Clinical Nurse II - Operating Room - FT, Days
University of California, Irvine·Orange, California
University of California, Irvine·Orange, California
The Operating Room Nurse designs and delivers patient care for operative procedures, acting as either a scrub or circulating nurse. They also serve as a role model for new nurses and students and may function as a Patient Care Coordinator.
UCI Health is one of California’s largest academic health systems and the clinical enterprise of the University of California, Irvine. Established on July 1, 1976, UCI Health has grown into a 1,461-bed health system that includes UCI Health — Orange, UCI Health — Irvine, four Community Network hospitals and a growing network of ambulatory care centers across Orange and Los Angeles counties. As Orange County’s only academic health systems, UCI Health is home to the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center based in the county, the region’s only American College of Surgeons-verified Level I adult and Level II pediatric trauma center, American College of Emergency Physicians Gold Level 1 Geriatric Emergency Department and a nationally recognized regional burn center verified by the American Burn Association. Powered by UC Irvine, UCI Health serves 5.6 million people across Orange County, western Riverside County and southeast Los Angeles County through excellence in patient care, research and medical education.
Your Role on the Team
The Operating Room Nurse uses the nursing process, to design, coordinate, and deliver patient care that meets the identified needs of patients having operative procedures. May act as scrub or circulating nurse in various procedures. Acts as a role model to nursing students, and new nurses to the unit. Functions as a Pt. Care Coordinator as requested. The identification of essential functions below is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties that may be assigned to this position, nor does it restrict the duties which may be assigned if such duties reasonably relate to the position.
What It Takes to be Successful
If applicable, internal UCI candidate with 2+ years of UC service and possession of ADN with current enrollment in an accredited BSN program, with anticipated completion within 2 years Minimum of 2–3 years of recent CVOR or cardiovascular perioperative nursing experience. Strong knowledge of cardiovascular anatomy, physiology, and surgical procedures. Ability to remain calm and effective in high‑stress, emergent situations. Demonstrated knowledge of aseptic technique, surgical instrumentation and equipment, and practice of infection control techniques, body mechanics and age related acuity levels All external candidates must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Ability to work variable shifts including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays Ability to scrub and circulate in most surgical specialties
Demonstrated experience working in a Level I Trauma Center Bilingual skills to communicate effectively with patients and families CNOR certification obtained within one year of hire Experience with open heart procedures, minimally invasive cardiac surgery, and/or hybrid OR environments. Previous on‑call experience for CVOR services. ACLS (at time of hire)
Licenses and Certifications: Registered Nurse Basic Life Support
Total Rewards We offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.
We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.
UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact UCI's Employee Experience Center (EEC) at eec@uci.edu or at (949) 824-0500, Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Consideration for Work Authorization Sponsorship: Must be able to provide proof of work authorization
Candidates must be a Registered Nurse with a BSN (or ADN with BSN enrollment) and 2-3 years of recent CVOR or cardiovascular perioperative experience. Proficiency in aseptic technique and the ability to work variable shifts in a high-stress environment are required.
Market context
California nursing roles often draw steady demand, especially for experienced RNs in procedural and critical care settings. Competition is strongest for candidates who already hold a California RN license, current BLS and ACLS, and recent ICU, ER, or PACU experience. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save research time, then confirm your certifications and highlight relevant bedside and procedural experience in your application.
