PACU Registered Nurse
Katmai·Fort Carson, Colorado
Katmai·Fort Carson, Colorado
Provide comprehensive professional nursing care to patients before, during, and after surgery in the PACU and Preop Clinic. Responsibilities include monitoring patient data, administering medications, and maintaining accurate medical records in accordance with government instructions.
SUMMARY Perform essentially the same duties as those required of any military or government civil service nurse of similar experience and in similar duty assignments.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Collect, interpret, record, and communicate pertinent patient data relevant to the patient’s care before, during, and after surgery.
Actively observes patients and takes appropriate action as indicated by problems.
Correctly and thoroughly uses and adheres to established protocols in preparing patients for examination, specialized tests, and surgery.
Formulate nursing diagnosis based upon health status data by accurately interpreting assessment data and identifying patient problem/nursing diagnosis pertinent to surgical procedure.
Develop a plan of care that prescribes nursing actions to achieve patient goals by establishing priorities for nursing actions.
Effectively ensure patient procedures, treatments and medications are administered in accordance with (IAW) physician orders, sound nursing judgment and applicable guidelines.
Accurately administers medications orally, intramuscularly, sub-cutaneous, intravenously, topically, etc., including narcotics and prescribed intravenous therapy, and maintains awareness of the effects of the medications on patients.
Regularly ensures a safe, clean work environment is maintained for patients and staff.
Exercises the standard precautions set forth by the CDC when providing direct patient care.
Provide for patient privacy through maintaining confidentiality and physical protection of patient information.
Generate and maintain proper medical records on beneficiaries to whom treatment is provided in accordance with Air Force Instructions on Medical Record Administration.
All records generated in the performance of the contract will remain the property of and subject to exclusive control of the Government.
Facilitate collaboration with all levels of health care management to include outside agencies.
Performs utilization management activities to optimize cost, quality, and access to care.
Adhere to medical group operating instructions (operating instructions provided during orientation).
Facilitate evidenced-based clinical practice.
Provide comprehensive professional nursing care to normal and high-risk patients, documents actions.
Ensure the appropriate equipment and supplies are available, based upon patient needs.
Monitor and controls the environment to include temperature, sensory environment, and cleanliness.
Accurately document procedures, results of medications, untoward effects from medical/surgical procedures and unusual occurrences as appropriate in the patient’s medical record.
Prepare accurate reports and statistics as required.
Uses tact and diplomacy when interacting with all personnel/patients/family members.
Conduct patient/family interview and completes preoperative documents, progress notes and teaching.
Fax prescriptions to pharmacy and enters lab and radiology orders and other functions in Composite HealthCare System (CHCS).
Assist with orientation and training of other staff assigned to the ASU/PACU and Preop Clinic.
Ensure all equipment is properly cleaned and stored at the end of each work shift.
Ensure preventive maintenance and routine cleaning are performed as directed.
Ensure a safe work environment and employ safe work habits.
Utilize available information management systems in daily practice for patient care and administrative duties.
Coordinate and communicate with facility staff members to facilitate patient care.
Accurately review and confirm completeness of patient chart and report any abnormalities to appropriate staff in a timely manner.
Establish patient goals that are congruent with present and potential physical capabilities and behavioral patterns based on nursing diagnosis by developing outcome statements, criteria for measurement of goals and setting priorities for outcomes based on need.
Effectively participate in planning care with other professional and nonprofessional personnel.
Take appropriate action to prevent deterioration and alleviate discomfort in patients.
Orient and serve as a preceptor of newly assigned nurses to these areas.
Set up, operate, and monitor therapeutic and emergency equipment such as cardiac monitoring devices, EKG units, vital sign monitors, and oxygen saturation monitors.
Ensure that patients are adequately prepared for surgery, both physically and emotionally.
Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
Perform all other duties as assigned.
Supervisory responsibilities none.
Associates Degree of Nursing. Registered nurse shall be a graduate from a college or university accredited by Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Shall possess a current, active, full and unrestricted Registered Nurses (RN) licensed in Colorado or be able to practice using a nurse compact state or Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) license. Shall hold a national or state nursing license that is valid and current with no limitations, stipulations or pending adverse actions. License must be unencumbered and remain in effect during contract employment. Shall have a current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certificate by the American Red Cross, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). These certifications shall be maintained in a current status at all times while performing services under this contract at no expense to the Government. Must have a minimum of two-years of Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)/Intensive Care Unit (ICU)/Emergency Room (ER) (medical or surgical) nursing experience within the last three years. Must have completed and passed a required medication test, which is administered by the MTF’s Education and Professional Development unit. The test is to determine ability to calculate medication dosage, and to verify familiarization with medications common to the MTF. A grade of 80 is passing. Must successfully complete a competency-based orientation program which is based on medical surgical requirements. Must be familiar with various types of medical surgical equipment and current standards of care. Must obtain and maintain the site's required health screening and immunization requirements. Must obtain and maintain any necessary security access and/or background checks. Must obtain and maintain all required documents, certifications, licenses, etc. listed on the credentialling checklist, sent by Katmai’s Credentialing Specialist, for this position for initial hire. Must possess sufficient initiative, interpersonal relationship skills and social sensitivity such that they can relate constructively to a variety of patients and staff from diverse backgrounds. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS Maintain a professional manner and displays a positive cooperative attitude towards patients and other MTF employees. Adhere to and enforces emergency, fire, safety, and infection control policies and procedures. Ability to recognize adverse signs and symptoms and react quickly in emergency situations. Be able to read, understand, speak, and write English well enough to effectively communicate with all patients and other health care providers. Demonstrate awareness of the individual rights of the patient. WORK SCHEDULE Full-time. May be required to work additional hours as needed to complete assignment or project. TRAVEL All Market contractors are subject to working at a duty location at any of the MTFs or associated sub clinics within the Colorado Military Health System (CMHS). DRIVING REQUIREMENT None. WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is performed primarily indoors at a well-lit military treatment facility such as a clinic, outpatient facility or hospital. The environment is normally air conditioned, but conditions may change dependent upon circumstances. Work may need to be performed in a fast-paced environment requiring quick thinking and rapid judgements. Employee will be exposed to a wide variety of clients in differing functions, personalities, and abilities. Exposure to bloodborne pathogens and bodily fluids, latex, radiation or other contaminants and safety issues. May be exposed to infection or diseases from contact with patients. Work is highly social with patients and can be stressful with a high emotional element. Decisions made may substantially impact patients and their families. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Position consists of sitting for long periods of time, using hands/fingers, handling, reaching with hands and arms, speaking, or translating. Periods of walking, standing, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, and lifting boxes weighing up to 30 pounds. Moderate to extended periods of office work with heavy periods of computer usage. It is Katmai’s business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities.
To be considered for this position, all applicants must apply on the company website, https://apply.workable.com/katmai/
We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, marital status, familial status or any other characteristic protected by law. Preference will be given to Ouzinkie Shareholders, Descendants of Shareholders and Spouses of Shareholders in accordance with Title 43 U.S. Code 1626(g) and Title 42 U.S. Code 2000e - 2(i).
Requires an Associate Degree of Nursing and a current, unrestricted RN license in Colorado or a compact state. Candidates must have at least two years of PACU, ICU, or ER experience within the last three years and hold BCLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications.
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.