PACU nurses play an important part in transitioning the patient from the operating room to post-operative care — this critical care role is essential. In the United States, around 40 million people go through major surgery each year, meaning an adequate number of PACU nurses must be ready to handle patients’ care as they come out of the operating room to keep them safe and healthy.
A post-anesthesia care unit nurse, or a PACU nurse, is a nurse responsible for monitoring the vital signs of patients coming out of anesthesia and plays a role in keeping patients comfortable. These nurses may also need to provide medications and support to patients who are experiencing nausea or pain medications, for example.
Here’s more on what nurses do in the post-anesthesia care unit, the requirements to become a PACU nurse, top reasons to consider this nursing specialty, and the job outlook for PACU nurses in the years ahead.
A PACU Nurse’s Role
PACU nurses are highly trained to work with patients in a vulnerable state. They work in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) and are responsible for helping patients as they come out of anesthesia. PACU nurses are assigned to specific patients, ensuring their vital signs stay stable and that they come out of anesthesia without negative side effects.
If a patient has side effects or symptoms, the nurse’s responsibility is to administer treatments, such as nausea and pain medicine. They are also responsible for reaching out to providers if there are any major concerns, such as bleeding, extreme pain, and so on.
No two shifts are exactly alike for a PACU nurse, which is why it’s a great career option for those who enjoy variability in the work environment. Still, there are some common tasks that you’ll complete as a PACU nurse, such as:
- Monitoring vital signs
- Providing care for post-operative symptoms
- Keeping the patient’s dressings clean and changing them out when necessary
- Updating medical teams about the patient’s recovery
- Providing post-surgery education
- Updating charts
Keep in mind that PACU nurses usually work in hospitals and surgical clinics. Most will have stable jobs with a specific healthcare facility, but it is also possible to work as a travel PACU nurse. As a travel PACU nurse, you may work on short-term assignments ranging from a couple of weeks to several months.
Requirements for Working As a PACU Nurse
To become a PACU nurse, you will need to get your nursing degree first. Generally speaking, you will need at least an associate degree in nursing, but a bachelor’s, especially a BSN, can make you more competitive. Nurses will need to pass the NCLEX board examination to become a registered nurse (RN) and have at least 1,800 hours of clinical experience, too.
Depending on the exact PACU you want to work in and the patient population you’re likely to work with, you may need other certifications, as well, such as the Certified Post-Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) certification. Not all hospitals or facilities require this certification, so it is important to talk to the one you want to work with to establish if you need to take and pass this exam.
For nurses interested in travel nursing, most facilities require two years of relevant bedside experience to make sure nurses can hit the ground running when they start their assignment in the post-anesthesia care unit.
Why Nurses Like Working in the PACU
There are several reasons for becoming a PACU nurse. Some of them include:
- Job Security: Registered nurses have excellent job security with the career growing at a rate of 6% (faster than average). There are expected to be 197,200 new job openings between 2023 and 2033.
- Skill Development: In PACU nursing, you will learn about a number of different medical conditions and how to treat them.
- High Pay: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses earn an average of $86,070 annually with a bachelor’s degree.
- Better Hours: Operating room hours are usually stable, and most nurses working in PACU will have standard working hours.
- Reduced Stress: With more standard working hours, PACU nursing allows you more time off the clock to rest and recover. At the same time, patients in the PACU tend to be resting or coming out of anesthesia, which can also make for a less stressful work environment. Keep in mind, however, that some situations can be more stressful, particularly when patients have trouble coming out of anesthesia or when they’ve had intensive surgery.
PACU nurses make a difference in the lives of others and work closely with patients during some of their most vulnerable moments. If you’re a nurse who enjoys working one-on-one with patients and educating them and their families, then the PACU may be right for you.
PACU Nursing Job Outlook
The career growth for PACU nurses is good. These nurses usually work in facilities that offer care around the clock, though some will work in outpatient facilities. There are lots of hours to cover, so positions in the field are in high demand.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that RN roles will continue to grow by 6% between 2023 and 2033, as well. As nurses retire and leave the field, more openings in the PACU are likely to occur. Additionally, depending on your level of education and experience, it’s possible to earn $75,000 to over $106,000 a year.
Get a PACU Nurse Job with SHC
At Supplemental Health Care, we support you on your journey to find a role where you can learn, grow, and offer support to patients in need. Whether you’re interested in becoming a travel nurse and supporting hospitals with PACU care or want to look into becoming a traveling nursing PACU RN, we’re here to help.
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