ICU/MedSurg RN
Cortez, Colorado
Southwest Memorial Hospital

Registered Nurse (RN) - Travel Position

Location: Cortez, Colorado
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Summary

Provide nursing care to patients ranging from newborns (28 days) to end of life in an ICU and related units. Deliver safe, efficient, and courteous care using appropriate nursing procedures and evidence-based practices. Demonstrate clinical competence, critical thinking, and effective communication within a multidisciplinary healthcare team.

Patient Population & Unit Details

• ICU patient ratio: 2:1 for ICU status patients; 4:1 for Med Surg patients when no ICU patients are present
• Common patient conditions: DKA, Cardiac, Sepsis, Surgical, high risk of decline
• Units served include: Intensive Care Unit, Family Birthing, Procedural Sedation, Antepartum/Intrapartum/Postpartum care, Trauma Alert, Newborn Care, and others
• Responsibilities include advanced monitoring (EKG, fetal, cardiac), ventilator/BiPAP management, critical drips, rapid sequence intubation, and more

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Colorado
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Minimum 1 year of clinical nursing experience within the last year
• Experience in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) setting
• Current certifications:

  • Basic Life Support (BLS)
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)

Role Responsibilities

• Practice within nursing standards, policies, and accreditation requirements
• Provide patient-centered care and supervise non-professional staff
• Assist physicians with patient care, procedures, and rounds
• Administer medications following protocols, including controlled substances, using electronic medication administration records (EMAR)
• Initiate and revise patient care plans based on clinical assessments
• Maintain knowledge of patient status and adjust care plans accordingly
• Participate in ongoing education, departmental meetings, and quality improvement activities
• Adhere to safety, infection control, and confidentiality standards
• Demonstrate flexibility with shifts and work hours to meet staffing needs
• Act as a resource and support for team members and students

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Exposure to infectious waste, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and occasional aggressive patients
• Moderate to loud noise levels
• Possible exposure to environmental elements (heat, cold, precipitation)
• Physical requirements include:

  • Occasional exertion of up to 100 lbs., frequent exertion up to 50 lbs., constant exertion up to 20 lbs.
  • Full range of motion including kneeling, crouching, reaching, and feeling
  • Good auditory and visual abilities, including color vision and near/far focus

Additional Information

• No parking costs
• Scrub colors/dress code required (clean and neat appearance)
• Must complete annual regulatory and organizational educational requirements
• Must maintain patient confidentiality and comply with ethics and compliance programs
• Preparedness to care for patients of diverse cultural and religious backgrounds

Schedule & Hours

• Approximately 36 hours per week
• Shift details not specified; flexibility required to meet staffing needs

This position offers an opportunity to work in a dynamic ICU environment with a diverse patient population, requiring strong clinical skills and adaptability.