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Pacu Rn Jobs in Round Lake, IL (NOW HIRING)

Registered Nurse, PACU/SDS About City of Hope, City of Hope's mission is to make hope a reality for all touched by cancer and diabetes. Founded in 1913, City of Hope has grown into one of the largest ...

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Pacu Rn information

See Round Lake, IL salary details

$866

$2.2K

$3.3K

How much do pacu rn jobs pay per week?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average weekly pay for pacu rn in Round Lake, IL is $2,229.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,751.92 and $2,675.00 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a PACU RN Do?

As a PACU RN, your responsibilities are to monitor post-anesthesia care unit patients and ensure they recover properly from anesthesia after inpatient or outpatient surgeries or procedures. PACU RNs have a range of post-operative duties, including checking and changing bandages, administering post-operative medications, such as painkillers or antibiotics, and providing patients and their families with information about care after they leave the recovery room. PACU RNs address any issues with recovery and collaborate with physicians or surgeons whenever necessary.

What are PACU RNs?

PACU RNs, or Post Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurses, are specialized nurses who care for patients recovering from anesthesia after surgery or other medical procedures. They monitor vital signs, manage pain, and watch for complications as patients wake up from anesthesia. PACU RNs work closely with anesthesiologists and surgeons to ensure patients transition safely from surgery to recovery. Their role is critical in identifying and addressing any immediate post-operative needs or emergencies.

Is PACU stressful?

PACU RN (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse) positions can be stressful due to the fast-paced environment, the need for quick decision-making, and monitoring patients recovering from anesthesia. The role requires strong clinical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle emergencies efficiently.

How to make 150,000 as a nurse?

A PACU RN can earn $150,000 by gaining extensive experience, working in high-paying facilities, and obtaining specialized certifications such as CCRN or CNOR. Working overtime, night shifts, or in travel nursing roles can also increase income significantly.

Are PACU nurses in demand?

PACU nurses are in high demand due to the need for postoperative care in hospitals and surgical centers. The role requires specialized skills, and job opportunities are generally stable with competitive salaries, especially for those with certification and experience in perioperative nursing.

What does a PACU nurse do?

A PACU nurse, or Post-Anesthesia Care Unit nurse, is responsible for monitoring and caring for patients recovering from anesthesia after surgery or procedures. They assess vital signs, manage pain, and ensure patients are stable before transferring them to other units or discharging them. The role requires knowledge of anesthesia effects, patient assessment skills, and often certification in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS).

What is the difference between Pacu Rn vs Cardiovascular Technologist?

AspectPacu RnCardiovascular Technologist
CertificationsRN license, Pacu certificationRegistered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS), certification varies
Work EnvironmentPost-anesthesia recovery units, hospitalsCatheterization labs, surgical settings
Industry UsageHospitals, outpatient surgery centersCardiology departments, hospitals

Both Pacu Rn and Cardiovascular Technologists work in hospital settings, focusing on cardiac procedures. Pacu Rns primarily assist in post-anesthesia recovery, while Cardiovascular Technologists support invasive cardiac procedures. The key differences lie in certifications and specific roles, but both are vital in cardiac care teams.

What are some common challenges faced by PACU RNs during patient recovery, and how can they be managed?

PACU RNs often encounter challenges such as managing patients with varying levels of consciousness, rapidly assessing vital signs, and responding to complications like airway obstruction or pain. Quick decision-making and effective communication with anesthesiologists and surgeons are essential. Staying organized, utilizing monitoring protocols, and maintaining a calm environment can help manage these challenges while ensuring patient safety and comfort.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PACU RN, and why are they important?

To thrive as a PACU RN, you need strong knowledge of post-anesthesia care, patient assessment, and acute care nursing, supported by an active RN license and often ACLS and PALS certifications. Familiarity with monitoring equipment, electronic health records (EHRs), and pain management protocols is essential. Exceptional communication, critical thinking, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring patient safety, rapid response to complications, and effective teamwork during the critical recovery phase after surgery.
What cities near Round Lake, IL are hiring for Pacu Rn jobs? Cities near Round Lake, IL with the most Pacu Rn job openings:
Infographic showing various Pacu Rn job openings in Round Lake, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,942 per year, or $55.7 per hour.

Registered Nurse Pre-Op/PACU

OAK Surgery Center

Glenview, IL

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Shift Availability: 5 days per week, 8 hours per shift OR 4 days per week, 10 hours per shift
Provides nursing care to the surgical patient. Involves assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of surgical patient in the immediate post-anesthetic period. Provides PACU/Recovery nursing care to patients in the facility by performing the following duties.
The PACU RN is responsible for maintaining clinical, communication and personal knowledge and skills required to meet the challenge of delivering safe and effective patient care in the PACU.

