Perioperative RN (PACU/OR/Pre-Op)
Cortez, Colorado
Southwest Memorial Hospital

Registered Nurse (RN) - Travel Position

Location: Cortez, Colorado
Employment Type: Travel
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Summary

Provide nursing care to patients in a safe, efficient, and courteous manner, demonstrating knowledge and skills appropriate to patient age and clinical needs. Collaborate with healthcare team members, assist physicians, and ensure adherence to nursing standards, policies, and procedures.

Work Schedule

• Four 10-hour shifts per week (4x10’s)
• Admitting nurses: 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Discharging nurses: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• Staff rotate admitting and discharging duties

Unit & Specialty Experience

• Experience in PACU, OR, Pre-Op, and Same Day Care preferred
• 1 year of acute care nursing experience preferred
• Understanding of telemetry monitoring and basic arrhythmia interpretation required
• Ability to perform advanced unit-specific duties such as:

  • Rapid Sequence Intubation
  • Fetal Monitoring
  • Advanced Cardiac Monitoring (NST, CVP, A-line)
  • Rapid Infuser use
  • Epidural and Critical Drips management
  • Trauma Alert response
  • Newborn care (delivery to discharge)
  • Ventilator/BiPAP management
  • Hearing Screening, Infant Security, EMTALA, CCHD Screening, Phototherapy
  • Pre-term care

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Colorado
• Minimum of 1 year of clinical nursing experience, with clinical experience within the last year
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Experience in PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit), OR (Operating Room), Pre-Op, and Same Day Care
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

Key Responsibilities

• Practice within nursing standards and hospital policies
• Provide patient-centered care and participate in team building
• Supervise non-professional staff and assist with work assignments
• Assist physicians with patient care, rounds, and procedures
• Administer medications following protocols, including controlled substances and EMAR scanning
• Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with ethical standards
• Participate in ongoing education, departmental meetings, and resuscitation drills
• Document nursing care accurately and timely using technology
• Respond flexibly to workload changes and assist other departments as needed
• Initiate and revise patient care plans based on clinical standards
• Evaluate patient interventions and communicate changes as necessary
• Promote quality improvement and safety standards

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
• Possible exposure to environmental elements (heat, cold, precipitation, wind)
• Physical demands include:

  • Exerting up to 100 lbs. of force occasionally
  • Frequent kneeling, crouching, reaching, and repetitive motion
  • Clear verbal communication and acute hearing required
  • Visual acuity including color vision and accommodation for near work

Additional Information

• Must adhere to dress code and maintain a neat appearance
• Must complete annual regulatory and organizational educational requirements
• Must be prepared to care for patients from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds
• Flexibility with working hours and shifts to meet staffing needs is expected

Years of Experience Required: 1 year in specialty (Acute Care Nursing)
Prior Travel Experience: Not specified / not required