The CN identifies and implements nursing interventions and evaluates results for a wide variety of patient populations, directs and acts as resource to other members of the nursing team as assigned and promotes compliance and support for policies. The primary responsibilities for this position consist of providing total, comprehensive, continuous and patient centered care which includes: assessing, documenting, planning, implementing, teaching, developing, and evaluating a comprehensive nursing plan of care; delivering direct patient care; ensuring patient satisfaction; training and delegating duties; and adhering to University policies and procedures as well as federal, state and local regulations.
Autonomous nursing care is the ability of a nurse to assess and provide nursing actions as appropriate for patient care populations based on competence, professional expertise, and knowledge. The nurse is expected to practice autonomously consistent with ANA Standards of Practice and Professional Performance. Independent judgment is expected to be exercised within the context of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches to patient care.
Provides direct patient care to a diversified patient population. Applies knowledge, experience and judgment to determine the importance of a situation, set priorities, and use abstract thought to evaluate clinical situations. Participates in patient and staff education. Demonstrates leadership skills. Demonstrates accountability for own practices as defined by the Nurse Practice Act.
Apply By Date: Wednesday, August 5th, 2026 at 11:59pm PST.
Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position
- Valid California Registered Nurse License without restriction
- American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS), or UC Davis Health CPR
- American Heart Association (AHA) Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- American Heart Association (AHA) Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- Graduation from an accredited school of nursing.
- Two (2) years of recent RN experience in Preoperative/PACU or critical care experience.
- Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
- Ability to utilize medical terminology appropriately.
- Knowledge of current trends in nursing.
- Commitment to excellence in patient care.
- Effective interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrates accountability and professionalism.
- Adapts to change in a positive, professional and productive manner.
- Knowledge of legal implications in clinical practice and documentation.
- Knowledge of performance improvement and evidence-based practice.
- Basic computer skills.
- Ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care, taking into consideration protective interventions, development (behavioral and physical) and physiological characteristics specific to the patients.
Preferred Qualifications
Key Responsibilities
- 70% - Nursing Process and Practice
- 15% - Quality and Evidence-Based Practice
- 5% - Leadership
- 5% - Professional Development
- 5% - Research
Department Overview
Perioperative Services at UC Davis Health encompasses multiple Operating Rooms, Preoperative and Post-Anesthesia Units, and Sterile Processing Departments, across the UC Davis Health Campus. Surgical care is provided across the entire life spectrum, includes a wide range of inpatient and ambulatory surgical specialties, including (but not limited to): ACS Level 1 Trauma, Bariatric, Burn, Cardiac, Colorectal, Endocrine, ENT, Gynecology, comprehensive Neurosurgery, Oncologic, Ophthalmology, Orthopedic Trauma, comprehensive Orthopedic (Spine, Foot & Ankle, Hand & Hand Trauma), Otolaryngology, Pain, Plastics, Robotics, Thoracic, Transplant, Vascular, Urology, and Uro-Gyn.
Additionally, our Children's Surgery Center provides comprehensive surgical care in the full-range of surgical specialties in an age-appropriate setting.
Department Specific Job Scope
The CN2 Pre-Op / PACU Registered Nurse is responsible for a patient’s pre-operative, and immediate post-operative care of patients until either discharge home. Essential duties include, but are not limited to the following: Responsible for patient’s admission and pre-operative care; preparing the patient for surgery, including pre-operative education, and addressing psychosocial needs; coordinate pre-operative lab work required for individual patients, documenting and reporting pertinent results; monitoring the patient’s level of consciousness and stabilization immediately following surgery and anesthesia; perform thorough and accurate continual patient assessment, anticipating potential problems and reporting pertinent assessments to the anesthesiologist, supervisor, and/or surgeon appropriately; acts as discharge nurse, providing thorough discharge education; closely monitor the patient post-procedure for complications, identification of symptoms and timely, specialized intervention; providing comfort and reassurance to distressed post-operative patients and concerned family members. Patient population are adult to geriatric.
POSITION INFORMATION
- Salary or Pay Range: $99.53
- Salary Frequency: Hourly
- Salary Grade: 107
- UC Job Title: NURSE PD
- UC Job Code: 009119
- Number of Positions: 1
- Appointment Type: Staff: Per Diem
- Percentage of Time: 20%
- Shift (Work Schedule): 10 hour shift, variable days
- Location: Same Day Surgery Center (HSP071)
- Union Representation: NX-Nurses
- Benefits Eligible: No
- This position is 100% on-site
Benefits
Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.
If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html
- High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
- UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
- Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
- Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
- WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
- On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
- Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
- Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here
Physical Demands
- Standing - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Walking - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Bending/Stooping - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Twisting - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Environmental Demands
- Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Mental Demands
- Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Complex problem solving/reasoning - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Numerical skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
Work Environment
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
Works overtime as defined by the collective bargaining agreements; floats to other areas; and works weekends, holidays and call as required. References reflect an overall meets or exceeds.
Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position
- This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
- This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging
At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.
As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere
To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks
