PACU Nurse Jobs in Missouri
PACU Nurse jobs in Missouri are consistently in demand across the state's large academic medical centers, regional hospital networks, and ambulatory surgery centers, with openings at both staff and charge-level seniority. St. Louis and Kansas City lead in volume, followed by Springfield, where BJC HealthCare, Saint Luke's Health System, and Mercy Health maintain ongoing recruitment for post-anesthesia care roles. The most sought-after specialties are cardiac surgical recovery, orthopedic and joint replacement post-op care, and pediatric PACU nursing. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 34+ PACU Nurse jobs
It's more than a career, it's a calling.
MO-SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital - Lake Saint LouisWorker Type:
PRN2Job Summary:
Provides leadership and direction to the patient care team. Performs age-specific physical, psychological, and social assessments, formulates nursing diagnoses, and develops a plan of care, which includes individualized treatment strategies for the post-anesthesia setting.Job Responsibilities and Requirements:
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Completes and documents a thorough and accurate PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit) admission assessment and utilizes critical judgment to analyze patient assessment data to develop an appropriate plan of care. Implements a plan of care or care pathway to provide individualized care for each patient. Plan of care is based upon patient assessment, physician and anesthesia orders and preferences, and procedure specific criteria in a manner that is prioritized and timely.
- Demonstrates and maintains knowledge and skills necessary to meet physical, psycho-social, spiritual, cultural, and age appropriate needs of each patient.
- Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to perform all aspects of nursing care in both routine and emergency situations. Communicates changes in patient condition to physicians and necessary staff in a timely manner.
- Demonstrates knowledge of appropriate administration of medications and treatments according to policy, procedure and protocol. Verbalizes knowledge and demonstrates consistent use and compliance for written protocols (i.e.; pain, conscious sedation, skin, restraint, abuse, parental bonding, etc.)
- Evaluates and documents patient's progress toward achievement of outcomes. Meets discharge and ongoing patient educational needs related to treatment, procedures, disease process, equipment, medications, physician orders, and follow up care.
- Communicates with patient family members while patients are in PACU in a timely manner.
- Reports outcome progress and patient specific information to responsible caregiver when leaving department, end of shift, or upon transfer to another unit.
- Demonstrates competence in delegation, problem solving, and conflict resolution. Evaluates care given by team members and gives feedback. Effectively supervises team members and maintains accountability for standard of care provided. Acts as a resource to other team members.
- Organizes and utilizes time efficiently. Demonstrates appropriate prioritization. Maintains an organized work environment. Demonstrates the ability to work collaboratively on a team. Demonstrates positive interpersonal relationships with patients, significant others, multidisciplinary team members, and co-workers. Assists in other surgical services departments as needed.
- Applies the existing body of evidence-based practice and scientific knowledge in health care to nursing practice, ensuring that nursing care is delivered based on patient’s age-specific needs and clinical needs as described in the department's Scope of Service.
- As an SSM Health nurse, I will demonstrate the professional nursing standards defined in the professional practice model. Uses the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses to guide his/her response to the current and evolving health and nursing needs of our patients and our patient populations.
- Works in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION
- Graduate of accredited school of nursing or education equivalency for licensing
EXPERIENCE
- No experience required
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Constant use of speech to share information through oral communication.
- Constant standing and walking.
- Frequent lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 0-25 lbs.
- Frequent sitting, reaching and keyboard use/data entry.
- Frequent use of vision and depth perception for distances near (20 inches or less) and far (20 feet or more) and to identify and distinguish colors.
- Frequent use of smell to detect/recognize odors.
- Frequent use of hearing to receive oral communication, distinguish body sounds and/or hear alarms, malfunctioning machinery, etc.
- Occasional lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 25-50 lbs.
- Occasional lifting/moving of patients.
- Occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, squatting, twisting, gripping and repetitive foot/leg and hand/arm movements.
- Occasional driving.
- Rare crawling and running.
REQUIRED PROFESSIONAL LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS
State of Work Location: Illinois
- Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- And
- Registered Professional Nurse (RN) - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
- And
- Advanced Life Support (ALS) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- Or
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) - American Academy Pediatrics (AAP)
- Or
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- Or
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Essentials - American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
State of Work Location: Missouri
- Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- And
- Registered Nurse (RN) - Missouri Division of Professional Registration
- Or
- Registered Nurse (RN) Issued by Compact State
- And
- Advanced Life Support (ALS) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- Or
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) - American Academy Pediatrics (AAP)
- Or
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- Or
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Essentials - American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
State of Work Location: Oklahoma
- Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- And
- Registered Nurse (RN) Issued by Compact State
- Or
- Registered Nurse (RN) - Oklahoma Board of Nursing (OBN)
- And
- Advanced Life Support (ALS) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- Or
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) - American Academy Pediatrics (AAP)
- Or
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- Or
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Essentials - American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
State of Work Location: Wisconsin
- Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- And
- Registered Nurse (RN) Issued by Compact State
- Or
- Registered Nurse (RN) - Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
- And
- Advanced Life Support (ALS) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- Or
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) - American Academy Pediatrics (AAP)
- Or
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- Or
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Essentials - American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
Work Shift:
PRN / Per Diem Shift (United States of America)Job Type:
Department:
4402000023 PACUScheduled Weekly Hours:
0Benefits:
SSM Health values our exceptional employees by offering a comprehensive benefits package to fit their needs.
