PreOp / PACU Nurse Career Guide

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Overview

A Pre-Op/PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit) Registered Nurse (RN) plays a crucial role in the perioperative care of patients undergoing surgical procedures. Pre-Op/PACU RNs are responsible for preparing patients for surgery, providing post-anesthesia care, and monitoring patients as they recover from anesthesia. In the Pre-Op phase, they assess patients' health status, administer preoperative medications, and ensure patients are ready

Education

To become a Pre-Op/PACU RN, you need to start by obtaining a nursing degree. The two most common paths are a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). A BSN typically requires four years of study, while an ADN program generally takes two to three years to complete. Nursing programs

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Related certifications

Becoming a Pre-Op/PACU RN usually requires gaining experience as a registered nurse in critical care or surgical units. This experience provides essential knowledge and skills in managing patients with complex medical conditions and prepares nurses for the fast-paced and high-stress environment of the perioperative setting. While specific qualifications may vary depending on the employer, many hospitals and surgical centers seek

State licenses process and requirements

All 50 states require state licensure to become a professional nurse. Review the step-by-step process to obtain or renew your RN license in each one.
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Skills

Staff and Travel Pre-Op/PACU RNs need a diverse set of skills to excel in their role. They must have a strong knowledge of anesthesia drugs and their effects on the body, as well as expertise in monitoring patients' vital signs and recognizing signs of complications. Effective communication skills are vital in providing clear instructions to patients and their

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Responsibilities

The responsibilities of a Pre-Op/PACU RN are multifaceted. In the Pre-Op phase, they assess patients' medical history, verify surgical consent, start intravenous (IV) lines, administer medications, and ensure patients are physically and emotionally prepared for surgery. In the PACU phase, they monitor patients' vital signs, assess their level of consciousness, manage post-anesthesia side effects (e.g., nausea, pain), and provide a

Salary Insights

Compare your pay with the most up-to-date job market data using our comprehensive salary calculator.
PreOp / PACU Nurse
$1,687-2,506/week

The average salary for a PreOp / PACU Nurse is $2,099.46 per week.

Last updated on December 13, 2024. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.

Pros & Cons

Pros of being a Pre-Op/PACU RN include the opportunity to be involved in all stages of the perioperative process, the ability to witness the positive impact of surgical interventions on patients' health and the satisfaction of providing specialized care in critical moments. This specialty offers various career opportunities in hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and outpatient clinics. Pre-Op/PACU RNs often work

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PreOp / PACU Nurse Jobs


View job details for Travel Nurse RN - PreOp / PACU - Post Anesthesia Care
Travel Contract

Travel Nurse RN - PreOp / PACU - Post Anesthesia Care

  • Chico, CA
  • LanceSoft
  • 4x10 hrs, Days

$3,006/week

Estimated pay package
Posted 10 days ago
View job details for Travel Nurse RN - PreOp / PACU - Post Anesthesia Care
Travel Contract

Travel Nurse RN - PreOp / PACU - Post Anesthesia Care

  • Burlingame, CA
  • Coast Medical Service
  • 4x10 hrs, Days

$2,939/week

Estimated pay package
View job details for Travel Nurse RN - PreOp / PACU - Post Anesthesia Care
Travel Contract

Travel Nurse RN - PreOp / PACU - Post Anesthesia Care

  • Boston, MA
  • PRIDE Health
  • 3x12 hrs, Days, Evenings, Nights, Flexible
  • Referral Bonus

$2,656/week

Posted 7 days ago
View job details for Travel Nurse RN - PreOp / PACU - Post Anesthesia Care
Travel Contract

Travel Nurse RN - PreOp / PACU - Post Anesthesia Care

  • Champaign, IL
  • Genie Healthcare
  • 5x8 hrs, Days

$2,606/week

Estimated pay package

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