Per Diem PACU Nurse

About Atrium:

Client Overview:

Our client is a confidential ambulatory surgical center located in the North Brunswick, NJ area, providing high-quality outpatient surgical care in a patient-focused, team-oriented environment. They are looking to add a Per Diem PACU Nurse to their team.

Salary/Hourly Rate: 

$55/hr – $65/hr DOE

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Per Diem PACU Nurse to support a busy ambulatory surgical center. This role is responsible for delivering safe, efficient post-anesthesia care, ensuring patients recover comfortably and meet discharge criteria following surgical procedures. The schedule is Tuesdays 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Responsibilities of the Per Diem PACU Nurse:

• Receive patients from the anesthesia team and perform initial PACU assessments.
• Monitor and document vital signs, airway status, cardiac rhythm, pain levels, and level of consciousness.
• Administer medications including analgesics and antiemetics as ordered.
• Monitor surgical sites, dressings, drains, and IV therapy.
• Continuously reassess patients and document nursing care and outcomes.
• Ensure patients meet PACU discharge criteria and confirm discharge support.
• Maintain PACU supplies, equipment, and medication par levels.
• Perform safety checks on emergency equipment and crash cart.
• Participating in narcotics counts per policy.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized recovery environment.

Required Experience/Skills for the Per Diem PACU Nurse:

• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license (New Jersey).
• BLS and ACLS certification (PALS required if assigned to pediatric patients).
• Prior PACU, ICU, ER, or critical care nursing experience.
• Strong patient assessment, clinical judgment, and documentation skills.
• Per diem Tuesdays, 7:00 AM start; flexible end time varies (8-11 hours) depending on cases.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced surgical setting.

Preferred Experience/Skills for the Per Diem PACU Nurse:

• Ambulatory surgery center experience.
• Experience caring for post-anesthesia patients in an outpatient setting.
• Familiarity with anesthesia recovery protocols.

Education Requirements:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from an accredited program is required.

Benefits:

• Daytime schedule (no nights or weekends).
• Supportive clinical team environment.
• Competitive hourly compensation.
• Atrium Care Package available, upon eligibility (including healthcare plans, discount programs, and paid time off).

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As a woman-owned firm, we value diversity. We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), age, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, citizenship or any other characteristic protected by law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Candidates who apply for roles through the Atrium website will be added to our candidate pool and may be considered for additional roles of a similar title. Please contact us to request an accommodation.
EOE/M/F/D/V/SO