Paid Parental Leave: we offer eligible team members one week of paid parental leave for newborns or newly adopted children (pro-rated based on FTE).
Flexible Payment Options: our voluntary benefit offered through DailyPay offers eligible hourly team members instant access to their earned, unpaid base pay (fees may apply) before payday.
Upfront Tuition Coverage: we provide upfront tuition coverage through FlexPath Funded for eligible team members.
It's more than a career, it's a calling.
MO-SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital - Lake Saint LouisWorker Type:
PRN2Job Summary:
Provides leadership and direction to the patient care team. Performs age-specific physical, psychological, and social assessments, formulates nursing diagnoses, and develops a plan of care, which includes individualized treatment strategies for the post-anesthesia setting.Job Responsibilities and Requirements:
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Completes and documents a thorough and accurate PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit) admission assessment and utilizes critical judgment to analyze patient assessment data to develop an appropriate plan of care. Implements a plan of care or care pathway to provide individualized care for each patient. Plan of care is based upon patient assessment, physician and anesthesia orders and preferences, and procedure specific criteria in a manner that is prioritized and timely.
- Demonstrates and maintains knowledge and skills necessary to meet physical, psycho-social, spiritual, cultural, and age appropriate needs of each patient.
- Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to perform all aspects of nursing care in both routine and emergency situations. Communicates changes in patient condition to physicians and necessary staff in a timely manner.
- Demonstrates knowledge of appropriate administration of medications and treatments according to policy, procedure and protocol. Verbalizes knowledge and demonstrates consistent use and compliance for written protocols (i.e.; pain, conscious sedation, skin, restraint, abuse, parental bonding, etc.)
- Evaluates and documents patient's progress toward achievement of outcomes. Meets discharge and ongoing patient educational needs related to treatment, procedures, disease process, equipment, medications, physician orders, and follow up care.
- Communicates with patient family members while patients are in PACU in a timely manner.
- Reports outcome progress and patient specific information to responsible caregiver when leaving department, end of shift, or upon transfer to another unit.
- Demonstrates competence in delegation, problem solving, and conflict resolution. Evaluates care given by team members and gives feedback. Effectively supervises team members and maintains accountability for standard of care provided. Acts as a resource to other team members.
- Organizes and utilizes time efficiently. Demonstrates appropriate prioritization. Maintains an organized work environment. Demonstrates the ability to work collaboratively on a team. Demonstrates positive interpersonal relationships with patients, significant others, multidisciplinary team members, and co-workers. Assists in other surgical services departments as needed.
- Applies the existing body of evidence-based practice and scientific knowledge in health care to nursing practice, ensuring that nursing care is delivered based on patient’s age-specific needs and clinical needs as described in the department's Scope of Service.
- As an SSM Health nurse, I will demonstrate the professional nursing standards defined in the professional practice model. Uses the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses to guide his/her response to the current and evolving health and nursing needs of our patients and our patient populations.
- Works in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION
- Graduate of accredited school of nursing or education equivalency for licensing
EXPERIENCE
- No experience required
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Constant use of speech to share information through oral communication.
- Constant standing and walking.
- Frequent lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 0-25 lbs.
- Frequent sitting, reaching and keyboard use/data entry.
- Frequent use of vision and depth perception for distances near (20 inches or less) and far (20 feet or more) and to identify and distinguish colors.
- Frequent use of smell to detect/recognize odors.
- Frequent use of hearing to receive oral communication, distinguish body sounds and/or hear alarms, malfunctioning machinery, etc.
- Occasional lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 25-50 lbs.
- Occasional lifting/moving of patients.
- Occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, squatting, twisting, gripping and repetitive foot/leg and hand/arm movements.
- Occasional driving.
- Rare crawling and running.
