RN: PACU

Pagosa Springs Medical Center•Pagosa Springs, CO

16d•$33 - $51•Onsite

About The Position

Pagosa Springs Medical Center is seeking an experienced and compassionate Pre-Operative & PACU Registered Nurse to join our Surgical Services team. This role provides comprehensive nursing care throughout the entire perioperative continuum, including pre-operative assessment, post-anesthesia recovery, conscious sedation, and pre-admission testing. Working closely with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and the interdisciplinary surgical team, you'll advocate for patients, monitor their recovery, educate patients and families, and ensure safe, high-quality surgical care.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited Registered Nursing program
Current Colorado RN license in good standing
Current BLS certification
ACLS certification (or obtain within 3 months)
PALS certification (or obtain within 3 months)
Experience with orthopedic, general surgery, gynecology, ENT, ophthalmology, and interventional pain procedures
Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and electronic health records

Nice To Haves

BSN
Three or more years of perioperative, Emergency Department, and/or ICU experience
Gastroenterology or Endoscopy experience
CPAN or CAPA certification

Responsibilities

Perform comprehensive pre-operative nursing assessments
Complete pre-operative checklists and verify informed consents
Prepare patients physically and emotionally for surgery
Initiate IV therapy and administer medications as ordered
Verify provider orders, laboratory results, and required documentation
Coordinate patient readiness with the surgical team
Monitor patients recovering from general, regional, MAC, and local anesthesia
Assess cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, hemodynamic, and pain status
Recognize and respond quickly to changes in patient condition
Manage pain, airway, cardiac monitoring, IV therapy, and fluid management
Apply Aldrete discharge criteria to determine recovery readiness
Provide safe discharge education to patients and families
Explain procedures, recovery expectations, medications, and discharge instructions
Support patients and families through the perioperative experience
Reinforce physician instructions and treatment plans
Promote patient safety and positive outcomes through education
Work closely with surgeons, anesthesia providers, OR nurses, and support staff
Participate in patient handoffs using SBAR communication
Assist with conscious sedation and procedural support as needed
Help maintain a safe, efficient, and patient-focused surgical environment
Complete accurate documentation in Cerner
Maintain compliance with National Patient Safety Goals
Ensure medication safety using the seven rights of medication administration
Support quality improvement initiatives and department standards
Participate in continuing education and competency validation