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Post Anesthesia Care Unit Nurse (PACU) Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
Last updated March 4, 2025

PACU Nurse duties and responsibilities

PACU Nurses are a vital part of every patient’s post-surgery recovery team. Their most important duties and responsibilities include:

  • Observing patients for side effects of anesthesia
  • Monitoring and recording patient vital signs
  • Monitoring patient’s level of consciousness throughout sedation recovery
  • Performing post-operative tasks, such as administering medication or changing dressings
  • Checking and updating patient files, charts and medical records
  • Collaborating with surgeons, anesthesiologists, physicians and other members of the patient’s care team
  • Providing comfort and answering questions when patients wake from sedation
  • Educating patients and their families regarding post-surgery care at home

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Post Anesthesia Care Unit Nurse (PACU) Job Description Examples

Example 1

The Concierge Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery PACU Nurse provides various nursing duties to achieve maximum operation of the Surgical Team. The following is a summary of expectations and responsibilities associated with the position and others as assigned. OR experience required.

  • Performs all phases of pre-op including consents, pre-op vitals, IV, COVID tests, answer patient questions, obtains UCGs, reviews medical history, reviews upcoming patient s pre-op lab testing, and communicates any abnormality with the Plastic Surgeon.
  • Helps with the induction of anesthesia, oversees patient during surgery, does a thorough timeout with the surgical staff, acts as circulator during lunch breaks, inserts foley catheter as needed, assists w positioning and as needed in the OR
  • Recovers patient after surgery until he/she meets discharge criteria, makes post-op appt for patient, if needed, goes over discharge instructions with family, takes care of patient s needs (calling in extra prescriptions, school/work excuse notes, demands of high maintenance pts).
  • Calls in additional scripts to pharmacy for patients as needed.
  • Takes care of any problem that the patient may be having and communicates this to the surgeon.
  • Reviews upcoming patient s pre-op lab testing and communicates any abnormality with the anesthesiologists.
  • Orders anesthesia supplies, oxygen and drugs.
  • Work with other surgical staff to ensure sterilization measures for equipment and procedure rooms. This will include maintaining all measures necessary for proper credentialing (eg: Aaaasf designation).
  • Confer with the Plastic Surgeon, Patient Care Coordinator, and other staff on proper treatment protocol.
  • Be available for training on various procedures and equipment as needed.
  • Knowledgeable on all equipment, procedures, and policies.
  • Needs to arrive 15 min prior to start of shift.
  • Communicate all schedule changes.

    Employee Traits:Exceptional customer service and communication skills. Outgoing, friendly, and professional appearance. Telephone etiquette. Characteristics: Self-motivated demonstrating good judgment with ability to work well under pressure, confident, quick learner, detail oriented, highly energetic, and innovative, team motivator, self-managed w/ability to work alone as well in a team environment.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Health insurance
    Medical specialties:
  • Medical-Surgical
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
    Supplemental pay types:
  • Bonus opportunities



    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Northbrook, IL: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

    License/Certification:
  • RN Location: In person

    • Example 2

    Job Title: PACU Nurse - Part Time

    Location: Appleton, Wisconsin

    Schedule: 20 Scheduled Weekly hours

    Benefits:

    with a whole-person approach to wellness

  • Lifestyle Engagemente.g. health coaches, relaxation rooms, health focused apps (Wonder, Ripple), mental health support
  • Access & Affordabilitye.g. minimal or zero copays, team member cost sharing premiums, daycare.

    Qualifications:

  • Current Wisconsin RN Licensure
  • Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) OR Associates Degree in Nursing with an agreement to obtain the BSN within five years.
  • American Heart Association Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS)

