RN: PACU

RN: Pre-Operative & Post Anesthesia (PACU) Department: Surgical Services Status: Full-Time | 1.0 FTE FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Call Requirement: On-call rotation with a 30-minute response time 🏥 Position Highlight Provide exceptional perioperative nursing care while helping patients safely navigate one of the most important moments of their healthcare journey—from pre-operative preparation through recovery from anesthesia. Position Summary 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. Why Join PSMC? Work in a collaborative, patient-centered surgical environment Care for patients across multiple surgical specialties Practice a wide variety of advanced nursing skills Partner closely with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and operating room staff Enjoy meaningful one-on-one patient interactions Live and work in beautiful Pagosa Springs, Colorado What You'll Do Pre-Operative Care 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 PACU Recovery 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 Patient & Family Education 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 Clinical Collaboration 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 Documentation & Quality 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