Travel PACU Nurse Jobs

The agencies on Vivian that currently have the most Travel PACU Nurse jobs are PRN Healthcare (53), Focus Staff (52), and TotalMed Staffing (50).

As of Tuesday, October 3rd 2023, Vivian has 355 Staff Nursing jobs listed. These jobs pay $47 per hour on average, with the highest-paying job listed up to $61 per hour.

As of Tuesday, October 3rd 2023, Vivian has 6 jobs listed for per diem Nursing jobs. These jobs pay $51 per hour on average and up to $60 per hour for the highest-paying role.

As of Tuesday, October 3rd 2023, Vivian has 1 listings for local contract Nursing jobs. These jobs pay $65 per hour on average, and up to $65 per hour for the top-paying job listed.

Take a look at Vivian's Travel PACU Nurse Career Guide for more information, including required education, responsibilities, pros and cons and more.

PACU nurses work in the postanesthesia care unit of a medical facility. The PACU is a type of critical care unit where nurses and other medical professionals observe patients who are waking up from anesthesia. PACU nurses have many responsibilities, including the continuous monitoring of vital signs.

Patients are usually asleep when they're transferred from the operating room to the PACU. When a patient arrives in the unit, nurses are responsible for hooking up the equipment used to measure heart rate, blood pressure, and other vital signs. PACU nurses are also responsible for administering pain medicines and checking surgical dressings.

PACU nurses work in hospitals, surgical centers, and other types of medical facilities in the anesthesia recovery units for operating rooms and procedural areas 

PACU nurses must possess strong assessment skills in case patients experience complications shortly after waking up from anesthesia. A PACU nurse must be able to accurately determine the status of each patient by inspecting surgical wounds and watching for subtle changes in respiratory rate and heart rhythm. Another major function is determining when a patient is ready to be extubated (taken off a breathing machine).

The initial steps to becoming a PACU nurse are the same as for any other nursing specialty: complete an accredited nursing program, pass the National Council Licensing Examination, and meet all other licensing requirements established by your state.

The salary of a PACU nurse depends on several factors, such as geographic location, years of experience, relevant certifications, and employer type. Travel nurses tend to make more than staff nurses due to their willingness to accept short-term assignments in high-need areas.

PACU nurses may hold Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), among others.

Some healthcare employers may prefer PACU nurse job candidates with Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia nurse (CAPA), and some may even require specific professional certifications.

Yes you can earn a Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia nurse (CAPA) online.

Having a Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia nurse (CAPA) validates your knowledge and skills as a PACU nurse and your dedication to continuing your education in your chosen field. All of which makes you a more desirable job candidate to healthcare employers.