REQUIRED PROFESSIONAL LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS
State of Work Location: Illinois
- Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- And
- Registered Professional Nurse (RN) - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
- And
- Advanced Life Support (ALS) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- Or
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) - American Academy Pediatrics (AAP)
- Or
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- Or
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Essentials - American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
State of Work Location: Missouri
- Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- And
- Registered Nurse (RN) - Missouri Division of Professional Registration
- Or
- Registered Nurse (RN) Issued by Compact State
- And
- Advanced Life Support (ALS) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- Or
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) - American Academy Pediatrics (AAP)
- Or
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- Or
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Essentials - American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
State of Work Location: Oklahoma
- Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- And
- Registered Nurse (RN) Issued by Compact State
- Or
- Registered Nurse (RN) - Oklahoma Board of Nursing (OBN)
- And
- Advanced Life Support (ALS) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- Or
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) - American Academy Pediatrics (AAP)
- Or
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- Or
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Essentials - American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
State of Work Location: Wisconsin
- Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- And
- Registered Nurse (RN) Issued by Compact State
- Or
- Registered Nurse (RN) - Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
- And
- Advanced Life Support (ALS) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- Or
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) - American Academy Pediatrics (AAP)
- Or
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - American Heart Association (AHA)
- Or
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Essentials - American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
Work Shift:
PRN / Per Diem Shift (United States of America)Job Type:
Department:
4402000023 PACUScheduled Weekly Hours:
0Benefits:
SSM Health values our exceptional employees by offering a comprehensive benefits package to fit their needs.
Paid Parental Leave: we offer eligible team members one week of paid parental leave for newborns or newly adopted children (pro-rated based on FTE).
Flexible Payment Options: our voluntary benefit offered through DailyPay offers eligible hourly team members instant access to their earned, unpaid base pay (fees may apply) before payday.
Upfront Tuition Coverage: we provide upfront tuition coverage through FlexPath Funded for eligible team members.
See All 34 PACU Nurse Jobs in Missouri
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Find PACU Nurse JobsPACU Nurse Jobs by City in Missouri
Where Missouri roles are concentrated, by current openings.
PACU Nurse Job Market in Missouri
A snapshot from current Missouri openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Missouri Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in PACU nurse jobs across Missouri.
- Active Missouri RN license or a compact license recognized in Missouri
- Minimum one to two years of acute care or critical care nursing experience
- Current BLS and ACLS certification from a recognized provider
- CPAN or CAPA certification preferred or required by many Missouri hospital systems
- Demonstrated ability to monitor and manage post-anesthesia patients independently
- Proficiency with electronic health record systems used in Missouri surgical settings
PACU Nurse Jobs in Missouri: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a pacu nurse in Missouri?
To become a pacu nurse in Missouri, you first earn an Associate Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, then pass the NCLEX-RN to obtain licensure through the Missouri State Board of Nursing. From there, most Missouri employers require at least one year of acute or critical care experience before moving into a PACU role. Earning the CPAN credential through the American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification strengthens your candidacy significantly.
How much do PACU nurses make in Missouri?
PACU nurses in Missouri earn a median of about $81,780 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $63,230 for the lowest 10% to over $104,390 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire pacu nurses in Missouri?
Companies currently hiring pacu nurses in Missouri include BJC HealthCare, United Surgical Partners, and CoxHealth, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Missouri's large integrated health systems, including academic medical centers affiliated with universities in St. Louis and Kansas City, tend to post the most consistent volume of PACU openings.
Which Missouri cities have the most pacu nurse jobs?
The cities with the most pacu nurse openings in Missouri are St. Louis, Columbia, and Kansas City. St. Louis and Kansas City dominate because of their concentration of major hospital systems and surgical centers, while Springfield supports steady demand through Mercy's large regional flagship campus and CoxHealth, which serve a broad rural catchment area across southern Missouri.
Are there remote pacu nurse jobs in Missouri?
Yes, but they're rare. PACU nursing requires hands-on patient monitoring in a clinical setting immediately after surgery, which makes fully remote work structurally incompatible with the core role. About 0% of pacu nurse openings tied to Missouri are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those postings typically involve perianesthesia care coordination, utilization review, or pre-admission phone assessments rather than bedside recovery duties.
How can I get hired as a pacu nurse in Missouri with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to a surgical or critical care new-graduate residency program, then transitioning into PACU. BJC HealthCare and Saint Luke's Health System in Missouri run structured new-grad residencies that include ICU and step-down rotations, which build the hemodynamic monitoring skills PACU units require. Starting as a recovery room technician, surgical tech, or anesthesia aide at a Missouri ambulatory surgery center is another door, as is completing a CPAN exam prep course to signal readiness before landing the first PACU role.
Where can I find and apply to pacu nurse jobs in Missouri?
You can find and apply to pacu nurse jobs in Missouri on Migrate Mate, which lists current Missouri openings across hospital systems, surgical centers, and outpatient facilities. Search the listings, find a role that matches your experience and preferred location, and apply directly to the employer.
See All 34 PACU Nurse Jobs in Missouri
Find roles in Missouri that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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