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Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Nurse

Patients emerging from anesthesia — airway management, pain control, hemodynamic stabilization.

Who you'd be caring for

Patients emerging from anesthesia — airway management, pain control, hemodynamic stabilization.

What the shift actually looks like

Patients arrive unstable and leave stable, sometimes within thirty minutes. Airway management and pain control dominate, and the pace is entirely dictated by the OR board. Holding ICU boarders changes the job substantially.

What you need to hold

Typically required
BLS, ACLS, PALS; CPAN valued
Typical ratio
Typically 1:2, 1:1 for phase one unstable

What to ask before you accept

Whether PACU holds ICU boarders, phase one versus phase two, and pediatric volume.

We put those questions to the facility at intake so you get a straight answer before you commit, not after your first shift.

Why this role is in demand

PACU nurses who have never held ICU boarders struggle in facilities that routinely do. Ask about boarding. For you, that is leverage — the narrower the skill set, the smaller the pool you are competing against and the better the assignments you get offered.

Travel, per diem or permanent?

Travel pays the most and moves you every 8–26 weeks. Local contract gets you contract rates without relocating. Per diem lets you pick up shifts around your own schedule. Permanent when you want to settle, build seniority and stop packing.

Working with us

We tell you the rate, the unit and the shift pattern before you commit, and we ask permission before every single submittal — you will never find out you were put forward somewhere after the fact. One recruiter handles you from the first call through to your last shift.

Placement is always free to you. Our fee is paid by the facility. Join the network and we will only call you when something genuinely fits.

Common questions

What certifications do I need for PACU?

BLS, ACLS, PALS; CPAN valued.

What is the typical typical ratio in PACU?

Typically 1:2, 1:1 for phase one unstable.

What should I ask before accepting a PACU assignment?

Whether PACU holds ICU boarders, phase one versus phase two, and pediatric volume.

Does it cost me anything to work with you?

No. Placement is always free to you — our fee is paid by the facility.

Other units in Perioperative

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Tell us what you’re looking for

Two minutes now saves a dozen irrelevant calls later. We only get in touch when something genuinely matches your specialty, your states and the schedule you actually want.

  • Rates and shift detail in writing before you commit
  • Permission asked before every single submittal
  • One recruiter from first call to last shift
  • Always free to you — the facility pays our fee

No fee, ever. We never submit you anywhere without asking first.

Work in PACU?

Join the network and we will bring you assignments that actually match what you do.