Denver Health·Denver, Colorado
Provide comprehensive pre-operative and post-anesthesia care to a diverse patient population ranging from pediatric to geriatric. Responsibilities include monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and collaborating with the healthcare team to ensure patient safety and quality outcomes.
We are recruiting for a mission-driven Registered Nurse (RN) - PreOp/PACU - (Night Shift Sat - Mon) to join our team!
We're with you for life’s journey.
At Denver Health, purpose isn’t just something we believe in—it’s something we live every day, for life’s journey.
Our Values Respect | Belonging | Accountability | Transparency Department 2B Main PACU Pre-Operative/Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) houses 20 pre-operative (pre-op) bays and 17 PACU bays on Denver Health’s main campus, as well as 14 pre-op and 14 PACU bays in our Outpatient Surgery Center.
This is a fast-paced department, and we pride ourselves on excellent nursing care during the pre- and post-operative period in the perioperative process.
Our nurses care for a wide variety of patients from pediatric to geriatric, and same day surgery to surgical intensive care.
In addition to our 16 operating rooms, our team also prepares and recovers patients from our gastrointestinal, Cardiac Catherization Lab, interventional radiology, bronchoscopy, and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) procedural areas as well as being a back-up for labor and delivery C-sections.
Pre-op nurse-to-patient ratio is 1:3 and PACU nurse-to patient ratio is 1:2.
Job Summary
Under general supervision, adheres to the American Nurses Association (ANA) standards of professional nursing and performance, and the ANA Code of Ethics to provide care to all healthcare consumers. Applies critical thinking, evidence-based practices and competence to collaborate with the health care team to promote excellence in healthcare consumer safety and quality outcomes. Utilizes the Theory of Human Caring and Caritas in daily practice. "Jean Watson, PhD, RN, AHN-BC, FAAN, Founder / Director, Watson Caring Science Institute."
Assess the needs of individuals, families and/or communities to identify potential health or safety problems (15%) Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records (10%) Monitor, record and report symptoms and changes in patient’s condition and vital signs (10%) Modify patient treatment plans as indicated by patient’s responses and conditions (10%) Develop and modify patient care plans as indicated by patient’s responses and conditions (10%) Prepare patients for, and assist with examinations and treatments (10%) Consult and coordinate with health care team members to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care (5%) Monitor all aspects of patient care, including diet and physical activity (5%) Direct and supervise less skilled nursing/health care personnel (5%) Instruct individuals and families on health education and disease prevention and after care (5%) Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent or disabled patients (5%) Medication administration, documentation and reassessment (5%) Promote positive patient experience (5%)
Education: Associate's Degree Required
Work Experience: One year experience in a direct patient care setting preferred
BLS-Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) - AHA - American Heart Association or American Red Cross Required ACLS-Advanced Cardiac Life Support - AHA - American Heart Association Required PALS required within 6 months of hire TNCC, TCAR, ASPAN, (CPAN or CAPA) Preferred RN-Registered Nurse - DORA - Department of Regulatory Agencies Required
Adherence to Standards of Professional Nursing Practice/ Process / Performance [ANA Standards addendum- signed] and accrediting body standards. Ensures all duties, responsibilities and competencies are conducted in a manner that is effective and appropriate to patients/clients to who care/service is being provided. Demonstrates knowledge and applicability of the principles of growth and development over the life span, as well as demonstrating the ability to assess data reflecting the patient’s status and interpreting appropriate cultural information of the patient(s) to whom care/ services is being delivered/provided. Employee has completed and met their clinical competency standards Ability to use medical equipment and instruments to administer patient care. Skilled in maintaining effective working relationship with patients, employees, and the public. Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations Ability to interpret adapt and apply guidelines and procedures Ability to communicate clearly. Microsoft Office Suite required. EPIC documentation preferred. Shift Nights (United States of America) Work Type Regular (0.9 FTE) Salary $36.00 - $57.77 / hr
At Denver Health, we take care of the people who take care of our community. Our benefits are built to support your life, your family, and your future — with generous paid time off, fully paid parental leave, exceptional retirement contributions, comprehensive health coverage, and nationally recognized well-being programs. We invest in your growth through tuition assistance, career advancement pathways, and professional development — while also offering meaningful financial advantages through loan forgiveness eligibility and employer contributions. When you join Denver Health, you’re joining a mission-driven organization that invests in you.
Paid time off starting at 28 days per year, inclusive of vacation, personal/sick, and 7 Holidays 100% paid parental leave up to 6 weeks Immediate eligibility for retirement plans with employer contribution up to 9.5% Generous medical, dental, vision plans in addition to employer paid disability and life insurance. Comprehensive well-being programs including on-site employee fitness center located on Denver Health main campus and nationally recognized RESTORE Center Free RTD EcoPass (public transportation) Childcare discount programs & exclusive perks on large brands, travel, and more Tuition reimbursement & assistance Education, coaching, and professional development opportunities through the Workforce Development Center (WFDC) that support internal career growth and advancement pathways Professional clinical advancement program & shared governance Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer+ free student loan coaching and assistance navigating the PSLF program National Health Service Corps (NHCS) and Colorado Health Service Corps (CHSC) eligible employer
Denver Health is an integrated, high-quality academic healthcare system considered a model for the nation that includes a Level I Trauma Center, a 555-bed acute care medical center, Denver’s 911 emergency medical response system, 10 family health centers, 19 school-based health centers, Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, the Public Health Institute at Denver Health, Denver Health Medical Plan and Denver Health Foundation.
As Colorado’s primary, and essential, safety-net healthcare system, Denver Health is a mission-driven organization that has provided millions in uncompensated care for the uninsured each year. Located near downtown Denver, Denver Health is just minutes away from many of the cultural and recreational activities Denver has to offer.
Denver Health is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We value the unique ideas, talents and contributions reflective of the needs of our community. All job applicants for safety-sensitive positions must pass a pre-employment drug test, once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Applicants will be considered until the position is filled.
Requires an Associate's Degree and a valid RN license from DORA, along with BLS and ACLS certifications. One year of direct patient care experience is preferred, and PALS certification is required within six months of hire.
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.
