Clinical Nurse III - Operating Room

Description

Under general supervision, the Clinical Nurse III applies nursing theory to provide direct patient care, initiating and performing established nursing interventions with current clinical knowledge.

The Clinical Nurse III is expected to assume charge nurse responsibilities, identify and implement interventions with less predictable outcomes, and evaluate results. This differs from the Clinical Nurse II, Nurse Coordinator, Assistant Nurse Manager, Public Health Nurse, and Psychiatric Nurse classifications in scope of patient interaction, teaching duties, supervisory responsibilities, and care settings.

• Active California Registered Nurse License without restrictions.
• Minimum of 3 years full‑time RN experience in an accredited healthcare setting, including at least 1 year in the last 3 years.
• At least 1 year of full‑time RN experience in the Operating Room or perioperative specialty within the last 3 years.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.
• Nationally recognized specialty certification preferred.

• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
• Paediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) or other specialty certifications as required.

• Analyze and validate data from patient interviews and observations, revising assessments based on patient behavior.
• Identify recurrent patient problems and symptoms in relation to standards of care.
• Assess needs of specific patient populations through rounds, conferences, and collaboration with the healthcare team.
• Evaluate the competencies of personnel assigned to a patient group.
• Assess the need for development of standards of care and the number and levels of personnel required.

• Identify patient care problems, establish priorities, and develop individual patient care plans.
• Plan strategies for resolving patient care problems with the interdisciplinary team.
• Determine assistance needed for patient care within current assignments.
• Develop teaching plans for patients and families about health problems and preventive practices.

• Collaborate with personnel to perform new procedures or respond to unfamiliar situations.
• Coordinate activities necessary to implement the plan of care.
• Coordinate patient and family teaching and discharge planning.
• Comply with external and internal regulations governing nursing practice.
• Recognize legal and ethical duties of registered nurses.
• Participate in research activities as assigned.
• Assume charge responsibilities, recommend staffing patterns, and assign personnel for 8‑hour periods.
• Assist in teaching students and staff.
• Serve as primary nurse when assigned, and serve as Disaster Service Worker if required.
• Perform other related duties as required.

• Knowledge of the California Nurse Practice Act, ANA Code of Ethics, and the Nursing Professional Practice Model.
• Understanding of federal and state healthcare laws and regulations relevant to California hospitals.
• Current nursing theory suitable for the operating room setting.
• Principles and methods of acute and primary care nursing, continuity of patient care, and community aspects.
• Diagnosis and treatment of common medical issues related to perioperative care.
• Familiarity with clinical systems, supplies, equipment, safety, and infection control practices.
• Basic sciences: anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology.
• Proficiency with English usage, style, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and common computer systems.
• Skilled charting and documentation practices.

• Establish relationships with patients and families in challenging or crisis situations.
• Advocate for patients and resolve conflicts.
• Develop and execute complex teaching plans.
• Serve as subject matter expert recognized by peers and physicians.
• Support and mentor less experienced registered nurses.
• Detect and report subtle variations in patient responses.
• Anticipate patient needs and assess nursing capabilities.
• Implement innovative strategies to enhance patient care.
• Model high‑performance leadership behaviors.
• Facilitate change by leading implementation and evaluation.
• Perform skillfully under pressure and manage multiple patients simultaneously.
• Communicate effectively across diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Maintain effective working relationships at all levels.

• Work alternate schedules, weekends, and holidays as necessary.
• Perform physical tasks required for patient care, including bending, stooping, reaching, lifting, and restraining patients.
• Demonstrate strength, dexterity, and coordination for patient assistance and equipment handling.
• Perform fine motor movements for IVs, syringes, documentation, and sterile procedures.
• Maintain visual, auditory, and tactile acuity for patient assessment.