PACU Nurse Jobs in North Carolina
PACU Nurse jobs in North Carolina are in strong and consistent demand, concentrated across major health systems, academic medical centers, and surgical specialty practices, with openings available from new-graduate recovery nurses through senior charge and lead positions. The busiest hiring markets are Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greensboro, where employers such as Atrium Health, UNC Health, and Cone Health maintain large perioperative programs and regularly recruit PACU-trained nurses. The most sought-after specialties include cardiac and cardiothoracic recovery, pediatric PACU, and high-acuity post-surgical care. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find PACU Nurse JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 40+ PACU Nurse jobs
At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.
About Duke University Hospital Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States and is the number one hospital in North Carolina, according to U.S. News and World Report for 2023-2024. Duke University Hospital is the largest of Duke Health's three hospitals and features 1048 patient beds, 65 operating rooms, as well as comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.
Clinical Nurse II – Duke University Hospital Eye Center – PACU
Duke University Health System seeks to hire a Clinical Nurse who will embrace our mission of Transforming Lives Transforming Care.
The Duke Eye Center is a surgical unit with five operating rooms and one procedure room, specializing in ophthalmology. Our preoperative area consists of 11 beds and our recovery room has 10 beds. We care for patients across the age spectrum starting with infancy to adulthood. Our team is active in delivering exemplary care for each patient to ensure an excellent patient experience, every time.
Work Hours & Shifts: PRN:
Shifts will be discussed during the interview
No Weekends, No Holidays, No Nights!
Flat PRN Rate of $38 per hour
Preferred Qualifications: Inpatient/Critical care experience preferred.
Job Summary:
As a Clinical Nurse with Duke University Health System, you will make providing service your priority while caring for the whole person in a patient-centered atmosphere. The Clinical Nurse (RN) is responsible for providing and supervising direct and indirect total nursing care responsibilities. Utilizing the nursing process (assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating) in achieving the goals of the nursing department. Plan and provide advanced and/or specialized nursing care for patients in guided by DUHS Professional Practice model participate in the clinical ladder program, educational activities, departmental committees, research projects or other health related projects as assigned. Provide nursing services to patients and families in accordance with the scope of the RN as defined by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. Adheres to all rules and regulations of all applicable local, state and federal agencies and accrediting bodies. Actively participates in outstanding customer service and accepts responsibility in maintaining relationships that are equally respectful to all.
Knowledge, Skills, Education, and Experience Required:
- Previous work experience (1+ years) as a clinical nurse is preferred; at least one year previous work experience as a registered nurse is required for a CN2 role.
- Graduation from an accredited Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (or higher), Associate's Degree in Nursing or Nursing Diploma program is required.
- All registered nurses without a Bachelor's degree in Nursing (or higher) will be required to enroll in an appropriate BSN program within two years of their start date and to complete the program within five years of their start date
Licensure, Certification or Registration Required:
- Current registration with North Carolina State Board of Nursing as a registered professional nurse OR current compact RN licensure to practice in the state of North Carolina required.
- BLS (or higher) certification required. ACLS & PALS certification within 6 months of hire.
- Professional specialty certification (preferred
Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.
At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.
About Duke University Hospital Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States and is the number one hospital in North Carolina, according to U.S. News and World Report for 2023-2024. Duke University Hospital is the largest of Duke Health's three hospitals and features 1048 patient beds, 65 operating rooms, as well as comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.
Clinical Nurse II – Duke University Hospital Eye Center – PACU
Duke University Health System seeks to hire a Clinical Nurse who will embrace our mission of Transforming Lives Transforming Care.
The Duke Eye Center is a surgical unit with five operating rooms and one procedure room, specializing in ophthalmology. Our preoperative area consists of 11 beds and our recovery room has 10 beds. We care for patients across the age spectrum starting with infancy to adulthood. Our team is active in delivering exemplary care for each patient to ensure an excellent patient experience, every time.
Work Hours & Shifts: PRN:
Shifts will be discussed during the interview
No Weekends, No Holidays, No Nights!
Flat PRN Rate of $38 per hour
Preferred Qualifications: Inpatient/Critical care experience preferred.