    2402042|Aksha

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $33.54 - $40.40 per hour

    Medical specialties:
  • Allergy & Immunology
  • Anesthesiology
  • Bariatrics
  • Burn Care
  • Cath Lab
  • Critical & Intensive Care
  • Dermatology
  • Dialysis
  • Dietetics
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Endocrinology
  • Genetics & Genomics
  • Holistic Medicine
  • Home Health
  • Hospice & Palliative Medicine
  • Hospital Medicine
  • Hyperbaric Medicine
  • Infectious Disease
  • Internal Medicine
  • Labor & Delivery
  • Medical-Surgical
  • Nuclear Medicine
  • Ob/Gyn
  • Occupational Medicine
  • Ophthalmology
  • Orthopedics
  • Pain Medicine
  • Pathology
  • Pediatrics
  • Perioperative Care
  • Physical & Rehabilitation Medicine
  • Primary Care
  • Public Health
  • Radiology
  • Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility
  • Rheumatology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Sports Medicine
  • Surgery
  • Telemetry
  • Transplant Surgery
  • Trauma Medicine
  • Urgent Care
  • Wound Care
    Physical setting:
  • Acuity adaptable unit
  • Acute care
  • Birth center
  • Children's hospital
  • Clinic
  • Community health center
  • CVICU
  • Dental office
  • ER
  • High acuity unit
  • Hospital
  • ICU
  • Inpatient
  • Level III trauma center
  • Level II trauma center
  • Level I trauma center
  • Level IV trauma center
  • Long term care
  • Low acuity unit
  • Magnet hospital
  • Medical transportation
  • Med spa
  • MICU
  • Military hospital
  • Neuro ICU
  • Newborn nursery
  • NICU
  • Nursing home
  • Operating room
  • Outpatient
  • PACU
  • PCU
  • PICU
  • Private practice
  • Rehabilitation center
  • SICU
  • Skilled nursing facility
  • Sleep center
  • Teaching hospital
  • Telehealth
  • TICU
  • Urgent care center



    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Appleton, WI 54911: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

    Experience:
  • Nursing: 1 year (Preferred)

    License/Certification:
  • BLS Certification (Required)
  • Active RN License Location: In person

    • Example 3

    The team at Reproductive Medicine Associates of Northern California is committed to providing the latest and most appropriate infertility treatments available in a caring and compassionate environment. Our fertility specialists are highly trained, board-certified reproductive endocrinologists with over 125 years of combined experience in fertility care. Our team has helped thousands of men and women achieve their dream of parenthood. Come be part of our team to help build families and make dreams come true.

    RMA is seeking a Per-Diem PACU Registered Nurse (RN) to join our growing team in San Francisco, CA. The RN's duties include but are not limited to: admit and recover patients in our Ambulatory Surgical Center. This position is 1-2 weekends a month, and as needed during the week and holidays. Start time would be 6am- 1:30pm at the latest.

    BSN Degree strongly preferred; active RN license without limitations required.

    If you have exceptional interpersonal skills and are ready to join our growing practice, we want to talk to you! This is your opportunity to work for a world-renowned organization that offers stimulation, challenge and personal reward. You will work in a fast-paced, professional environment where your talent will contribute to changing people s lives.

    Operative procedures include:

  • Egg retrievals
  • Embryo transfers
  • Gynecologic surgery

    Requirements:

  • BSN Degree strongly preferred; active RN license without limitations required
  • Strong clinical skills and a minimum of 2 years' clinical experience is required; prior experience in post-surgical, operating room, urology or intensive care healthcare preferred
  • Prior experience in Infertility, Women's Health and/or Operating Room/Ambulatory Surgical Center experience is preferred; new graduates will be considered.
  • BCLS and ACLS required
  • High energy, excellent interpersonal and multi-tasking skills, and demonstrated self-directed work ethic are required
  • Excellent listening/counseling/interpersonal, and communications skills required to manage sensitive patient situation properly
  • Resourceful and well organized; committed to detail and follow-up
  • Ability to work independently, demonstrate good judgment and remain composed under stress
  • Must be available for weekend rotation and some holidays

    IVI-RMA offers a comprehensive full time benefits package to all employees who work a minimum of 30 hours per week.

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance Options
  • Paid Time Off & 8+ Paid Holidays
  • Company Paid Life Insurance, Long Term Disability & AD&D
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Retirement 401K Plan
  • Optional benefits including STD, Life & AD&D Buy-up plans & more.

    About Reproductive Medicine Associates (RMA)

    RMA is the U.S.-based network of fertility clinics that are part of IVI-RMA Global. To learn more about RMA, visit [website] To learn more about RMA-Global, visit: [website]

    We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

    Pay: $64.00 - $69.50 per hour

    Medical specialties:
  • Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility
    Physical setting:
  • Ambulatory surgery center
  • Clinic
    Standard shift:
  • Day shift
    Weekly schedule:
  • Weekends as Location: In person

    • Example 4

    Preop-PACU Nurse (PRN/Per Diem)

    Delray Beach, FL
  • SCOSC - Delray Beach, FL

    Description

    At South County Outpatient Surgery Center, we are an Ophthalmology Outpatient Surgery Center in the Delray Beach, FL area. We are in the eye care business and strive to provide our patients with a positive, caring, and nurturing experience. To succeed we empower our staff to go above and beyond in helping us achieve this goal, by providing a positive, amazing memorable experience. Our employees are the backbone of our surgery centers, working diligently to ensure all procedures are completed safely and successfully.

