PACU

FutureSoft Consulting•Lamar, CO

13h•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Registered Nurse (RN) with strong hands-on experience across Pre-Op, Operating Room Circulation, and PACU for a 13-week contract assignment in Lamar, Colorado. This is a multi-functional perioperative nursing role. Candidates must be able to work independently in all three areas: Pre-Op, OR Circulator, and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). The ideal candidate has extensive perioperative nursing experience and is comfortable supporting patients throughout the entire surgical process—from preoperative assessment and preparation through intraoperative circulating responsibilities and postoperative recovery. This is a day-shift position with some weekend call responsibilities. Candidates should also be flexible to remain beyond the scheduled shift when surgical case volume requires additional coverage.

Requirements

Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in Colorado
Minimum 6 years of professional RN experience
Demonstrated experience in all three required areas: Pre-Op, Operating Room / Circulator, PACU
Strong perioperative nursing background
Current ACLS – Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support
Ability to independently manage perioperative patients
Ability to participate in weekend call coverage
Ability to remain beyond scheduled hours when case volume requires
Candidates without experience in all three areas—Pre-Op, OR Circulation, and PACU—will not meet the core requirements of this position.

Nice To Haves

At least 3 years of recent combined Pre-Op, OR, and PACU experience
CNOR – Certified Nurse Operating Room certification
Previous scrub experience
Previous contract or travel nursing experience
Experience working in an acute-care surgical environment
Experience supporting multiple surgical specialties
Strong knowledge of perioperative standards and surgical safety procedures

Responsibilities

Perform comprehensive preoperative patient assessments.
Review medical history, allergies, medications, laboratory results, and required documentation.
Verify surgical consent, procedure, and surgical site before the patient enters the operating room.
Prepare patients physically and emotionally for surgery.
Start and manage IV access as appropriate.
Administer preoperative medications according to provider orders.
Educate patients and families regarding surgical procedures, anesthesia, recovery, and postoperative expectations.
Identify potential risks or changes in patient condition and communicate concerns promptly.
Function independently as an Operating Room Circulating RN.
Coordinate nursing activities throughout surgical procedures.
Verify patient identity, surgical procedure, surgical site, consent, and required documentation.
Participate in surgical time-outs and patient-safety protocols.
Assist with patient positioning, preparation, and transfer to the operating room table.
Maintain a safe, sterile, and properly controlled surgical environment.
Ensure necessary equipment, supplies, medications, and implants are available.
Anticipate the needs of surgeons, anesthesia professionals, surgical technologists, and other OR team members.
Perform and document required surgical counts according to facility policy.
Monitor patient safety throughout the procedure.
Document intraoperative nursing care accurately and completely.
Respond quickly to unexpected surgical or anesthesia-related emergencies.
Receive patients following surgery and anesthesia.
Perform immediate postoperative assessments.
Monitor airway, breathing, circulation, neurological status, vital signs, pain, and surgical sites.
Recognize and respond to postoperative complications.
Manage pain, nausea, and other postoperative symptoms according to orders and clinical protocols.
Administer medications and IV therapies as required.
Monitor patients for anesthesia-related complications.
Determine readiness for discharge or transfer based on established recovery criteria.
Provide postoperative instructions and patient education.
Communicate effectively during handoffs to inpatient units, outpatient departments, or discharge staff.