Job Summary:
As a Clinical Nurse with Duke University Health System, you will make providing service your priority while caring for the whole person in a patient-centered atmosphere. The Clinical Nurse (RN) is responsible for providing and supervising direct and indirect total nursing care responsibilities. Utilizing the nursing process (assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating) in achieving the goals of the nursing department. Plan and provide advanced and/or specialized nursing care for patients in guided by DUHS Professional Practice model participate in the clinical ladder program, educational activities, departmental committees, research projects or other health related projects as assigned. Provide nursing services to patients and families in accordance with the scope of the RN as defined by the North Carolina Board of Nursing. Adheres to all rules and regulations of all applicable local, state and federal agencies and accrediting bodies. Actively participates in outstanding customer service and accepts responsibility in maintaining relationships that are equally respectful to all.
Knowledge, Skills, Education, and Experience Required:
- Previous work experience (1+ years) as a clinical nurse is preferred; at least one year previous work experience as a registered nurse is required for a CN2 role.
- Graduation from an accredited Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (or higher), Associate's Degree in Nursing or Nursing Diploma program is required.
- All registered nurses without a Bachelor's degree in Nursing (or higher) will be required to enroll in an appropriate BSN program within two years of their start date and to complete the program within five years of their start date
Licensure, Certification or Registration Required:
- Current registration with North Carolina State Board of Nursing as a registered professional nurse OR current compact RN licensure to practice in the state of North Carolina required.
- BLS (or higher) certification required. ACLS & PALS certification within 6 months of hire.
- Professional specialty certification (preferred
Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.
See All 40 PACU Nurse Jobs in North Carolina
Find roles in North Carolina that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find PACU Nurse JobsPACU Nurse Jobs by City in North Carolina
Where North Carolina roles are concentrated, by current openings.
PACU Nurse Job Market in North Carolina
A snapshot from current North Carolina openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Advocate Aurora Health12
- SCA Health8
- Atrium Health7
- Novant Health3
- Mission Health2
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What North Carolina Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in PACU nurse jobs across North Carolina.
- Active registered nurse license issued or recognized by the North Carolina Board of Nursing
- Current BLS certification required, with ACLS certification strongly preferred or required
- Minimum one to two years of PACU, critical care, or perioperative nursing experience
- CPAN or CAPA certification preferred, especially for senior or lead PACU positions
- Proficiency with post-anesthesia assessment, airway management, and hemodynamic monitoring
- Experience with electronic health record systems such as Epic or Meditech in a clinical setting
PACU Nurse Jobs in North Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a pacu nurse in North Carolina?
To become a pacu nurse in North Carolina, you must hold an active registered nurse license issued by the North Carolina Board of Nursing, obtained by passing the NCLEX-RN after completing an accredited associate or bachelor's degree nursing program. Most North Carolina hospitals require candidates to complete an employer-based PACU orientation, and many prefer applicants who already hold ACLS certification. Earning the CPAN credential through the American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification strengthens your candidacy considerably.
How much do PACU nurses make in North Carolina?
PACU nurses in North Carolina earn a median of about $84,350 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $67,660 for the lowest 10% to over $110,220 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire pacu nurses in North Carolina?
Employers hiring pacu nurses in North Carolina right now include Advocate Aurora Health, SCA Health, and Atrium Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. North Carolina's large integrated health systems, particularly those anchored in the Charlotte and Research Triangle areas, maintain ongoing PACU recruitment due to high surgical volumes across their hospital campuses.
Which North Carolina cities have the most pacu nurse jobs?
The North Carolina cities with the most pacu nurse openings are Charlotte, Durham, and Greensboro. Charlotte leads because of the dense concentration of Atrium Health facilities and large surgical centers, while Raleigh and Durham benefit from UNC Health and Duke Health's extensive perioperative programs, which generate steady PACU demand across both urban and surrounding suburban campuses.
How can I get hired as a pacu nurse in North Carolina with little or no experience?
The most realistic path into PACU nursing in North Carolina without prior recovery experience is completing a new-graduate or nurse residency program at a large health system such as UNC Health, Atrium Health, or Novant Health, several of which offer perioperative or critical care residency tracks that can lead directly into PACU roles. Candidates coming from ICU, step-down, or emergency nursing backgrounds are frequently considered for internal transfers. Earning ACLS certification before applying and pursuing CPAN preparation signals commitment and meaningfully improves your competitiveness.
Where can I find and apply to pacu nurse jobs in North Carolina?
You can find and apply to pacu nurse jobs in North Carolina on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers actively hiring across the state. Find roles that fit your experience and credentials and apply directly to the positions that match.
See All 40 PACU Nurse Jobs in North Carolina
Find roles in North Carolina that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find PACU Nurse Jobs