Same Day Surgery Registered Nurse (RN), Full-Time Same Day Surgery | Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center (AVRMC) Join a team dedicated to delivering exceptional surgical care and outstanding patient experiences. As a Same Day Surgery Registered Nurse (RN), you will play a critical role in guiding patients through the pre-operative and post-operative process while providing compassionate, high-quality nursing care. At Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center (AVRMC), we understand that every patient interaction matters. We are seeking a skilled, compassionate, and patient-focused Registered Nurse to join our Same Day Surgery team in La Junta. Located just east of the Rocky Mountains, AVRMC proudly serves Southeastern Colorado with high-quality healthcare close to home. If you are passionate about surgical nursing, patient education, and delivering excellent care in a fast-paced environment, we'd love to hear from you. Position Summary As a Same Day Surgery Registered Nurse, you will provide professional nursing care to patients undergoing surgical and procedural services. Responsibilities include patient assessment, preparation for surgery, post-anesthesia recovery support, patient education, care coordination, and collaboration with physicians and multidisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care. This is a Full-Time position within our Same Day Surgery Department. Key Responsibilities Pre-Operative Patient Care Perform comprehensive patient assessments and obtain health histories Verify patient identification, procedure details, informed consents, and physician orders Prepare patients for surgical and procedural services according to departmental protocols Administer medications and initiate IV therapy as ordered Provide pre-operative education to patients and family members Assess patient readiness for surgery and communicate concerns to the healthcare team Post-Operative & Recovery Care Monitor patients following surgical and procedural interventions Assess vital signs, pain levels, and overall patient condition Identify and respond appropriately to changes in patient status Provide post-operative education and discharge instructions Ensure patients meet discharge criteria prior to release Coordinate patient discharge and follow-up care Patient Safety & Quality Care Maintain a safe environment that promotes patient safety and quality outcomes Follow infection prevention and control standards Demonstrate effective clinical judgment in responding to patient needs Ensure accurate medication administration and documentation Participate in patient safety initiatives and quality improvement activities Advocate for patient rights, dignity, and confidentiality Collaboration & Communication Collaborate effectively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, nursing staff, and ancillary departments Communicate patient status and care needs to appropriate team members Serve as a patient and family resource throughout the surgical experience Foster positive working relationships with physicians, staff, patients, and families Participate in interdisciplinary care planning and coordination Documentation & Compliance Complete accurate and timely documentation within the electronic medical record Maintain compliance with nursing standards, regulatory requirements, and departmental policies Ensure patient records are complete and accurate Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations Support departmental audits, quality reviews, and performance improvement initiatives Qualifications Required Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing Current Colorado Registered Nurse (RN) license or compact state RN license Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification Current Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification or ability to obtain within designated timeframe Strong assessment, critical thinking, and communication skills Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced clinical environment Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and professionalism Preferred Previous Same Day Surgery, Perioperative, PACU, or Surgical Services nursing experience Moderate Sedation competency Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification Experience with electronic health records (EHR) Knowledge of pre-operative and post-operative patient care practices Professional Requirements Adhere to dress code standards and maintain a neat, professional appearance Complete annual education and competency requirements Maintain compliance with regulatory requirements and organizational policies Maintain patient confidentiality at all times Report to work on time and complete assignments within designated timeframes Wear identification badge while on duty and correctly utilize timekeeping systems Complete required in-services and educational assignments in a timely manner Attend annual evaluations and departmental education sessions as scheduled Attend departmental staff meetings and complete assigned competencies Represent AVRMC in a positive and professional manner Participate in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement initiatives Comply with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices Support and communicate the mission, vision, values, and goals of the organization and department Why Join AVRMC We offer a supportive work environment where every employee plays an important role in our mission of providing extraordinary care, no matter their schedule. Benefits & Perks Health & Wellness Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (Full-Time) Life Insurance (Full-Time) Short-Term Disability Coverage (Full-Time) Flexible Spending Account (FSA) (Full-Time & Part-Time) Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance (Full-Time) Employee Wellness Programs (All Statuses) Gym Membership Discount (Part-Time & Full-Time) Employee Assistance Program (All Statuses) Financial Benefits Competitive Pay (All Statuses) Shift Differentials (All Statuses) Annual Salary Increase Opportunities (All Statuses) Generous Paid Time Off (Full-Time & Part-Time) 401(k) Retirement Plan (available immediately for eligible employees), Employer Match after 1 Year of Service Additional Advantages Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer (All Statuses) Colorado FAMLI Program Participation (All Statuses) (Up to 12-16 weeks of paid leave for qualifying life events) Identity Theft Protection (Full-Time & Part-Time) Rewards & Recognition Programs (All Statuses) Cafeteria Meal Discounts (All Statuses) Ready to Apply? We're excited that you are considering a career with AVRMC. Join our mission to provide extraordinary care, because every role matters.