Since 1969, OCR has been local and physician-owned with strong ties to the community. With talented, hardworking, and friendly staff, we work toward the common goal of serving residents of CO, WY, and NE with specialty-focused care. We are experiencing tremendous growth and are adding talented people in all of our locations! 

The PreOp/PACU Registered Nurse is responsible for total nursing care of all pre-and post-surgical patients, including education enabling patient to become a partner in their recovery.

Employees must abide by all applicable accrediting body requirements including but not limited to sensitivity to cultural diversity, patient care, patient’s rights and ethical treatment, safety and security of physical environments, emergency management, teamwork, respect for others, participation in ongoing education and training, communication and adherence to safety and quality programs, sustaining compliance with National Patient Safety Goals, and licensure and health screenings.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must have the education and experience identified below and be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily, either with or without a reasonable accommodation. The below is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job and is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities or requirements. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists in (or performs under medical direction) diagnostic and therapeutic procedures including administration of medications, application of drugs, starting intravenous drips (IV's), application of orthopedic devices (i.e. continuous passive motion (CPM) devices, cast shoes), and preparation of patients for surgery including appropriate surgical site preparation, in efficient and timely manner.
• Ensures pre-operative care requirements of patients are accomplished thorough use of the nursing process including assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation.
• Records health history of patients; notes abnormal conditions for physician.
• Performs preoperative teachings efficiently and timely.
• Is aware of complications that could result from anesthesia; demonstrates knowledge of appropriate treatment for complications of anesthesia.
• Maintains and operates emergency equipment.
• Performs resuscitative procedures, if necessary.
• Provides for the emotional and physical comfort and safety of patients.
• Instructs patients in self care, rehabilitation, prevention, health education, and post-op wound care.
• Makes entries in clinical records; records charges; completes all paperwork accurately and legibly.
• Follows policies for infection control in handling and disposing of infectious/hazardous waste materials.
• Records narcotics used in narcotic log book.
• Prior to surgery, review charts for completeness; ensures that required forms are available and signed.
• Observes aseptic technique when starting IV’s, changing dressings, or providing wound/incision care.
• Schedules follow-up patient appointments as necessary.
• Inventories the crash cart on a daily basis, as assigned.
• Functions as a member of the surgery center/OCR team.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Associates Degree from an accredited Registered Nursing (RN) program. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of surgery center procedures and protocols.
• Skill in applying and modifying the principles, methods and techniques of professional nursing.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Valid Colorado Registered Nurse (RN) license. Must provide proof of license and be in good standing. 
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification, preferred.

Core Competencies

• Job Knowledge - Competent in required job skills and knowledge; exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills; keeps abreast of current developments; requires minimal supervision; displays understanding of how job relates to others; uses resources effectively.
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; maintains confidentiality; listens to others without interrupting.
• Oral and Written Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; able to read and interpret written information; ability to communicate with clients or customers.
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; puts success of team above own interests; able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Reasoning and Problem Solving - Uses logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems; identifies complex problems and reviews related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. 
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; reports potentially unsafe conditions; uses equipment and materials properly.
• Confidentiality - Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential situations with tact, professionalism, and diplomacy. Adheres to HIPAA guidelines.

Independence of Action

Work is closely monitored by supervisor/manager; detailed instructions and procedures are generally provided.

Supervisory Expectations

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Travel Requirements

Position requires acceptable motor vehicle driving history, valid and free from restrictions, and must have a valid driver’s license and appropriate vehicle insurance coverage. Ability to travel between all OCR locations.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

(The phrases “occasionally”, “regularly”, and “frequently” correspond to the following definitions: “occasionally” means up to one-third of working time, “regularly” means between half and two-thirds of working time, and “frequently” means two-thirds and more of working time.)

• The work environment is a typical medical office environment. The employee must be able to complete their work satisfactorily in an environment where there are significant distractions, including staff, patients, and vendors walking through and conversing, telephones ringing, conversations carrying over, loud noises, and interruptions to answer questions from others. 
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls up to 12 hours per day. The employee frequently is required to talk or hear up to 12 hours per day. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl up to 12 hours a day. 
• The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and should do so in a sound and safe manner. The employee will regularly assist patients in turning (170 lb average); will regularly assist patient in arising from exam table; will regularly push wheelchair patients; and regularly assists patients in arising from and returning to wheelchair or bed. 

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision coverage
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Retirement savings and profit sharing plan participation
• Employee Assistance Program
• Continuing Medical Education (depending on position)
• Paid Time Off

*Benefit eligibility is dependent on employment status, and a waiting period may apply.

Orthopaedic & Spine Center of the Rockies (OCR) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination or harassment of any kind. OCR is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual experience and qualifications, without regard to a person's race, color, age, sex, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, the presence of any physical or mental disability, or status as a disabled veteran, recently separated veteran, other protected veteran, or Armed Forces service medal veteran, or any other protected status.