Illuminate Surgery Center is seeking an experienced Perioperative RN to join our surgical team. The ideal candidate is skilled in Pre-Op, Circulating, and PACU care, with strong clinical judgment, excellent aseptic technique, and the ability to respond quickly to changes in patient condition.

We value nurses who are dependable, organized, and proactive and who can clearly communicate with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and team members while maintaining the highest safety and documentation standards.

A background in OR, Plastic Surgery, Critical Care, PACU, or ER is preferred. Above all, we’re looking for a compassionate professional who delivers a concierge-level patient experience, bringing calm, confidence, and care to every interaction.

Join Illuminate Surgery Center and help us combine clinical excellence with exceptional, patient-centered care.


Description

The Operating Room Nurse is an RN-level position that works directly with the surgeons and other Operating Room staff to provide a safe, efficient, peaceful environment for surgery patients on the day of surgery.

Administratively, the employee reports directly to the Operating Room Manager.

Education and Experience

  1. Current state licensure as an RN.
  2. 2 years’ clinical experience.
  3. Post-graduate work experience in an Operating Room Environment or equivalent in Post-operative Care Unit (PACU), Intensive Care Unit (ICU), or Emergency Department (ED) of at least one year.

Requirements, Skills, and Abilities

Physical Requirements

  1. Ability to stand and/or walk for extended periods of time.
  2. Engage in moderate to heavy walking, pushing, pulling, crouching, bending, stretching, and twisting.
  3. Ability to carry up to 25 pounds.

Technical Abilities

  1. Ability to use computer with Windows Operating System for daily tasks, including Email and Microsoft Teams.
  2. Ability to use Electronic Medical Record (PatientNOW)
  3. Ability to use Webex for outgoing and incoming patient calls.

Communication and Problem Solving

  1. Possess a wide-ranging knowledge of healthcare in general and surgical health in particular.
  2. Good problem solving and analytical skills.
  3. Excellent Communication skills.
  4. Empathetic with patient needs and concerns.
  5. Ability to multi-task.
  6. Well organized with attention to detail.
  7. Excellent time management skills.
  8. Take initiative to resolve issues independent of direct supervision.

Patient Confidentiality

  1. Discretion in handling diverse and challenging situations while adhering to patient privacy regulations.

Availability

  1. Reliable Transportation
  2. Ability to work 2nd shift in the OR (shifts vary from 8:30 to 5:00 or as late as 12:00 – 8:30).

Certifications

  1. CPR Certification
  2. BLS & ACLS Certification
  3. RN License

Immunizations and Tests

  1. Hepatitis B (or protective antibody levels must be confirmed through blood testing)
  2. TB Test (will be done annually)
  3. Tetanus
  4. Yearly Influenza and COVID-19

Aesthetic Knowledge

  1. A good understanding of anatomy and the practice offerings.
  2. The ability to credential each surgeon to the patient.
  3. A thorough understanding of the path the patient takes from Consult to Surgery Scheduling to Pre-operative, PACU, and Recovery to Post-op appointments.

Environmental Hazards and Job Conditions

Exposure to:

  1. Hazardous chemicals. Continuous, High.
  2. Infectious disease while in decontamination area and during all patient contact. Continuous, High.
  3. Bloodborne pathogens. Continuous, High.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required based on procedure.

  1. Mask; must follow guidelines set by Santa Clara County Health Department.
  2. Goggles or Face Shield
  3. Hair Covering
  4. Impervious Gown, gloves, and shoe covers


Job Duties & Requirements

Clinical Skills and Experience: 

  • Strong foundation in perioperative nursing, with ability to manage Pre-Op, Circulating, and PACU responsibilities.
  • Proficient in IV and Foley catheter placement with excellent aseptic technique.
  • Comfortable taking verbal orders and verbal medication orders directly from surgeons.
  • Well-versed in medical terminology, medications, and surgical protocols.
  • Ability to identify and act on changes in patient condition promptly and appropriately.
  • Skilled in patient assessment, airway awareness, and post-anesthesia monitoring for patients under general anesthesia.
  • Comfortable learning and performing new tasks (e.g., scrubbing in, mixing medications, setting up new equipment).
  • Critical thinking and situational awareness under pressure, able to act quickly while maintaining composure.
  • Preferred: Experience in OR and Plastic Surgery settings.
  • Preferred: Background in Critical Care, PACU, or ER.

Professionalism:

  • Dependable and punctual, with consistent follow-through on assigned responsibilities.
  • Strong communication skills, able to clearly relay updates to surgeons, anesthesia providers, and team members.
  • Organized, detail-oriented, and efficient with time management.
  • Demonstrates initiative and the ability to anticipate team needs in a fast-paced OR environment.
  • Maintains compliance with safety, infection control, and documentation standards.

Team Culture Fit:

  • Collaborative, team-oriented attitude: actively supports colleagues and contributes to a positive OR environment.
  • Flexible and adaptable to evolving schedules or surgical needs.
  • Respects all team members and communicates professionally under all circumstances.
  • Understands that team morale directly impacts patient experience and surgical flow.
  • Values professionalism, mutual respect, and shared accountability 

Bedside Manner & Patient Experience:

  • Provides a concierge-level experience for every patient
  • Calm, compassionate, and polished in demeanor.
  • Calm presence under pressure, even during rapid transitions or complications.
  • Able to comfort anxious patients and instill confidence before and after surgery.
  • Delivers patient-centered care that aligns with the luxury aesthetic of a boutique surgical practice.
  • Prioritizes patient privacy, dignity, and emotional comfort.

Availability and commitment :

  • Must be available to work every Friday, 6:15 AM – 2:45 PM.
  • Must be able to pick up at least two additional weekday shifts per month as needed.
  • Willing to occasionally adjust start/end times based on surgical scheduling.
  • Open to future growth or expanded hours if practice needs increase.