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 Recovery Center Registered Nurse is responsible for total nursing care of all post-surgical patients admitted to the center’s convalescent care unit. This position provides nursing care using therapeutic, rehabilitative and preventive methods. This position may be required to work nights. 

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 (IV) fluids, application of orthopaedic devices (i.e. continuous passive motion (CPM), cast shoes), and dressing changes.
• Observes patient, checks dressings, documents significant conditions and reactions, and notifies supervisor or physician of patient's condition and reaction to significant incidents.
• Is aware of complications that could result from anesthesia; demonstrates knowledge of appropriate treatment for complications of anesthesia.
• Follows standing orders and post-operative protocols for each patient admitted to the recovery center.
• Provides for the emotional and physical comfort and safety of patients and family.
• Provides meals to patients and returns dishes to the kitchen once patients are finished.
• Instructs patients and family 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.
• Records narcotics used in the narcotic logbook.
• Performs resuscitative procedures, if necessary.
• Follows policies for infection control in handling and disposing of infectious/hazardous waste materials.
• Maintains and operates emergency equipment.
• Maintains cleanliness of kitchen/lounge area.
• Observes aseptic technique when starting IVs, changing dressings, or providing wound/incision care.
• Schedules follow-up appointments as necessary.
• Maintains a level of continuing education consistent with the policies of the Recovery Center; attends and participates in both on and off campus seminars and educational conferences.
• Participates in utilization and cost containment activities.
• Assists in developing and revising policies and procedures for the recovery center.
• 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.
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• 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.
• Ethics - Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and principles; upholds organizational values.
• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions; keeps commitments; commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• 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 the typical 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 frequently 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. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and should do so in a sound and safe manner. The employee will assist patients in turning and sitting in bed on a daily basis; will regularly assist patient in arising from gurney/bed and transferring to chair; will regularly push wheelchair patients; and regularly assists patients in arising from and returning to wheelchair or bed.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Benefits: This position is not benefit eligible 

*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.