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
Showing 5 of 272+ PACU Nurse jobs
Location: UCHealth UCHlth Longs Peak Hospital, US:CO:Longmont
Department: LPH PACU ODSC SAC
Work Schedule: Full Time, 80.00 hours per pay period (2 weeks)
Shift: Days
Pay: $98,945 - $158,308 annually. Pay is dependent on applicant's relevant experience
This position is an onsite role and does not offer a hybrid or remote option
Summary:
Manages the daily operations of the assigned nursing unit(s) or function(s) to ensure alignment with departmental and organizational objectives.
Responsibilities:
- Assists with developing specific departmental goals, standards, and objectives which directly support the strategic plan and vision of the organization.
- Manages staff relations including performance management, staff satisfaction, and conflict management. Performs and oversees scheduling, recruitment, payroll, and student engagements.
- Monitors departmental budgets, regulatory compliance, departmental contracts, and vendor relations. Determines and justifies needs for systems/equipment/supplies purchases, monitors usage, and oversees proper working order and/or stock supplies.
- Assesses the quality of patient care delivered and coordinates patient care services with patients, staff, physicians, and other departments.
Requirements:
- Graduate from a baccalaureate school of nursing. Preferred: Master's degree in nursing or related field.
- State licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN). Relevant certification as determined at position level.
- 3 years of progressive leadership experience.
- BLS - BLS through the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer with card in-hand before start date. BLS or CPR card must be good through sixty days of hire
At UCHealth, We Improve Lives
Employees are our number one asset.
UCHealth promotes a culture that invests in professional success and personal well-being through a comprehensive total rewards program.
Recognition
- Performance bonus: UCHealth offers an Annual Performance Bonus to recognize employee contributions to our success in quality, patient experience, organizational growth, and financial goals.
- Performance-based pay increase: The Annual Merit Pay Increase recognizes work performance that meets or consistently exceeds performance standards documented through UCHealth's established evaluation process and accounts for increased experience, skills and cost of living.
- Market reviews: All UCHealth positions are reviewed annually to ensure UCHealth base pay aligns with market standards. Base pay rates are adjusted as needed to stay market competitive.
Health and well-being
- Medical, dental and vision coverage.
- Access to 24/7 mental health and well-being support for employees and dependents.
- Discounted gym memberships and fitness resources.
- Free Care.com membership.
- Voluntary benefits such as accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal plan, identity theft protection, pet insurance, auto and home insurance, and employee discount programs.
- Time away from work: Paid time off (PTO), paid family and medical leave (inclusive of Colorado FAMLI), leaves of absence.
- Employer-provided basic life and accidental death and dismemberment coverage with buy-up coverage options.
- Employer-provided short-term disability and long-term disability with a buy-up coverage option.
Retirement and savings
- 403(b) plan with employer matching contribution.
- Additional 457(b) plan may be available.
- Flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent day care; health savings account available when enrolled in high-deductible (HD) medical plan.
Education and career growth
- UCHealth provides access to academic degrees and certificate programs to promote professional and personal growth.
- Up to 100% of tuition, books and fees paid for by UCHealth for specific educational degrees.
- Other programs may qualify for up to $10,000/year pre-paid by UCHealth or up to $5,250/year in the form of tuition reimbursement.
- Access to LinkedIn Learning, which offers thousands of virtual courses and seminars, and internal professional development opportunities.
- Employees have access to free assistance navigating the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program and submitting their federal student loans for forgiveness.
Eligibility for some programs is based on an employee's scheduled work hours.
We improve lives. In big ways through learning, healing, and discovery. In small, personal ways through human connection. But in all ways, we improve lives.
UCHealth always welcomes talent. This position will be open for a minimum of three days and until a top applicant is identified.
UCHealth recognizes and appreciates the rich array of talents and perspectives that equal employment and diversity can offer our institution. As an equal opportunity employer, UCHealth is committed to making all employment decisions based on valid requirements. No applicant shall be discriminated against in any terms, conditions or privileges of employment or otherwise be discriminated against because of the individual's race, color, national origin, language, culture, ethnicity, age, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender, veteran status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state, or local law. UCHealth does not discriminate against any qualified applicant with a disability as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act and will make reasonable accommodations, when the do not impose an undue hardship on the organization.
Location: UCHealth UCHlth Longs Peak Hospital, US:CO:Longmont
Department: LPH PACU ODSC SAC
Work Schedule: Full Time, 80.00 hours per pay period (2 weeks)
Shift: Days
Pay: $98,945 - $158,308 annually. Pay is dependent on applicant's relevant experience
This position is an onsite role and does not offer a hybrid or remote option
Summary:
Manages the daily operations of the assigned nursing unit(s) or function(s) to ensure alignment with departmental and organizational objectives.