    To ensure we continue our goals, we are seeking a Preop-PACU Nurseto assist with our surgical procedures. This is a PRN/Per Diem schedule position.

    If you are seeking new adventures in patient care and have a passion for going above and beyond to ensure all our patients are given the best patient experience, then we want to hear from you... Please Apply!

    Essential Competencies/Performance Expectationsinclude, but are not limited to:

  • Ability to collect clinical data with patients' medical and nursing care. Ability to set priorities.
  • Ability to communicate well with patients, families, teammates, physicians, and other members of the healthcare team.
  • Recognizes legal and policy limits of individual practice.
  • Assesses, plans evaluate, and ensures the implementation of the patient s care to achieve identified outcomes and delivers safe patient care according to facility policy and procedure.
  • Assesses patient status on admission and on an ongoing basis.
  • Coordinates nursing interventions to enhance the achievement of expected outcomes and to ensure readiness for discharge.
  • Adheres to all facility policies and procedures when providing patient care.
  • Demonstrates ability to provide patient care in emergencies.
  • Assesses learning needs according to the patient s level of understanding and readiness to learn.
  • Participates in the monitoring and evaluation of nursing care provided.
  • Assumes charge nurse responsibility as assigned.
  • Demonstrates appropriate knowledge and competence of designated skills.
  • History and physical assessment of the patient.
  • Completes review of the medical record.
  • Admits patient according to the procedure.
  • Promotes physical comfort and provides emotional support and safety for the patient.
  • Administers and charts medications as ordered by the physician.
  • Reinforces and clarifies physician instructions and explanations of procedures to the patient.
  • Provides nursing care and appropriate monitoring according to policies and procedures.
  • Verifies surgical/procedure site with the patient according to surgical schedule and patient History and Physical.
  • Obtains and verifies operative/procedure consent.
  • Provides instructions according to patient needs.
  • Completes nursing documentation.
  • Provides emergency care according to physician and administrative policy.
  • Assists with preoperative and postoperative patient calls.
  • Reviews charts for completeness and signatures of physicians.
  • Maintains an environment that promotes safety: Temperature range, Electrical safety measures, Oxygen and Suction, Equipment, Resuscitation Equipment, Noise Control, Traffic Control, Control of Contamination
  • Other relevant task, procedures as assigned

    Requirements

    Education/Experience/Licenses/Certificates/Eligibility:Current State LPN license. BCLS & ACLS required preferred. If BLS and ACLS are not current upon hire, successful completion of a course is required within 90 days of hire. Two (2) years ' experience as a surgery center nurse is preferred.

    Benefits:
  • Employee assistance program
  • Employee discount
  • Referral program
    Medical specialties:
  • Medical-Surgical
  • Ophthalmology
    Physical setting:
  • Clinic
  • Outpatient
  • Private practice
    Standard shift:
  • Day shift
    Weekly schedule:
  • Monday to Location: One location

    • Example 5

    Overview: Most days needed are Monday and Thursday's. Cases are Pain, Spine and Bariatric typically. All outpatient. Very supportive and professional staff.

    Job Description:

  • Consults and coordinates with health care team members to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care plans.
  • Conducts pre- and post-operative education.
  • Serves as the communication liaison to family and members of the operating team.
  • Takes and monitors patients vital signs.
  • Provides basic, bedside care.
  • Prepares and administers (orally, subcutaneously, through an IV) and records prescribed medications.
  • Communicates relevant information to physician, facility manager and appropriate staff.
  • Reports adverse reactions to medications or treatments in accordance with the policy regarding the administration of medications by a licensed registered nurse.
  • Responds to life-saving situations based upon nursing standards and protocol.
  • Records all care information concisely, accurately and completely, in a timely manner, in the appropriate format and on the appropriate forms.
  • Preps operating room for patient/procedure.
  • Initiates corrective action whenever information from monitoring equipment shows adverse symptomatology.
  • Monitors patients physical and emotional well-being throughout the continuum of patient care.
  • Initiates patient education plan, as prescribed by physician.
  • Teaches patients and significant others how to manage their post-treatment home care needs, self-administration of medication and rehabilitation.
  • Assists in positioning, responding to comfort/safety of patient.
  • Observes and enforces strict standards of asepsis.
  • Experience:
  • Graduate of an accredited nursing program
  • Current nursing license, in good standing with the State licensing board
  • Minimum of one (1) year post recovery/ pacu or pre-op experience
  • Successful completion of Basic Life Support (BLS)/ Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) with current BLS/BCLS certification.
  • Successful completion of ACLS with current ACLS certification.

