Entry Level PACU Nurse Jobs
New grad pacu nurse jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where strong clinical rotations or internship hours in a post-anesthesia setting can matter more than a lengthy resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Healthcare & Medical Services, Education, and Investment & Asset Management, with employers like SCA Health, CHRISTUS Health, and Ascension hiring at this level now.
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SUMMARY
Under the direct supervision of the Clinical Manager (or designee), implements, supervises, and evaluates the nursing care of each patient using a nursing process and in accordance with established hospital and departmental policies and procedures. Provides intensive nursing care to post-operative patients when assigned to the post-anesthesia area. From admission to discharge, plans with consideration of the aging process throughout the life span, including all developmental stages as well as cultural patterns. Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization’s values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers, and one another.
Responsibilities
Renders professional nursing care to peri-operative patients including:
- Review of patients’ charts
- Administration of medications
- Starting IVs and hanging blood
- Electrocardiography
- Venipuncture
- Catheterization
- Defibrillation
- Other complex or routine treatments as prescribed by physician or as required by patient’s condition
Initiates or participates in life-saving procedures to include administering cardio-pulmonary resuscitation as necessary. Participates in planning and implementation of nursing care plan for assigned patients. Utilizes professional judgment to evaluate appropriateness of planned or prescribed treatment given patient’s current condition; modifies treatment or contacts physician as circumstances require. Reviews patient chart assuring pertinent information readily available such as lab reports, and operative permits and assures all pre-operative medications and orders have been carried out. Verifies patient’s identity prior to surgical procedure. Performs nursing duties according to procedures of area assigned.
As assigned to Preoperative holding unit, performs complete patient assessment in preparation for surgery focusing on physiological and cognitive functions as part of the development of the plan of care for patient. Reviews and evaluates pre-admission testing results (labs, EKGs, etc.) to identify and report all testing results to appropriate medical providers (Surgeons, Anesthesiologists, etc.). Conducts interviews and screenings with all patients scheduled for surgical encounter. Compiles all relevant medical information necessary for effective evaluation and identifies need for further evaluation and/or medical intervention. Provides patient/family education for the preoperative patient relevant to the surgical procedure scheduled. Assesses physical, psycho-social, cultural, spiritual language barriers, age, teaching needs, and readiness to learn and involves the appropriate interdisciplinary team in the plan of care. Places peripheral IV, orders pre-op protocol order set per policy, and administers any medications needed prior to surgery.
As assigned to post-anesthesia recovery area, admits post-operative patient, checking for stability of vital signs and notifies anesthesiologist or surgeon as indicated. Continually observes patient; monitors vital signs; ventilates and suctions patients; inserts catheters; administers oxygen and the like, according to physician’s instructions and/or professional assessment of patient’s condition. Determines when patient’s condition is stable and releases to designated hospital area. Maintains records and charts, reporting pertinent information regarding patient’s condition, medication given, treatments administered, and so forth. Assists in directing, orienting, training, and providing functional guidance to surgical technicians and new nursing personnel as requested. Maintains and enhances professional expertise through participation in appropriate educational activities. Serves as a role model/preceptor to new graduate nurses and less experienced personnel. Works with a high level of autonomy and displays exceptional critical thinking skills to identify and address specific patient needs. Assumes charge nurse responsibility for the patient care unit as delegated.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Licensure as Registered Nurse in the State of Rhode Island by the Rhode Island Board of Nursing or licensure as a Registered Nurse in accordance with the Nurse Licensure Compact agreement of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
BASIC KNOWLEDGE
Professional knowledge of clinical nursing to provide nursing care to pre-operative patients under stressful conditions requiring knowledge of sterile techniques, surgical procedures, and special precautions and the ability to react to life-threatening situations. Interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, and other hospital personnel. Visual and aural acuity to monitor patient progress. Baccalaureate in Nursing preferred. Must have current licensure to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Rhode Island or in another state that participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact. BLS ACLS/PALS certified (New hires have 1 year to obtain ACLS/PALS).
For adult PACU: Minimum of 1-year previous adult Critical Care, adult ED, and/or PACU experience required. Prior experience in patient assessment and evaluation of surgical patients.
For pediatric PACU: Minimum of 1-year previous pediatric Critical care or pediatric ED experience required. Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients throughout the life span, with consideration of aging processes, human development stages, and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Visual and aural ability to monitor patient status. Physical ability to assist in lifting and positioning patients. Exposed to patient care environment. Physical ability for extensive walking and standing; lifting, positioning, and pushing patients on stretchers. On-call shifts, weekend shifts, and holiday shifts as assigned per unit.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
None.
Pay Range
$35.56-$59.99
Location
Rhode Island Hospital - 593 Eddy Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903
Work Type
M-F 8am-830p, S&S as assigned
Work Shift
Day
Driving Required
No
Union
United Nurses And Allied Professionals
Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.
SUMMARY
Under the direct supervision of the Clinical Manager (or designee), implements, supervises, and evaluates the nursing care of each patient using a nursing process and in accordance with established hospital and departmental policies and procedures. Provides intensive nursing care to post-operative patients when assigned to the post-anesthesia area. From admission to discharge, plans with consideration of the aging process throughout the life span, including all developmental stages as well as cultural patterns. Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization’s values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers, and one another.
