Working as an RN in Colorado

Working as a registered nurse (RN) in Colorado can mean access to high-paying PRN opportunities and flexible work arrangements. Healthcare employers appreciate nurses who can support patient needs quickly, and many RNs enjoy the freedom and competitive pay these shifts can bring.

RN job responsibilities and duties

Registered nurses will be expected to be skilled in the following areas of expertise:

• Assess and monitor patients’ conditions and vital signs
• Administer medications and treatments
• Coordinate patient care with physicians and other providers
• Educate patients and families about conditions and care plans
• Update patient documentation accurately
• Follow safety, infection control, and quality standards
• Operate medical equipment and assist during procedures
• Serve as patient advocates

Required education, license, and certifications for RNs in Colorado

Aspiring registered nurses must first complete an accredited ADN or BSN program and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. After earning a Colorado RN license, nurses maintain it through periodic renewal and continuing education credits. Colorado participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact, so nurses with a multistate license from another NLC state can work in Colorado without additional steps. While not required for general roles, certain specialty certifications can enhance job prospects in focused areas like critical care or pediatrics.

What RNs need to know about working in Colorado

Colorado’s membership in the NLC makes it easier for nurses to practice across state lines, giving them flexibility to pursue PRN shifts. Beyond licensure, it’s worth understanding the region’s cost of living, major healthcare employers, and career growth opportunities. This can help nurses choose where and how they want to practice in Colorado.

Cost of living

Colorado’s cost of living is generally higher than many parts of the Mountain West. Major cities like Denver and Boulder are pricier—housing and daily expenses often reflect urban demand. Resort towns such as Aspen or Vail are even more expensive. More affordable areas include Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Greeley, where housing costs tend to be lower. Some nurses find it worthwhile to commute to higher-paying shifts in bigger cities while living in more budget-friendly neighborhoods.

Major health systems and key medical facilities

Colorado hosts several notable health systems offering excellent career opportunities:

• UCHealth: A top-tier network, including the University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora.
• Centura Health: Encompasses hospitals and clinics across the state.
• HealthOne: Multiple facilities in the Denver metro area, spanning specialties like oncology and cardiology.
• SCL Health (Intermountain Health): Community hospitals and clinics throughout Colorado.
• Children’s Hospital Colorado: A leading pediatric care provider.

There are also community hospitals, rehab centers, and home health agencies that need skilled RNs, especially when staffing levels fluctuate.

Nursing education and programs in CO

Colorado features respected nursing programs that produce well-prepared graduates:

• University of Colorado College of Nursing: Known for research and strong clinical partnerships.
• Colorado State University-Pueblo: Offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Metropolitan State University of Denver and University of Northern Colorado: Provide hands-on, quality training.
• Regis University: Offers both undergraduate and advanced degrees, including accelerated options.

These schools equip RNs with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the state’s healthcare settings.

Professional organizations and programs

RNs have access to several professional groups in Colorado:

• Colorado Nurses Association (CNA): Offers education, advocacy, and networking.
• Colorado Center for Nursing Excellence: Focuses on leadership development, mentorship, and grants.
• Colorado Nurses Foundation: Supports nurses through scholarships, research grants, and recognition awards.

These organizations help nurses stay current with clinical practices, build professional networks, and find educational resources.

The bottom line

For RNs seeking high-paying PRN shifts, Colorado can be an appealing option. The state’s NLC participation makes practicing easier for nurses with a compatible multi-state license. While Denver and Boulder offer higher pay potential, they also come with greater expenses, so some RNs opt for smaller cities with more moderate costs.