Job Title
Registered Nurse - Perioperative Services (Pre-Op, OR Circulator, PACU)
Job Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled and adaptable Registered Nurse to join our dedicated surgical services team in Lamar, Colorado. This role is critical to providing comprehensive patient care across all phases of the perioperative experience within a facility featuring three operating suites, a dedicated Pre-operative area, and a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), supported by a single anesthesia provider.
The successful candidate will function as a primary caregiver, demonstrating expertise and flexibility in Pre-operative, Intra-operative (Circulator), and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) settings. Surgical cases include General, OB/GYN, Ophthalmology (cataract surgery), and Orthopedics. This position requires a professional committed to delivering seamless, high-quality care for diverse patient populations and surgical needs.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide direct patient care across Pre-operative, Intra-operative (Circulator), and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) settings.
- Conduct comprehensive patient assessments and accurately document all aspects of care.
- Prepare patients for surgery, ensuring all pre-operative protocols are met.
- Circulate surgical cases, maintaining a sterile environment and ensuring patient safety.
- Recover patients in the PACU, monitoring vital signs and managing post-operative needs.
- Provide emotional support and comprehensive patient education to patients and their families.
- Coordinate patient transfers efficiently and safely.
- Assist with the processing of surgical instruments and equipment, adhering to central sterilizing guidelines.
- Adhere strictly to principles of infection control and departmental policies.
- Uphold national standards of care as outlined by organizations such as IAHCSMM, AORN, ASGE, and ASPAN.
- Collaborate effectively with other surgical staff members to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Required Qualifications
- Graduate of an accredited Registered Nurse (RN) program.
- Demonstrated experience functioning as a primary caregiver in Pre-operative, Operating Room (Circulator), and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) settings.
- Current Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification.
Preferred Qualifications
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience in Pre-operative, Operating Room (Circulator), and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU).
- Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) certification.
- Experience in surgical scrub techniques.
Skills & Competencies
- Clinical Skills: Proficient in patient assessment, surgical circulation, post-anesthesia recovery, patient preparation, instrument processing, infection control, and adherence to national healthcare standards.
- Equipment: Familiarity with standard surgical and patient monitoring equipment.
- Soft Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, ability to perform effectively in high-stress situations, strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork abilities.
- Physical Demands: Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, perform heavy lifting, and manage exposure to blood, body fluids, and infectious diseases.
Shift Details
- Assignment Length: 13 weeks.
- Start Date: September 28, 2026.
- Shift Type: AM Shift.
- Hours: 6:30 AM - 2:30 PM.
- Days per Week: 5 days (Monday - Friday).
- Work Week: 40 hours.
- Call Requirements: Rotational surgical call, averaging 1-2 days per week, including weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
- Weekend Rotation: Every other or every third weekend.
- Additional: Occasional late days may be required to complete surgical case loads.
Licensing Requirements
- Active and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Colorado.
- Current Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification.