Registered Nurse - Same Day Surgery (Full-Time)

Same Day Surgery Registered Nurse (RN), Full-Time
Same Day Surgery | Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center (AVRMC)

Join a team dedicated to delivering exceptional surgical care and outstanding patient experiences. As a Same Day Surgery Registered Nurse (RN), you will play a critical role in guiding patients through the pre-operative and post-operative process while providing compassionate, high-quality nursing care.

At Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center (AVRMC), we understand that every patient interaction matters. We are seeking a skilled, compassionate, and patient-focused Registered Nurse to join our Same Day Surgery team in La Junta.

Located just east of the Rocky Mountains, AVRMC proudly serves Southeastern Colorado with high-quality healthcare close to home. If you are passionate about surgical nursing, patient education, and delivering excellent care in a fast-paced environment, we'd love to hear from you.

Position Summary

As a Same Day Surgery Registered Nurse, you will provide professional nursing care to patients undergoing surgical and procedural services. Responsibilities include patient assessment, preparation for surgery, post-anesthesia recovery support, patient education, care coordination, and collaboration with physicians and multidisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care.

This is a Full-Time position within our Same Day Surgery Department.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Operative Patient Care

• Perform comprehensive patient assessments and obtain health histories

• Verify patient identification, procedure details, informed consents, and physician orders

• Prepare patients for surgical and procedural services according to departmental protocols

• Administer medications and initiate IV therapy as ordered

• Provide pre-operative education to patients and family members

• Assess patient readiness for surgery and communicate concerns to the healthcare team

Post-Operative & Recovery Care

• Monitor patients following surgical and procedural interventions

• Assess vital signs, pain levels, and overall patient condition

• Identify and respond appropriately to changes in patient status

• Provide post-operative education and discharge instructions

• Ensure patients meet discharge criteria prior to release

• Coordinate patient discharge and follow-up care

Patient Safety & Quality Care

• Maintain a safe environment that promotes patient safety and quality outcomes

• Follow infection prevention and control standards

• Demonstrate effective clinical judgment in responding to patient needs

• Ensure accurate medication administration and documentation

• Participate in patient safety initiatives and quality improvement activities

• Advocate for patient rights, dignity, and confidentiality

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate effectively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, nursing staff, and ancillary departments

• Communicate patient status and care needs to appropriate team members

• Serve as a patient and family resource throughout the surgical experience

• Foster positive working relationships with physicians, staff, patients, and families

• Participate in interdisciplinary care planning and coordination

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete accurate and timely documentation within the electronic medical record

• Maintain compliance with nursing standards, regulatory requirements, and departmental policies

• Ensure patient records are complete and accurate

• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations

• Support departmental audits, quality reviews, and performance improvement initiatives

Qualifications

Required

• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing

• Current Colorado Registered Nurse (RN) license or compact state RN license

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

• Current Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification or ability to obtain within designated timeframe

• Strong assessment, critical thinking, and communication skills

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced clinical environment

• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and professionalism

Preferred

• Previous Same Day Surgery, Perioperative, PACU, or Surgical Services nursing experience

• Moderate Sedation competency

• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification

• Experience with electronic health records (EHR)

• Knowledge of pre-operative and post-operative patient care practices

Professional Requirements

• Adhere to dress code standards and maintain a neat, professional appearance

• Complete annual education and competency requirements

• Maintain compliance with regulatory requirements and organizational policies

• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times

• Report to work on time and complete assignments within designated timeframes

• Wear identification badge while on duty and correctly utilize timekeeping systems

• Complete required in-services and educational assignments in a timely manner

• Attend annual evaluations and departmental education sessions as scheduled

• Attend departmental staff meetings and complete assigned competencies

• Represent AVRMC in a positive and professional manner

• Participate in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement initiatives

• Comply with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices

• Support and communicate the mission, vision, values, and goals of the organization and department

Why Join AVRMC

We offer a supportive work environment where every employee plays an important role in our mission of providing extraordinary care, no matter their schedule.

Benefits & Perks

Health & Wellness

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (Full-Time)

• Life Insurance (Full-Time)

• Short-Term Disability Coverage (Full-Time)

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) (Full-Time & Part-Time)

• Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance (Full-Time)

• Employee Wellness Programs (All Statuses)

• Gym Membership Discount (Part-Time & Full-Time)

• Employee Assistance Program (All Statuses)

Financial Benefits

• Competitive Pay (All Statuses)

• Shift Differentials (All Statuses)

• Annual Salary Increase Opportunities (All Statuses)

• Generous Paid Time Off (Full-Time & Part-Time)

• 401(k) Retirement Plan (available immediately for eligible employees), Employer Match after 1 Year of Service

Additional Advantages

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer (All Statuses)

• Colorado FAMLI Program Participation (All Statuses)

• Identity Theft Protection (Full-Time & Part-Time)

• Rewards & Recognition Programs (All Statuses)

• Cafeteria Meal Discounts (All Statuses)

Ready to Apply?

We're excited that you are considering a career with AVRMC.

Join our mission to provide extraordinary care, because every role matters.