    Medical specialties:
  • Perioperative Care
  • Surgery
    Physical setting:
  • Outpatient
    Schedule:
  • Day shift
  • No weekends
    Standard shift:
  • Day shift
    Weekly schedule:
  • Monday to Friday
  • No weekends

    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • San Antonio, TX 78229: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

    License/Certification:
  • RN Location: One location

    • Example 6

    TITLE

  • PACU Nurse Manager

    EOE Statement

    We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

    ABOUT THE Organization

    Since its founding in 1832, Wills Eye has enjoyed a reputation as one of the premier eye facilities in the world. As the first hospital in the United States to be dedicated exclusively to the treatment of eye disorders, and long renowned for excellence in patient care, Wills Eye has ranked consistently as one of the nation's best eye hospitals by U.S. News & World Report since the survey began in 1990.

    Wills Eye Hospital's benefits program is both comprehensive and cost-effective. Our employees are offered an array of benefits that include health and dental insurance, vision care, prescription drug coverage, and a variety of wellness benefits. Additional enrollment information and specifics will be provided to prospective employees during their onboarding.

    Description



    Wills Eye Surgery Center in Cherry Hill
    408 Route 70 East
    Cherry Hill, NJ 08034

    Primary Function:

  • Under the guidance and minimal supervision of the Director of Nursing, the Nurse Manager provides clinical oversight over the Pre-op/PACU & Inpatient units and coordinates day-to-day aspects of nursing care. Additionally, provides necessary coaching,and collaborates with the Nurse management team and Physician staff to facilitate routine clinical operations.

    Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Coordinates the perioperative nursing care of patients undergoing surgical intervention to provide optimal patient care based on assessment of each patient's individual needs.
  • Assigns nursing personnel in a manner that ensures safe and efficient perioperative nursing care as directed.
  • Maintains and supports established routines and the Hospital's policies while directing staff activities.
  • Manages professional behavior and coaches team members in partnership with HR to address concerns.
  • Performs annual and interim (90-day) evaluations of direct reports.
  • Takes a primary leadership role in decision making and policy development in conjunction with key stakeholders and nurse management.
  • Provides assistance/support to the Director of Nursing and Perioperative Nurse Manager as needed.
  • Procures and manages medical, surgical, and anesthesia supplies in a cost-efficient manner, encouraging economic use of supplies. Assists with vendor relations.
  • Assumes a daily patient assignment in the Hospital as needed. Relieves staff for breaks and lunches as needed.
  • Participates in the orientation of new personnel, acting as an instructor, counselor, and preceptor.
  • Interacts and communicates in a professional manner with fellow employees, medical staff and other administrative personnel.

    Position Requirements

    Qualifications

    Educational requirements:

  • BSN required. Masters in Nursing from an accredited School of Nursing preferred.

    Licensure:

  • Active PA State Nursing License required.
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

    Required Experience:

  • 5+ years of nursing experience as an RN in an acute care or hospital setting; progression to leadership roles preferred
  • Clear communication skills both written and verbal
  • Able to withstand crisis situations
  • Must be knowledgeable of nursing and medical practices and procedures, as well as laws, regulations, and compliance standards that pertain to inpatient care
  • Ability to deal compassionately, professionally, and courteously with patients, their families, physicians, and fellow staff

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $110,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Bereavement leave
  • Dental insurance
  • Dependent care reimbursement
  • Employee discount
  • Family leave
  • Free parking
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • License reimbursement
  • Life insurance
  • On-the-job training
  • Paid holidays
  • Paid sick time
  • Paid time off
  • Prescription drug insurance
  • Retirement plan
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Vision insurance
    Medical specialties:
  • Neurology
  • Perioperative Care
  • Surgery
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • No weekends
    Work setting:
  • Acute care
  • Ambulatory surgery center
  • In-person
  • Low acuity unit
  • Operating room
  • Outpatient
  • PACU
  • Post-acute care



    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Cherry Hill, NJ 08034: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

    Education:
  • Bachelor's (Required)

    Experience:
  • Nursing: 5 years (Required)

    License/Certification:
  • BLS Certification (Required)
  • RN (Required)
  • ACLS Certification (Required)
  • PALS Certification (Required)


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    What does a PACU Nurse do?