Responsibilities
Renders professional nursing care to peri-operative patients including:
- Review of patients’ charts
- Administration of medications
- Starting IVs and hanging blood
- Electrocardiography
- Venipuncture
- Catheterization
- Defibrillation
- Other complex or routine treatments as prescribed by physician or as required by patient’s condition
Initiates or participates in life-saving procedures to include administering cardio-pulmonary resuscitation as necessary. Participates in planning and implementation of nursing care plan for assigned patients. Utilizes professional judgment to evaluate appropriateness of planned or prescribed treatment given patient’s current condition; modifies treatment or contacts physician as circumstances require. Reviews patient chart assuring pertinent information readily available such as lab reports, and operative permits and assures all pre-operative medications and orders have been carried out. Verifies patient’s identity prior to surgical procedure. Performs nursing duties according to procedures of area assigned.
As assigned to Preoperative holding unit, performs complete patient assessment in preparation for surgery focusing on physiological and cognitive functions as part of the development of the plan of care for patient. Reviews and evaluates pre-admission testing results (labs, EKGs, etc.) to identify and report all testing results to appropriate medical providers (Surgeons, Anesthesiologists, etc.). Conducts interviews and screenings with all patients scheduled for surgical encounter. Compiles all relevant medical information necessary for effective evaluation and identifies need for further evaluation and/or medical intervention. Provides patient/family education for the preoperative patient relevant to the surgical procedure scheduled. Assesses physical, psycho-social, cultural, spiritual language barriers, age, teaching needs, and readiness to learn and involves the appropriate interdisciplinary team in the plan of care. Places peripheral IV, orders pre-op protocol order set per policy, and administers any medications needed prior to surgery.
As assigned to post-anesthesia recovery area, admits post-operative patient, checking for stability of vital signs and notifies anesthesiologist or surgeon as indicated. Continually observes patient; monitors vital signs; ventilates and suctions patients; inserts catheters; administers oxygen and the like, according to physician’s instructions and/or professional assessment of patient’s condition. Determines when patient’s condition is stable and releases to designated hospital area. Maintains records and charts, reporting pertinent information regarding patient’s condition, medication given, treatments administered, and so forth. Assists in directing, orienting, training, and providing functional guidance to surgical technicians and new nursing personnel as requested. Maintains and enhances professional expertise through participation in appropriate educational activities. Serves as a role model/preceptor to new graduate nurses and less experienced personnel. Works with a high level of autonomy and displays exceptional critical thinking skills to identify and address specific patient needs. Assumes charge nurse responsibility for the patient care unit as delegated.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Licensure as Registered Nurse in the State of Rhode Island by the Rhode Island Board of Nursing or licensure as a Registered Nurse in accordance with the Nurse Licensure Compact agreement of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
BASIC KNOWLEDGE
Professional knowledge of clinical nursing to provide nursing care to pre-operative patients under stressful conditions requiring knowledge of sterile techniques, surgical procedures, and special precautions and the ability to react to life-threatening situations. Interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, and other hospital personnel. Visual and aural acuity to monitor patient progress. Baccalaureate in Nursing preferred. Must have current licensure to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Rhode Island or in another state that participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact. BLS ACLS/PALS certified (New hires have 1 year to obtain ACLS/PALS).
For adult PACU: Minimum of 1-year previous adult Critical Care, adult ED, and/or PACU experience required. Prior experience in patient assessment and evaluation of surgical patients.
For pediatric PACU: Minimum of 1-year previous pediatric Critical care or pediatric ED experience required. Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients throughout the life span, with consideration of aging processes, human development stages, and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Visual and aural ability to monitor patient status. Physical ability to assist in lifting and positioning patients. Exposed to patient care environment. Physical ability for extensive walking and standing; lifting, positioning, and pushing patients on stretchers. On-call shifts, weekend shifts, and holiday shifts as assigned per unit.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
None.
Pay Range
$35.56-$59.99
Location
Rhode Island Hospital - 593 Eddy Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903
Work Type
M-F 8am-830p, S&S as assigned
Work Shift
Day
Driving Required
No
Union
United Nurses And Allied Professionals
Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.
See All 131+ Entry Level PACU Nurse Jobs
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Find Entry Level PACU Nurse JobsEntry Level PACU Nurse Job Market
Who's Hiring
- SCA Health25
- CHRISTUS Health6
- Ascension4
- WVU Medicine4
- Atrium Health4
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services111
- Education7
- Investment & Asset Management1
Entry Level PACU Nurse Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level pacu nurse job?
Start by completing ACLS certification if you haven't already, as most PACU hiring managers treat it as a baseline requirement even for new graduates. Clinical rotations in critical care, surgical, or recovery settings give you the hands-on exposure employers look for at the entry level. Highlighting any experience with post-operative monitoring, pain assessment, or anesthesia recovery in your resume and during interviews gives you a clear edge over candidates without that background.
Which companies hire entry level pacu nurses?
Companies hiring entry level pacu nurses right now include SCA Health, CHRISTUS Health, and Ascension, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. At this level, hiring tends to come from hospital systems, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities that run structured nurse residency or new graduate transition programs.
Are there remote entry level pacu nurse jobs?
Yes, though remote options in this specialty are limited given the hands-on nature of post-anesthesia care. About 0% of entry level pacu nurse openings are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions typically involve case management, pre-operative phone screening, or recovery education roles rather than direct bedside care.
Are these new grad pacu nurse jobs?
Yes, many of the openings listed here are new grad pacu nurse roles that explicitly welcome recent graduates and junior candidates. A posting is typically new-grad friendly when it lists zero to two years of experience as acceptable, accepts internship or clinical rotation hours in place of full-time work history, or is attached to a formal nurse residency or transition-to-practice program.
Which industries hire the most entry level pacu nurses?
Entry Level pacu nurse roles concentrate in Healthcare & Medical Services, Education, and Investment & Asset Management, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. These sectors drive entry level hiring because high surgical volumes, expanding outpatient procedure centers, and ongoing staffing needs create consistent openings for candidates who are early in their PACU careers.