PLEASE NOTE: May 27, 2026 the Application/Examination section was updated to reflect the current contact information.
San Mateo Medical Center, a Division of San Mateo County Health, is seeking motivated and experienced Perioperative Relief Nurses for the PACU and Operating Room!
Through growth and change, the San Mateo Medical Center remains committed to providing quality medical care to meet the health needs of the community. Our commitment is to provide quality care with a compassionate touch, and we strive to help you maintain a balance between work and family. San Mateo Medical Center, a 509-bed integrated care facility, has been providing healthcare to our community and the surrounding service area since 1930.
We are currently have two Relief Nurse positions for our state-of-the-art Surgical Department. Under supervision, Relief Nurses in our Operating Room will ensure safety in the Operating Room for surgeons and patients, scrubbing and circulating. You will provide healthcare instructions to patient and family, maintain accurate and continued nursing documentation, including patient histories, observations, condition and assessment of changes. You will administer and control medications and narcotics, including IV fluids and blood administration. You must have mastery of departmental equipment and technology.
PACU Nurses will take care of patients after surgery/in Recovery. You will provide healthcare instructions to patients and family, maintain accurate and continued nursing documentation, including patient histories, observations, condition and assessment of changes. You will administer and control medications and narcotics, including IV fluids and blood administration. You must have mastery of departmental equipment and technology.
Under direction, Relief Nurses perform professional nursing duties in a temporary employment capacity to provide coverage for nursing teams. These duties may include treating and educating patients, their families and the public about various medical conditions; record medical histories and symptoms; perform diagnostic tests and analyze results; operate medical machinery; administer treatment and medications; assist with patient follow-up and rehabilitation; and perform other duties as assigned. Incumbents also provide lead direction to other nursing and paraprofessional personnel. The Relief Nurse will be vitalizing, assessing and triaging patients with clinical needs, discussing care via telephone or in person, and acting at the behest of the medical providers.
The ideal candidate will possess the following:
-
At least two years of experience in the Operating Room or PACU of an acute care hospital.
-
Current BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications.
-
Experience working with procedural/conscious sedation.
-
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
-
Be comfortable working in a high-pressure environment.
-
Is knowledgeable in nursing care in the following areas:
Patients having surgery in the following areas:
-
General surgery
-
GYN
-
Orthopedics
-
Neuro
-
ENT
-
Urology
-
Plastics
-
Vascular surgery
Patients receiving:
-
General anesthesia
-
Spinal/epidural anesthesia
-
Monitored anesthesia care (MAC)
-
Procedural sedation
Please note this position is not intended for Nurse Graduates. Critical Care Experience is preferred for these positions.If you are interested in being considered for a Perioperative Relief Nurse position in the PACU, the following materials must be electronically submitted in a Word or PDF format and emailed to:
Rachel Rivers, Deputy Director of Nursing Services, San Mateo Medical Center, [email protected]
-
Resumé
-
Responses to Supplemental Questions
Supplemental Questions:-
Describe how your experience and skills have prepared you for a position as a Perioperative Nurse, in PACU, Endoscopy or the Operating Room. Please include both the technical knowledge, leadership, and certifications you possess.
-
The Perioperative unit can be a high intensity environment that requires staff to handle multiple, dynamic, and often difficult situations at the same time. Please describe a difficult situation involving all or some of the following stake holders, Patients/Staff/ Physician. Describe the resources you involved to resolve the issue and what was the outcome.
Please include the words "Perioperative Relief Nurse" in the subject area of email submissions to:
Rachel Rivers, Deputy Director of Nursing Services, San Mateo Medical Center
Email: [email protected]
Application materials will be reviewed as they are received, and well-qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Apply immediately. Application materials will be accepted until position is filled. This posting is open on a continuous basis and selection may be made at any time within the process.
NOTE: Application materials are only accepted via e-mail. Materials sent via regular mail and/or fax will not be accepted. Submittals that do not include all required elements (cover letter with responses to supplemental questions and a resume) will not be considered.
The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.
HR Contact: Priscilla Bermudez (090525)
