Registered Nurse (RN) – Surgery / Operating Room, Full-Time

Join the Surgical Team at Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center (AVRMC)

Are you a detail-oriented, compassionate RN who thrives in a fast-paced surgical environment? At Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center (AVRMC), we are looking for a skilled Operating Room Registered Nurse to help deliver safe, exceptional care before, during, and after surgical procedures.

Located in La Junta, AVRMC proudly serves Southeastern Colorado with high-quality healthcare close to home. If you are passionate about surgical nursing and want to work with a supportive team that values excellence, we invite you to apply.

Position: Registered Nurse (RN) – Surgery / Operating Room

As an OR Registered Nurse, you will play a critical role in ensuring safe, efficient, and compassionate care for surgical patients across all age groups—from pediatric to geriatric patients.

This position requires strong clinical judgment, technical skill, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm and focused in high-pressure situations.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Care & Safety

• Approach patients with kindness, compassion, and professionalism
• Provide reassurance, education, and therapeutic communication to patients and families
• Monitor patient behavior, anxiety, distress, and physiological changes and respond appropriately
• Assess cardio-respiratory status and recognize changes requiring intervention
• Position patients safely and protect bony prominences during procedures
• Protect patient privacy, dignity, and emotional well-being
• Respond effectively to emergency or distressful patient situations

Surgical Preparation & Procedure Support

• Prepare, drape, and position patients correctly for all procedures
• Ensure pre-op checklist completion, including H&P, informed consent, and required test results
• Maintain medical/surgical asepsis and universal precautions during all procedures
• Open sterile supplies and set up sterile fields for procedures
• Prepare and clean OR suites before, between, and after cases
• Assist with maintenance and handling of surgical instruments and equipment
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of anesthetic drugs, side effects, and surgical equipment

Intraoperative Excellence

• Accurately account for all sponges, needles, and instruments during procedures
• Communicate lab and imaging results to the surgeon during surgery
• Properly label, handle, and document specimens
• Provide complete handoff reports to PACU nurses regarding intraoperative patient status
• Perform all circulating nurse duties effectively and confidently

Teamwork & Quality

• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely charting within each shift
• Collaborate effectively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, PACU staff, and coworkers
• Participate in instrument processing, sterilization, and biological monitoring
• Demonstrate knowledge of dysrhythmias and initiate appropriate response
• Support hospital quality initiatives and assist with implementation of core measures

Qualifications

Required

• Current Colorado Registered Nurse (RN) License
• Current BLS Certification

Required Within Six Months of Hire

• ACLS Certification

Preferred

• Previous Operating Room or Medical/Surgical nursing experience

Exceptions may be considered based on experience and work history.

Why Join AVRMC?

At AVRMC, we believe our employees are the heart of exceptional patient care. We offer a supportive environment where your skills are valued, your growth is encouraged, and your work makes a real difference.

Benefits & Perks

Health & Wellness

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability Coverage
• Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Employee Wellness Programs
• Gym Membership Discount
• Employee Assistance Program through Cigna, New York Life, and Principal

Financial Benefits

• Competitive Compensation
• Annual Salary Increase Opportunities
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Shift Differentials (where applicable)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan (available immediately)
• Employer Match after 1 Year of Service

Additional Advantages

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer
• Colorado FAMLI Program Participation
  (Up to 12–16 weeks of paid leave for qualifying life events)
• Identity Theft Protection
• Rewards & Recognition Programs
• Cafeteria Meal Discounts

Apply Today

Join a team committed to providing extraordinary care close to home.

Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center

We look forward to welcoming talented professionals who are ready to make a difference every day.