Operating Room RN – Surgery Circulator & PACU
Cortez, Colorado
Southwest Memorial Hospital

Job Opportunity: RN - OR (Travel)

Location: Cortez, Colorado
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Summary

Seeking a Registered Nurse (RN) for a travel assignment in the Operating Room (OR) with responsibilities as a Surgery Circulator and PACU duties. The role includes day shifts Monday through Thursday (7:00 AM - 5:30 PM) with required call coverage on Fridays and weekends (7-12 days per month). Experience in trauma, colonoscopy, and EGD procedures is preferred.

Required Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing (Associate degree required; Bachelor’s degree preferred).
• Current Registered Nurse license in Colorado (Compact license accepted; must obtain Colorado license within 90 days of hire).
• Current BLS certification.
• Current PALS certification within 6 months of hire (can be obtained at the facility if not already held).
• Current ACLS certification within 6 months of hire.
• Successful completion of an EKG course within 4 months of hire.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in ICU/Inpatient care preferred for ICU unit-specific duties.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Strong organizational, customer service, and active listening skills.
• Basic computer knowledge.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 1 year of experience in the specialty (RN).
• Experience in trauma, colonoscopy, and EGD preferred.

Prior Travel Experience

• Not explicitly required.

Role Responsibilities

• Provide nursing care in a safe, efficient, and courteous manner using appropriate nursing procedures.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills to care for patients across the lifespan.
• Assess patient data and clinical needs, provide care according to unit policies.
• Supervise non-professional staff and assist physicians with patient care and procedures.
• Administer medications following protocols, including controlled substances and EMAR scanning.
• Participate in in-service training, departmental meetings, and resuscitation drills.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with hospital policies and ethics.
• Assist nursing staff in other departments as needed.
• Initiate and revise patient care plans based on co-morbidities and patient status.
• Utilize critical thinking for patient interventions and document care accurately and timely.
• Participate in ongoing personal and professional development.
• Demonstrate flexibility with working hours and shifts to meet staffing needs.

Unit-Specific Duties (may include)

• Intensive Care Unit (ICU) care
• Family Birthing Center (FBC) duties including fetal monitoring and NRP certification within 4 months
• Procedural sedation
• Antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care including complications
• Rapid sequence intubation and trauma alert response
• Advanced cardiac monitoring, CVP and A-line monitoring
• Ventilator/BiPAP management
• Newborn care from delivery to discharge
• Infant security and hearing screening
• EMTALA compliance

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Exposure to infectious waste, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and occasional foul odors.
• Moderate to loud noise levels; possible interactions with aggressive patients or visitors.
• Exposure to environmental factors such as heat, cold, precipitation, and wind.
• Physical demands include lifting up to 100 lbs occasionally, frequent kneeling, crouching, reaching, and repetitive motion.
• Requires good vision (including color vision), hearing, and verbal communication skills.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities without compromising patient care.

Additional Information

• Adherence to dress code and professional appearance required.
• Must complete annual regulatory and organizational educational requirements.
• Must be prepared to care for patients of diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.
• Demonstrates cooperation, positive attitude, and teamwork.
• Responsible for maintaining compliance with hospital ethics and policies.

This position offers an opportunity to work in a dynamic surgical environment with a focus on patient-centered care and professional growth.