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Clinical Nurse III - Medical Surgical

County of Santa Clara

Job Description

The County of Santa Clara is hiring a Clinical Nurse III for Medical Surgical units throughout the county. In this role, you will apply theoretical nursing concepts to provide direct patient care within established policies and procedures.

You will initiate and perform nursing interventions using current clinical knowledge, with less predictable outcomes than lower-level roles. This position is ideal for experienced registered nurses ready to assume charge nurse responsibilities and work under general supervision.

The Clinical Nurse III is distinguished from the Clinical Nurse II by greater autonomy and responsibility for evaluating intervention results for a specific patient population.

Posted On Friday 17th July 2026
Organization County of Santa Clara
Location San Jose
Job Type Full-time
Address 70 W. Hedding Street, San Jose, CA 95110
Last Date Thursday 30th July 2026
Salary $183,606 - $246,085 per year
Qualification

To qualify for Clinical Nurse III, you must have the knowledge and abilities to assume charge nurse responsibility. This role requires experience in identifying and implementing nursing interventions with less predictable outcomes and evaluating results for a given patient population.

  • Knowledge and abilities to assume charge nurse responsibility.
  • Ability to apply theoretical concepts of the nursing profession.
  • Experience in initiating and performing established nursing interventions.
  • Current clinical knowledge in medical-surgical nursing.
  • Ability to work under general supervision.
  • Licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of California.
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.
  • Minimum of two years of recent acute care nursing experience.
Role Responsibilities

Provide direct patient care within established nursing policies and procedures.

  • Initiate and perform nursing interventions using current clinical knowledge.
  • Assume charge nurse responsibility as assigned.
  • Identify and implement nursing interventions with less predictable outcomes.
  • Evaluate results of nursing interventions for a given patient population.
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary team to coordinate patient care.
  • Document patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes accurately.
  • Educate patients and families on health conditions and care plans.
Conditions & Requirements

Possession of a valid Registered Nurse license issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing.

  • Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association.
  • Ability to work full-time, including weekends and holidays as needed.
  • Successful completion of a background check and drug screening.
  • Compliance with County of Santa Clara vaccination policies.
Benefits

Competitive salary range of $183,606

  • $246,085 per year.
  • Complete medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • CalPERS retirement plan.
  • Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
  • Continuing education and professional development opportunities.
  • Employee assistance program.
Additional Information

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies throughout the County of Santa Clara.

  • Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
  • The County of Santa Clara is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
  • For questions about this position, contact the County of Santa Clara Human Resources Department.
  • Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
  • The salary range is $183,606
  • $246,085 per year, commensurate with experience.
About Company

The County of Santa Clara is the largest county in the San Francisco Bay Area, serving over 1.9 million residents. It operates multiple hospitals, clinics, and public health programs, including Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. This Clinical Nurse III role supports the county's mission to provide high-quality, compassionate healthcare to the community. Working for the county offers stability, competitive benefits, and the opportunity to make a difference in public health. County of Santa Clara is named as the hiring organisation for the Clinical Nurse III

  • Medical Surgical post.
FAQs
What is the difference between Clinical Nurse II and Clinical Nurse III at Santa Clara County?

Clinical Nurse III performs under general supervision and handles interventions with less predictable outcomes, while Clinical Nurse II works under closer supervision on specific assignments. Clinical Nurse III is also expected to assume charge nurse responsibilities.

Is a BSN required for the Clinical Nurse III position?

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is preferred but not required. Candidates with an associate degree in nursing and relevant experience may be considered.

What type of nursing experience is needed for this role?

Applicants should have recent acute care nursing experience, typically at least two years, with demonstrated ability to manage complex patient care and assume charge nurse duties.

Will I be assigned to a specific hospital or clinic?

Assignments are throughout the County of Santa Clara, including Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and other county facilities. Specific placement depends on operational needs.

How are candidates evaluated after applying?

Candidates are evaluated through a review of qualifications, possibly a written exam, an oral interview, reference checks, and a background check. Meeting minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview.

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