    A PACU Nurse’s primary responsibility is to ensure patients safely wake from anesthesia after surgery. They watch for and treat side effects such as difficulty breathing, agitation, nausea and trouble regaining consciousness. PACU Nurses decide if a patient is ready to leave the unit or if they need specialized care in the ICU.

    PACU Nurses are often the first person a patient interacts with after recovering from sedation. They provide reassurance and comfort to patients, as well as their families, who may be worried or upset following their procedure. They are also responsible for providing post-surgery care instructions for patients to follow at home.

    PACU Nurse skills and qualifications

    A successful PACU Nurse should have the right skills and qualifications to fulfill the needs of the role, including:

    • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
    • Comfortable working in a high-pressure environment
    • Good eye for detail while monitoring patients
    • Ability to quickly notify medical personnel regarding abnormal side effects or changes in a patient’s condition
    • Proficiency with hospital management systems, such as Mediexcel and eHospital

    PACU Nurse experience requirements

    Many hospitals prefer to hire PACU Nurses with at least two years of experience in a post-surgical or post-anesthesia care unit. Nurses must be able to demonstrate experience with monitoring patient vitals and levels of consciousness. They should also be familiar with giving post-surgery care instructions so patients can safely recover at home.

    PACU Nurse education and training requirements

    For most PACU Nurse careers, applicants must hold an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). After graduation, nurses will need to pass the NCLEX-RN to obtain RN licensure. This exam tests nurses in eight key areas, including care management, infection control and health maintenance. PACU Nurses must obtain a license to practice nursing in their state as well.

    Nurses can also earn the certified post-anesthesia nurse (CPAN) certification. It requires 1,800 accumulated hours of clinical work as a registered nurse.

    PACU Nurse salary expectations

    According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a PACU Nurse is $131,624 per year. PACU Nurse salaries vary by employer, location and candidate experience.

    PACU Nurse salary expectations

    2025-10-011000.002149.023600.00WEEKLY
    • Common salary: 2149.02 WEEKLY
    • Typical salaries range from 1000.00 - 3600.00 WEEKLY
    • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

    *Indeed data – 2025-10-01

    Job description samples for similar positions

    If this PACU Nurse job description doesn’t match what you’re looking for, try one of these descriptions for similar jobs:

    PACU Nurse job description FAQs

    What makes a good PACU Nurse?

    PACU nurses must be highly knowledgeable in the post-surgical care of patients. They should have extensive critical care experience, great communication skills and the ability to make independent decisions while caring for patients who are recovering from anesthesia. Recovering from surgery and sedation can be upsetting for some, so it’s a PACU Nurse’s job to offer comfort and help soothe patients who are agitated or concerned. PACU Nurses frequently talk to patients and their families, so excellent interpersonal skills are a must.

    What questions are asked in a PACU Nurse interview?

    Interviewers should ask questions to help them determine if candidates are a good fit for their PACU Nurse role. The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate knowledge of monitoring patient vital signs and methods of addressing adverse reactions. Also ask candidates about their strengths and weaknesses as a nurse, how they handle a busy workload and solutions they use to solve problems with difficult patients or medical personnel.

    Can new grads work in PACU?

    There is no legal minimum hiring requirement for PACU Nurses aside from RN licensure and an ADN/BSN degree. However, hospitals typically do not hire new graduates for this role because it requires a high level of experience working with patients in a critical care unit. Most nurses move to jobs in post-anesthesia care units after several years of providing care in the ICU.

    How many patients does a PACU Nurse have?

    PACU Nurses are usually assigned to work with one or two patients at a time. This allows the PACU Nurse to give their full attention to each patient so they can provide effective monitoring and care. It’s important for employers to hire enough PACU Nurses to handle the flow of patients from the facility’s operating room to the post-anesthesia care unit.

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    Hire your next Post Anesthesia Care Unit Nurse (PACU) today.

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