Clinical Nurse III - Critical Care

County of Santa Clara; California (MO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of Santa Clara seeks a Clinical Nurse III for critical care, requiring direct patient care in various hospital settings. Preferred candidates will have ICU experience, a California RN license, and must maintain BLS and ACLS certifications. This role involves assessment, planning, and implementation of patient care with a focus on collaborative healthcare delivery.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years RN experience (1 year recent).
• Specialty experience required.
• Maintain BLS and ACLS certifications.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and validate patient data, revising assessments based on observations.
• Establish priorities and develop care plans based on diagnoses.
• Perform procedures, coordinate activities, and patient teaching.

Skills

Assessment

Planning

Implementation

Communication

Advocacy

Education

Active California RN license

BSN preferred

Job description

Under general supervision, to apply the theoretical concepts of the nursing profession while providing direct patient care within the parameters of established nursing policies and procedures in patient care situations required by the assigned clinical setting; to initiate and perform established nursing interventions utilizing current clinical knowledge.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Clinical Nurse III classification is expected to have the knowledge and abilities to assume charge nurse responsibility. It is distinguished from the Clinical Nurse II classification in that the Clinical Nurse III performs under general supervision and is expected to identify and implement nursing interventions with less predictable outcomes, evaluating the results for a patient population, whereas the Clinical Nurse II works under supervision on specific patient care assignments.

The Clinical Nurse III classification is distinguished from the Nurse Coordinator classification in that the Nurse Coordinator has ongoing responsibility to teach staff and organize patient care for a specific patient population or clinical program.

The Clinical Nurse III classification is distinguished from the Assistant Nurse Manager classification in that the Assistant Nurse Manager has ongoing responsibility to supervise a nursing unit or outpatient clinic.

The Clinical Nurse classification series works directly with individual patients or specific patient groups requiring nursing interventions, unlike the Public Health Nurse series that focuses on community health and prevention.

The series also differs from the Psychiatric Nurse series, which provides psychiatric and nursing interventions in mental health settings.

Clinical Nurse III - Critical Care
Preference given to candidates with ICU experience and completion of a Critical Care Training program. Positions are available across various hospitals and units, including ICU, Rapid Response Teams, Vascular Line, and Cath Lab/IR.

The eligible list will be used for future openings within this competency area, covering the units listed above.

The Power of WE: Together, we can make a greater impact by providing better care and expanding healthcare services across the community. Santa Clara Valley Healthcare (SCVH) is the second largest public health system in California, including hospitals, clinics, and specialty services. Our mission is to provide high-quality, accessible healthcare and excellent service to everyone in Santa Clara County.

Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC) is a full-service tertiary hospital ranked highly nationally and regionally, offering a wide range of specialized services. O'Connor Hospital and St. Louise Regional Hospital serve their communities with inpatient and outpatient care, with SLRH being a designated Primary Stroke Center and the only acute care hospital in Gilroy. Regional Medical Center acts as the main emergency provider for East San José, expanding critical services since 2025.

Learn more about Santa Clara Valley Healthcare at https://www.scvh.org/home and follow us on social media platforms listed.

The following duties are typical for this classification, but employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Not all duties are necessarily performed by each individual.

Assessment

• Analyzes and validates patient data, revises assessments based on observations.
• Identifies recurrent problems, symptoms, and behavioral changes.
• Assesses patient needs through rounds, conferences, and collaboration.
• Evaluates the competencies of personnel assigned to patient groups.
• Assesses standards of care development and staffing needs.

Planning

• Establishes priorities and develops care plans based on diagnoses.
• Coordinates care strategies with the healthcare team.
• Plans for patient needs and education.

Implementation

• Performs procedures, coordinates activities, and patient teaching.
• Coordinates discharge planning and complies with regulations.
• Recognizes legal and ethical duties.
• May participate in research and assume charge responsibilities, including staffing and supervision.

Sufficient education, training, and experience required, including an active California RN license, minimum of 3 years RN experience (1 year recent), and specialty experience. Preferred qualifications include a BSN and specialty certification.

Special Requirements

• Maintain BLS and ACLS certifications; other specialty certifications as required.
• Ability to travel; valid California driver’s license required.
• Must complete Disaster Service Worker training and be willing to return during emergencies.

Knowledge of:

• California Nurse Practice Act, ANA Code of Ethics, healthcare laws, current nursing theory, clinical practices, diagnosis and treatment, safety, microbiology, and computer systems.

Ability to:

• Establish relationships, advocate, develop teaching plans, support staff, recognize subtle patient responses, anticipate needs, support change, perform under pressure, communicate effectively, and maintain relationships.

The physical requirements include ability to work flexible schedules, perform physical patient care skills, and sensory acuity in vision, hearing, and touch.