job Description
Overview:
As part of Optum, SCA Health is redefining specialty care by developing more accessible, patient-centered practice solutions for a network of more than 370 ambulatory surgical centers, over 400 specialty physician practice clinics and numerous labs and surgical hospitals. Our work spans a broad spectrum of services, all designed to support physicians, health systems and employers in delivering efficient, value-based care to patients without compromising quality or autonomy.
Our values aren’t empty words – they inform our attitudes, actions and culture. At SCA Health, your work directly impacts patients, physicians and communities. Here, you’ll find opportunities to build your career alongside a team that values your expertise, invests in your success, and shares a common mission to care for patients, serve physicians and improve health care in America.
Your ideas should inspire change. If you join our team, they will.
Accountabilities / Responsibilities:
At SCA Health, we believe health care is about people – the patients we serve, the physicians we support and the teammates who push us forward. Behind every successful facility, procedure or innovation is a team of 15,000+ professionals working together, learning from each other and living out the mission, vision and values that define our organization.
As part of Optum, SCA Health is redefining specialty care by developing more accessible, patient-centered practice solutions for a network of more than 370 ambulatory surgical centers, over 400 specialty physician practice clinics and numerous labs and surgical hospitals. Our work spans a broad spectrum of services, all designed to support physicians, health systems and employers in delivering efficient, value-based care to patients without compromising quality or autonomy.
What sets SCA Health apart isn’t just what we do, it’s how we do it. Each decision we make is rooted in seven core values:
Clinical quality- Integrity
- Service excellence
- Teamwork
- Accountability
- Continuous improvement
- Inclusion
Our values aren’t empty words – they inform our attitudes, actions and culture. At SCA Health, your work directly impacts patients, physicians and communities. Here, you’ll find opportunities to build your career alongside a team that values your expertise, invests in your success, and shares a common mission to care for patients, serve physicians and improve health care in America.
At SCA Health, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to support your health, well-being, and financial future. Our offerings include medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401k plan with company match, paid time off, life and disability insurance, and more. Please visit, https://careers.sca.health/why-sca, to learn more about our benefits.
Your ideas should inspire change. If you join our team, they will.
We are actively hiring for an Registered Nurse (RN) PreOp PACU.
- Promote the mission, vision, and values of SCA.
-
Assess patient’s preoperative and postoperative status at intervals according to facility or health care organization policies and procedures to include the patient’s
- cardiovascular system,
- respiratory system and airway management needs,
- neurological system,
- hemodynamic stability,
- pain and comfort needs, and
- mental status.
- Interpret information accurately from various noninvasive and invasive monitors.
- Describe the underlying pathophysiology of commonly encountered disease processes.
- Describe the physiology associated with various anesthesia techniques and surgical or procedural interventions.
- Apply the relevant scoring system/discharge criteria for patient transfer (e.g., Aldrete Score, Modified Aldrete Score [i.e., PARSAP], Post Anesthesia Discharge Scoring System [PADSS], White) score accurately as defined by organizational policy.
- Develop an individualized perianesthesia plan of care.
-
Implement the plan of care including the following interventions:
- Preparing for and managing patient recovery from anesthesia – general.
- Preparing for and managing patient recovery from anesthesia – monitored anesthesia care.
- Preparing for and managing patient recovery from anesthesia – regional.
- Preparing for and managing patient recovery from anesthesia – local.
- Preparing for and protecting patient from injury caused by positioning, thermal sources, and extraneous objects.
- Communicating the patient’s current status throughout the perianesthesia continuum of care.
- Providing acute pain and comfort management as needed.
- Administering medications safely and correctly by using the 8-rights of safe medication administration.
- Performing interventions to maintain the integrity of the patient’s wound and tissue perfusion at or above baseline levels.
- Performing interventions to maintain the status of the patient’s genitourinary, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological systems, and fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balances at or above baseline levels.
- Performing interventions to ensure the patient is at or returned to normothermia at the conclusion of the immediate postoperative period.
- Performing interventions to protect patient from infection.
- Managing patient’s other co-morbid conditions as applicable.
- Managing patient’s fluid as prescribed.
- Assessing knowledge level of patient or designated support person and providing education regarding the expected psychosocial response, nutritional management, medication management, pain and comfort management, wound management, and expected responses to the operative or invasive procedure;
- Involving patient or designated support person actively in decisions affecting his or her perioperative plan of care and the rehabilitation process.
- Protecting patient’s rights, dignity, and privacy.
- Providing age-specific, culturally competent, ethical care within legal standards of practice; and
- Providing consistent and comparable care regardless of the setting.
- Evaluate the patient’s progress toward attaining outcomes.
- Transfer care as needed.
- Provide hand-off report to other teammates that are accurate, concise and pertinent to the patient’s condition and response to care.
- Delegate tasks according to the state Nurse Practice Act (if applicable), state board of nursing or professional registration requirements, state laws, and job descriptions.
