Grand River Health Main Campus·Rifle, Colorado
Provide professional nursing care, treatment, and health education to patients in pre-surgical and post-surgical environments. Monitor patient status, administer medications, and coordinate with surgeons and anesthesiologists to ensure optimal recovery.
At Grand River, we are more than a hospital - we are neighbors taking care of neighbors proudly serving residents of Western Colorado and beyond. Our supportive culture is built on respect, friendliness, and a shared commitment to exceptional patient care.
The PACU Registered Nurse (RN) works as a contributing member of the Perioperative Services Department at Grand River Hospital District (GRHD) under the direction of the Perioperative Services Director and the Surgery Charge Nurse. They will provide professional nursing care, treatment, counseling, and health education to patients in the pre-surgical and post-surgical environment.
Assists in monitoring patient’s physical, physiologic and emotional status in the immediate pre-operative and post-operative environment.
Monitors vital signs, administers medications, including intravenous medications, and develops patient care plans in conjunction with surgeons and anesthesiologists.
Provides support to patients waking up from anesthesia, including bandage maintenance, pain management, nausea treatment, and ensuring patients receive adequate rest, fluids and nutrients.
Communicates with surgeons, anesthesia team and other members of the health care team about patient conditions and intervenes as necessary to maintain optimal care.
Observes patients' progress, records observations in patient medical records, and updates attending physicians directly when necessary.
Teaches patients how to clean bandages, take medication, and follow post-surgical care instructions.
Assists with transporting discharged patients as needed.
Cross trains with other members of the Perioperative Services Nursing team in order to successfully perform various PACU, pre-operative and post-operative duties.
Performs a variety of tasks and other duties as assigned.
Who We’re Looking For
Graduation from an accredited school of Nursing. Licensed in the state of Colorado as a Registered Nurse.
A temporary permit issued by the Board of Nursing will be accepted until a permanent license is received if awaiting reciprocity.
Must have current BLS card upon hire and maintain current status throughout GRHD employment.
ACLS and PALS certification is required within 6 months of initial employment and must maintain current certification status throughout GRHD employment.
Prefer one year of professional nursing experience in a pre-operative, PACU or ICU patient care setting.
Must be at least eighteen years of age.
Compensation may vary outside this range depending on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies and experience.
Position is open until filled unless posted otherwise.
Why Join Grand River Health? As a special taxing district, we are accountable to our community, allowing us to prioritize exceptional patient-centered care over financial bottom lines. Our main hospital campus is located in picturesque Rifle, Colorado with twenty-five beds providing a wide range of services, along with a long-term care center and a satellite campus. While the secret is out that this is a great place to live, the atmosphere of a caring and friendly community has been preserved amidst a steady growth of population.
To improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve.
To be our communities’ first choice in quality healthcare.
Must be a Registered Nurse licensed in Colorado with current BLS certification, with ACLS and PALS required within six months. Graduation from an accredited nursing school is required, and one year of experience in PACU, ICU, or pre-operative settings is preferred.
Market context
Colorado nursing roles like this often draw steady demand from home health and hospice settings, where employers look for RNs who can work independently and manage patient care in the field. These positions are competitive because a current Colorado RN license, prior nursing experience, reliable transportation, and familiarity with HCHB can all strengthen an application. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your license, driving documents, and home health or hospice experience before applying.
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