  1. Demonstrates competency in all procedures within the scope of practice, as appropriate to the ages of the patient served, including the ability to obtain, interpret, and communicate information in terms of the patient's needs, a knowledge of growth and development, and an understanding of the range of treatment needed by the following age groups:
INFANT (0-1 year) PEDIATRIC (2-12 years) ADOLESCENT (13-17 years) ADULT (18-69 years) GERIATRIC (70+ years)
  1. The Registered Nurse is responsible for utilization of the nursing process in all aspects of the delivery of patient care and completion of all activities according to established policy, procedure, and protocol.

Communicates accurate and timely information regarding patients and their care and/or their significant others
Records pertinent information clearly, accurately and in a timely manner
Demonstrates positive interpersonal relationships with patients, significant others, and co-workers
Utilities appropriate lines of communication
Assess the health status of the patient by collecting date via:
i. Patient interview
ii. Performance of a physical assessment for all age groups according to the plan of care
iii. Recognizes variances in the assessment which are normal/abnormal for the age group
iv. Review of records
v. Consultation with other members of the perioperative team
Organizes a plan of care that incorporates physician prescribes treatments, nursing assignments and diagnostic date in a manner that:
i. Is prioritized, timely & integrated with the surgical plan of care
ii. Gathering supplies, x-rays and instruments/equipment for cases
As an Admission/Discharge RN:
Completes admission on patient admission as evidenced by ongoing chart review
Completes all necessary lab work and IV's in timely and efficient manner
Prepares the patient for discharge in the following ways, as evidenced by ongoing chart review:
Evaluates the patient's progress for achievement of outcomes/discharge criteria
Provides discharge instructions to the patient/SO
Validates ability of the patient/SO to mange continuing care needs after discharge, through post-op phone calls
Provides education according to the specific knowledge/skill level of the patient/SO to meet the patient's ongoing health needs including:
Safe and effective use of medication including food-drug interaction, as evidenced by chart review
Safe and effective use of medical equipment, if applicable
When and how to obtain further treatment
Implementation of teaching protocols for patient education
As a PACU RN:
Implements orders for post-anesthesia care of patients
Implements standing orders for critical care emergencies
Demonstrates knowledge of critical care medications and administers them properly according to policy
Changes the patients plan of care to meet outcomes
Documents patient care:
In a eligible manner
According to form guidelines
According to protocol
Content reflects patient condition
Restocks area with applicable supplies
Performs appropriate cleaning functions for the unit
Participate in conference, committee meetings, and educational programs as necessary
Obtains appropriate patient health history
Participates in appropriate patient safety related practices
Clinical Leadership:
Demonstrates appropriate judgment and decision-making skills
Acts as the patient's advocate in meeting his/her physical and psychological needs
Serves as a preceptor and orients new members of the surgical team
Demonstrates effective communication skills and the ability to recognize and intervene in stressful situations involving the patient, significant other and/or team members
Creates and maintains a safe and comfortable environment in which surgery can take place
Explains procedures and treatments to patient to gain cooperation, understanding, and ally apprehension
Administers prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with approved nursing technique
Prepares equipment and aids physician during treatment and examination of patient
Maintains awareness of comfort and safety needs of patient
Observes patient, records significant conditions and reactions, and notifies supervisor or Physician of patient's condition and reaction to drugs, treatments, and significant incidents.
Take temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and other vial signs to detect deviations from normal assess condition of patient.
Responds to life saving situation based upon nursing standards, policies, procedures, and protocol
Documents nursing history and physical assessment for assigned patients
Initiatives a patient education plan according to the individualized needs of the patient, as prescribed by physician and/or facility policy including patient and family instruction
Prepares rooms, sterile instruments, equipment, and supplies for surgery.
Responsible for all logs and documentation in regard to medication control
Participates in facility quality improvement activities
Requirements
Understanding and commitment to the mission, values, and philosophy of the organization
Current license as a RN
Awareness of changing trends in nursing trends in nursing and ability to adapt
Knowledge and skills to provide patient care appropriate to specific location and patient population
Ability to function effectively in stressful situations
Ability to communicate in verbal and written methods
Ability and willingness to adjust schedule (trade or work extra) to meet the needs of the facility
BLS certification within 6 months of hire
Ability to work under supervision as well as ability to oversee others
Must be able to meet physical demands of:
Standing for prolonged periods of time
Lifting/moving heavy objects
Salary Description
$34.00 to $48.00 depending on experience