- Document nursing care completely, accurately, and legibly.
- Collaborate effectively with other disciplines as needed.
- Participate in quality review and performance improvement projects.
- Participate in the performance appraisal process.
- Use problem-solving and conflict resolution skills to foster effective work relationships with team members.
- Maintain required competencies.
- Pursue professional growth.
- Act as a patient advocate and maintain privacy and confidentiality of individuals and health information.
- Comply with all facility policies and procedures when providing patient care.
- Actively participate in team meetings, trainings, and daily safety huddles.
- Demonstrate fiscal responsibility.
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
- Graduate of an Accredited School of Nursing.
- One year of Pre Operative or PACU experience required
- Medical / surgical nursing experience
- Current state licensure to practice within good standings. Successful completion of Basic Life Support (BLS) or Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) within 90 days of employment or documentation of current BLS/BCLS certification.
- Successful completion of Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Course within 90 days of employment or documentation of current ACLS certification.
- Successful completion of Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) course is required when pediatric care is included in the facility scope services within 90 days of employment or documentation of current PALS certification.
PACU Nurse Jobs by Experience Level
See All 893+ PACU Nurse Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find PACU Nurse JobsPACU Nurse Job Market
Who's Hiring
- SCA Health89
- LiveWell Homecare Agency76L
- United Surgical Partners29
- HealthTrust Workforce Solutions21
- Advocate Aurora Health20
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services71
- Education7
- Non-Profit & Social Services1
- Consulting & Professional Services1
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in PACU nurse jobs.
- Active RN licensure in the state of employment
- Current ACLS certification required at hire or within a defined period
- Minimum one to two years of critical care, emergency, or perioperative nursing experience
- PALS certification required for facilities with pediatric surgical cases
- Proficiency with hemodynamic monitoring and post-anesthesia assessment tools
- BLS certification current and maintained throughout employment
Tips for Your PACU Nurse Job Search
Highlight ACLS and PALS certifications prominently
Most PACU postings screen for Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support before reviewing anything else. List both with expiration dates near the top of your resume so hiring managers confirm compliance in seconds, not minutes.
Quantify your patient recovery ratios
PACU nurses manage multiple post-anesthesia patients at once. State the typical ratio you handled, the acuity levels involved, and whether you worked Phase I, Phase II, or both, so employers immediately understand your workload capacity and scope.
Target openings by surgical specialty, not just unit type
Cardiac and pediatric PACU roles have different skill expectations than general surgical recovery. Filtering by specialty in your search surfaces positions where your case experience is a direct match rather than a rough fit.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists pacu nurse openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare for competency-based scenario questions
PACU interviews regularly present airway-management or hemodynamic-instability scenarios. Walk through your assessment steps, interventions, and escalation decisions out loud during practice so your clinical reasoning sounds structured under pressure.
Negotiate shift differentials, not just base pay
PACU staffing often involves evening on-call obligations or early-morning start times. Ask specifically about shift differential rates and on-call frequency before accepting an offer, since those variables substantially affect your total compensation.
PACU Nurse Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most pacu nurses?
The companies hiring the most pacu nurses right now include SCA Health, LiveWell Homecare Agency, and United Surgical Partners, with the largest share of openings in Texas, Florida, and Missouri, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Ambulatory surgery centers and large hospital networks consistently account for the highest volume of active postings.
How many pacu nurse jobs are remote?
About 0% of pacu nurse openings are fully remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the hands-on clinical nature of most PACU roles. Telehealth pre-admission assessment and post-discharge follow-up coordination are the sub-areas most likely to carry remote or hybrid scheduling options.
How do you become a pacu nurse?
You become a pacu nurse by earning an Associate Degree in Nursing or Bachelor of Science in Nursing, passing the NCLEX-RN, and obtaining your state RN license. Most facilities require prior experience in critical care, the emergency department, or the operating room before hiring into PACU. Obtaining ACLS certification before applying strengthens your candidacy significantly.
Can you get a pacu nurse job with little or no experience?
Some hospital systems offer PACU new-grad residency programs that accept candidates without direct post-anesthesia experience, typically pairing them with a preceptor for an extended orientation period. Completing clinical rotations in perioperative or critical care settings during nursing school, and holding current ACLS certification, meaningfully improves your chances of being selected for these competitive programs.
What does the pacu nurse interview process look like?
Most PACU interviews begin with a phone or video screen with a recruiter, followed by a panel or one-on-one interview with the nurse manager and sometimes a charge nurse. Expect clinical scenario questions covering airway management, hemodynamic instability, and emergence reactions. Some facilities include a unit walkthrough or a brief skills check before extending an offer.
Where can I find and apply to pacu nurse jobs?
You can find and apply to pacu nurse jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience, specialty background, and preferred location, then apply directly to each position that fits.
See All 893+ PACU Nurse Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find PACU Nurse Jobs