PACU Nurse (RN)

PACU Nurse (RN) PRN/Per Diem position available, days

Benefits available include paid sick time and a 403B retirement plan

The deadline to apply is October 31, 2026

Leadville, Colorado, is a historic Victorian-era mining town and the highest incorporated city in the United States, situated at 10,152 feet—nearly two miles above sea level. Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and surrounded by iconic 14,000-foot peaks such as Mount Elbert and Mount Massive, Leadville offers breathtaking alpine scenery and a truly authentic mountain-town experience.

Unlike larger resort communities known for luxury retail and high tourist traffic, Leadville retains its genuine Colorado character. The town is known for its welcoming, community-focused atmosphere, historic architecture, and rich mining heritage. With no major chain stores and a vibrant mix of long-time residents, outdoor enthusiasts, and local families, Leadville offers a distinctive environment where neighbors know each other and small-town values remain strong.

Leadville has a close-knit population of approximately 2,600–3,000 residents, with roughly 7,700 people across Lake County. The area offers a peaceful rural-suburban setting without the congestion of larger mountain destinations. Residents enjoy exceptional year-round outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, and fishing at nearby lakes such as Turquoise Lake and Twin Lakes. Winter activities include skiing and snowshoeing at Ski Cooper, a family-friendly ski area just outside town. The community also hosts renowned endurance events such as the Leadville Race Series, attracting athletes from around the world.

St. Vincent General Hospital District—commonly known as St. Vincent Health—has served the Leadville community since the late 1800s, with roots dating back to 1879. As a critical access hospital, the organization provides essential healthcare services to local residents and visitors across Lake County and the surrounding high-country region.

St. Vincent Health offers a comprehensive range of services, including:

• 24/7 emergency department and ambulance services

• Primary and family medicine

• Visiting specialty care (including cardiology, urology, general surgery, pain management, podiatry, and ophthalmology)

• Minor elective outpatient procedures

• Physical therapy and rehabilitation services

• Diagnostic imaging and laboratory services

• Occupational health and sleep studies

The organization is known for its collaborative, team-oriented culture, where healthcare professionals work closely together in a supportive rural hospital environment. Employees often cite the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a small community, maintain a strong work–life balance, and enjoy competitive benefits—including retirement plans, shift differentials, and benefits eligibility for many part-time roles.

Working at St. Vincent Health offers the unique opportunity to combine a rewarding healthcare career with an exceptional mountain lifestyle. For individuals seeking purposeful work, strong community connections, and access to world-class outdoor recreation, Leadville provides a rare and inspiring place to live and serve.

• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing
• Associate's degree in Nursing required
• BSN preferred
• Current Colorado RN license/ current RN licenses from a participating state in the National Licensure Compact
• Current BLS and ACLS certification from the American Heart Association is required
• NRP certification is preferred
• Specialized knowledge, skill, and abilities in empirical & practical perioperative nursing
• Previous ambulatory surgery experience is preferred
• Advanced knowledge in critical care practice of nursing
• Nursing skills, knowledge, and abilities specific to specialty
• Have general clinical competency in acute patient care
• Candidate must demonstrate aptitude for maintaining the pace of abbreviated patient encounters, keeping patient flow to a two-hour stay in post-operative care.
• Demonstrate ability to gather pertinent medical history and provide concise instructions for pre-operative and post-operative care
• Familiar with electronic medical records systems

Pre-Op/Post-Op PACU NURSE

• Assess, instruct, and prepare patients prior to surgery
• Ensure that operative and informed consents are signed and correct
• Take and record vital statistics of patients to ensure readiness for surgical procedures
• Initiate IVs and ensure patients are informed about the procedure
• Assess patients' post-operative condition
• Monitor vital signs and other progress measurements, meeting discharge criteria.
• Log all findings in patients' files
• Answer patient questions and ensure patients' comfort
• Monitor patients for condition changes, reporting any changes tothe physician
• Perform intervention duties during post-operative emergencies
• Coordinates care of the patient with the provider and ancillary departments
• Stock and clean the PACU area and other specific areas
• Participate in designated quality initiatives and assignments as directed

Professional Development

• Consistently utilizing provided resources to learn and reference facility policy
• Seeks out learning opportunities and continuing education
• Seeks experience that reflects current practice in order to maintain skills and competence in clinical practices or role performance
• Maintains professional records that provide evidence of competency and lifelong learning