Responsibilities:
- Assists with developing specific departmental goals, standards, and objectives which directly support the strategic plan and vision of the organization.
- Manages staff relations including performance management, staff satisfaction, and conflict management. Performs and oversees scheduling, recruitment, payroll, and student engagements.
- Monitors departmental budgets, regulatory compliance, departmental contracts, and vendor relations. Determines and justifies needs for systems/equipment/supplies purchases, monitors usage, and oversees proper working order and/or stock supplies.
- Assesses the quality of patient care delivered and coordinates patient care services with patients, staff, physicians, and other departments.
Requirements:
- Graduate from a baccalaureate school of nursing. Preferred: Master's degree in nursing or related field.
- State licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN). Relevant certification as determined at position level.
- 3 years of progressive leadership experience.
- BLS - BLS through the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer with card in-hand before start date. BLS or CPR card must be good through sixty days of hire
At UCHealth, We Improve Lives
Employees are our number one asset.
UCHealth promotes a culture that invests in professional success and personal well-being through a comprehensive total rewards program.
Recognition
- Performance bonus: UCHealth offers an Annual Performance Bonus to recognize employee contributions to our success in quality, patient experience, organizational growth, and financial goals.
- Performance-based pay increase: The Annual Merit Pay Increase recognizes work performance that meets or consistently exceeds performance standards documented through UCHealth's established evaluation process and accounts for increased experience, skills and cost of living.
- Market reviews: All UCHealth positions are reviewed annually to ensure UCHealth base pay aligns with market standards. Base pay rates are adjusted as needed to stay market competitive.
Health and well-being
- Medical, dental and vision coverage.
- Access to 24/7 mental health and well-being support for employees and dependents.
- Discounted gym memberships and fitness resources.
- Free Care.com membership.
- Voluntary benefits such as accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal plan, identity theft protection, pet insurance, auto and home insurance, and employee discount programs.
- Time away from work: Paid time off (PTO), paid family and medical leave (inclusive of Colorado FAMLI), leaves of absence.
- Employer-provided basic life and accidental death and dismemberment coverage with buy-up coverage options.
- Employer-provided short-term disability and long-term disability with a buy-up coverage option.
Retirement and savings
- 403(b) plan with employer matching contribution.
- Additional 457(b) plan may be available.
- Flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent day care; health savings account available when enrolled in high-deductible (HD) medical plan.
Education and career growth
- UCHealth provides access to academic degrees and certificate programs to promote professional and personal growth.
- Up to 100% of tuition, books and fees paid for by UCHealth for specific educational degrees.
- Other programs may qualify for up to $10,000/year pre-paid by UCHealth or up to $5,250/year in the form of tuition reimbursement.
- Access to LinkedIn Learning, which offers thousands of virtual courses and seminars, and internal professional development opportunities.
- Employees have access to free assistance navigating the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program and submitting their federal student loans for forgiveness.
Eligibility for some programs is based on an employee's scheduled work hours.
We improve lives. In big ways through learning, healing, and discovery. In small, personal ways through human connection. But in all ways, we improve lives.
UCHealth always welcomes talent. This position will be open for a minimum of three days and until a top applicant is identified.
UCHealth recognizes and appreciates the rich array of talents and perspectives that equal employment and diversity can offer our institution. As an equal opportunity employer, UCHealth is committed to making all employment decisions based on valid requirements. No applicant shall be discriminated against in any terms, conditions or privileges of employment or otherwise be discriminated against because of the individual's race, color, national origin, language, culture, ethnicity, age, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender, veteran status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state, or local law. UCHealth does not discriminate against any qualified applicant with a disability as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act and will make reasonable accommodations, when the do not impose an undue hardship on the organization.
See All 272+ PACU Nurse Jobs
Jump back to the full list of openings and apply to any PACU nurse role that fits.
Find PACU Nurse JobsPACU Nurse Job Market
A snapshot from current openings nationwide, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Trinity Health19
- Cleveland Clinic11
- Ascension10
- Memorial Hermann Health System9
- Piedmont Healthcare9
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services211
- Education22
- Human Resources3
- Agriculture & Farming2
- Consulting & Professional Services2
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 Trinity Health, Cleveland Clinic, and Ascension, with the largest share of openings in Texas, Ohio, and Georgia, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 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 June 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 272+ PACU Nurse Jobs
Jump back to the full list of openings and apply to any PACU nurse role that fits.
Find PACU Nurse Jobs