RN: 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

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.

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

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

The ideal candidate is:

• Calm and confident in fast-paced clinical situations
• Passionate about providing exceptional perioperative nursing care
• Highly organized with excellent critical thinking skills
• Comfortable working independently while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team
• Committed to patient safety and service excellence
• An effective communicator who builds trust with patients, families, and coworkers

• Base Compensation Range: $40.011 - $50.14 hourly 
• Benefits: Benefits include generous paid time off, separate sick leave, health, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, long-term disability and option for short-term disability, and retirement plan with employer contribution.  
• Job Type: Full-time  
• Shift Type: Weekdays 
• Anticipated End Date for Posting: October 31, 2026. The deadline may close sooner due to an unanticipated business necessity, such as an incumbent vacating the role earlier than anticipated. You are encouraged to apply well in advance of the deadline.  

Pagosa Springs Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment, and we will not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, religion, creed, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment health and drug screen and background check. 

Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, Pagosa Springs offers an incredible lifestyle with world-famous hot springs, hiking, skiing, mountain biking, fishing, rafting, and endless outdoor recreation. Whether you're seeking adventure or a close-knit community, you'll find both while making a meaningful impact on the lives of our patients.

At Pagosa Springs Medical Center, our mission is to provide exceptional healthcare close to home. We value Wholeness, Integrity, Stewardship, Excellence, and Respect (WISER) and are committed to creating an environment where employees thrive and patients receive outstanding care.

If you're an experienced RN who enjoys perioperative nursing and is passionate about delivering exceptional patient care before, during, and after surgery, we'd love to meet you. Join our Surgical Services team and help patients safely navigate every step of their surgical journey.