Registered Nurse - Surgical Services

Southwest Health System; Cortez (CO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Employee Discounts

403(b) retirement plan

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Southwest Health System in Colorado is seeking a Registered Nurse - Surgical Services to deliver efficient, safe care across Same Day Care, OR Circulator, and PACU, supporting pre-, intra-, and post-op phases. You will coordinate pre-op plans, administer medications, maintain aseptic technique, document accurately, and participate in drills and ongoing education.

A strong English communicator with ADN and Colorado RN license is required; BSN preferred.

Qualifications

• ADN required; BSN preferred
• Current Colorado RN license (compact accepted; obtain CO within 90 days)
• BLS required; PALS and ACLS within 6 months of hire
• Acute care experience (1+ year preferred); AORN and RNFA preferred
• Strong English communication, basic computer skills, and excellent customer service

Responsibilities

• Deliver efficient, safe, and courteous nursing care across SDC, OR Circulator, and PACU; protect every patient through pre-, intra-, and post-op phases
• Coordinate individualized pre-op plans with the surgical team; administer pre-op medications as directed
• Maintain aseptic technique, positioning, prepping, specimen handling, isolation protocols, counts/time-outs, and post-anesthesia care
• Recognize complications and escalate through the chain of command; document accurately using clinical technologies
• Participate in drills, meetings, and ongoing education; support other departments as needed

Education

Associate degree in Nursing (ADN)

Colorado RN license (compact accepted; obtain CO within 90 days)

BLS certification

PALS/ACLS within 6 months of hire

Acute care experience (1+ year)

BSN preferred

English communication

Basic computer skills

Job description

** $20K SIGN ON BONUS AVAILABLE W/2+ YEARS EXPERIENCE **

** $60K STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT/TUITION ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR ALL HIRED RN'S! **

Our Legacy, Your Stage

SHS was established in 1914, Southwest Health System, Inc. has a rich history of serving rural communities and has a strong mission to provide the highest quality healthcare to our patients. We offer comprehensive "care close to home", helping people in small towns receive quality operations and services you'd only expect from a big city. By only using the latest technology and employing the best staff, we create a patient experience unlike any other. Our employees love our respectful culture, our excellent compensation package, and our incredible location, making our hospital the place to build dream careers!

Surgical RN Mission

As a Registered Nurse - Surgical Services, you’ll deliver efficient, safe, and courteous nursing care across Same Day Care (SDC), OR Circulator, and PACU—protecting every patient through pre-, intra-, and post-op phases. Key responsibilities include coordinating individualized pre-op plans with the surgical team; administering pre-op medications as directed; maintaining aseptic technique, positioning, prepping, specimen handling, isolation protocols, counts/time-outs, and post-anesthesia care; recognizing complications and escalating through the chain of command; documenting accurately using clinical technologies; participating in drills, meetings, and ongoing education; and supporting other departments as needed. Required qualifications/skills:

• Graduate of an accredited nursing program (ADN required; BSN preferred)
• Current Colorado RN license (compact accepted; obtain CO within 90 days)
• BLS required; PALS and ACLS within 6 months of hire
• Acute care experience (1+ year preferred); AORN and RNFA preferred
• Strong English communication, basic computer skills, and excellent customer service

Inside the Surgical Flow

Your shift begins by tuning in to the day’s surgical schedule and connecting with the team to align on patient needs and timing. You’ll move with purpose between SDC, the OR, and PACU—staying calm, focused, and ready as plans evolve. Throughout the day, you’ll rely on sharp assessment skills to spot subtle changes, use evidence-based resources at the point of care, and keep documentation crisp and current. Between cases, you’ll reset, regroup, and help the team stay in rhythm—whether that’s joining a quick huddle, jumping into a drill, or lending a hand when another unit needs support. You finish knowing patients were cared for with precision, safety, and respect from start to recovery.

Rewards That Matter

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Employee Discounts
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Why join our team?

At Southwest Health Systems, we are committed to creating a workplace that feels both professional and genuinely caring where you are not just an employee but part of a family. Our culture is built on respect inclusion and teamwork creating an environment where team members providers and patients all feel welcomed supported and valued. We take pride in delivering high quality personalized care while appreciating the unique perspectives each person brings and recognizing the important role you play in our shared mission. Here your contributions truly matter and are celebrated through meaningful recognition programs opportunities for continued learning and growth and a positive uplifting atmosphere where people enjoy coming to work. With flexible scheduling and a strong commitment to supporting your well being you will find more than a career you will find a place where you belong feel appreciated and make a difference every day.

So, what do you think? If you can meet these requirements and perform this job as described above, we would be happy to have you as part of our team! ** THIS POSITION WILL REMAIN OPEN FOR A MINIMUM OF 7 DAYS. AFTER THAT DATE THE POSITION WILL CLOSE WHEN A SUITABLE CANDIDATE IS SELECTED. **