Registered Nurse; OR)(First Shift - Operating Room

Registered Nurse (OR)(Full‑Time)(First Shift) – Operating Room

Location:

La Junta, Colorado.

• Approaches patient in a kind, gentle and friendly manner.
• Responds to patient’s inappropriate behavior in a therapeutic manner.
• Takes appropriate actions and documents in response to manifested anxiety and distress; requests Social Service care as appropriate.
• Gives patient explanations and verbal reassurances consistently.
• Adapts procedures for treatment to meet individual needs of pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.
• Identifies physical symptoms and changes and takes appropriate action in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates ability to assess cardio‑respiratory system for changes and provides appropriate treatment.
• Directs and assists in maintenance and handling of special equipment and instruments.
• Observes behavior and physiological changes due to medications, takes appropriate actions and documents.
• Adjusts and acts upon expectations of patient’s behavior, according to the effect medication has on patient.
• Positions patient safely; pads and protects bony prominences.
• Preps and drapes patient correctly for all procedures.
• Carries out medical/surgical asepsis during treatments and special procedures.
• Demonstrates competence in preparing and cleaning of OR suites before and between cases and after terminal case, based on Universal Precautions.
• Carries out established techniques for safe administration of medications and parenteral fluids, according to hospital policies and procedures.
• Coordinates and supervises patient care; gives explanations and teaching to patient/family, as necessary.
• Demonstrates knowledge of anesthetic drugs, actions and side effects.
• Protects patient’s sensitivities and right to privacy.
• Is able to open sterile supplies and set up for procedure.
• Demonstrates thorough knowledge of location, care and operation of all surgical equipment.
• Accurately records, handles and labels specimens; demonstrates care of specimens.
• Ensures pre‑op checklist is complete (History and Physical present, informed consent signed, test results present, etc.) before patient is taken into surgical suite.
• Is consistently ready and prepared for assigned cases and has patient in the surgical suite five minutes before the scheduled time.
• Responds appropriately to patients in an emergency or physically distressful situation.
• Assessment and reassessment of the patient is clearly and concisely communicated in charting; documentation meets current standards, policies and procedures and is completed within shift.
• Effectively communicates with the physician in accounting for all sponges, needles and instruments during and after the procedure and documents in the appropriate area.
• Communicates lab/imaging services reports to the surgeon during the procedure.
• Gives thorough report of patient’s intra‑operative condition to PACU nurse.
• Establishes and maintains effective communication and good working relationships with coworkers for the patient’s benefit.
• Demonstrates thorough knowledge of instrument processing, sterilization and biological monitoring; actively participates in instrument processing, as schedule allows.
• Makes decisions reflecting knowledge of dysrhythmias, followed by appropriate treatment.
• Is able to perform all duties of circulating nurse.
• Utilizes initiative; strives to maintain steady level of productivity; self‑motivated.
• Organizes and manages activities and time; does not waste time.
• Understands and assists in implementing core measures.

• Current Colorado Registered Nurse License.
• Current BLS certification.
• ACLS certification within six months of hire.
• Prefer previous Operating Room or Medical/Surgical experience.
• Exceptions made based on experience and work history.

• Medical, dental and vision benefits.
• Life insurance and short‑term disability benefits.
• Loan repayment; AVRMC is a qualifying employer for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Family & Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI); participates in the Colorado FAMLI program, providing up to 12‑16 weeks of paid leave for qualifying life events.
• Identity theft benefits.
• Accident, critical care and hospital indemnity insurance.
• Gym membership discount.
• Employee Assistant Program through Cigna, New York Life and Principal.
• 401(k) retirement plan options (immediately available); employer‑matching after one year of service.
• Rewards and recognitions.
• Employee wellness programs.
• Annual salary increase opportunity.
• Cafeteria meal discount.
• Generous paid time off.
• Shift differentials.