Location: Santa Maria, CA

Start Date: 05-18-2026

End Date: 08-17-2026

Contract Type: Travel Contract

Shift Type: Primarily Day shifts (10-hour day shifts; schedule variable with 8- or 10-hour options). On-call expectations include some nights and weekends: one week of nights per rotation and two 12-hour weekend call shifts per month; call response time: 30 minutes. (Specific clock start/end times not provided.)

Hours per Week: 40

Candidate Pay Rate: $97 per hour

About United Health Care Staffing

At United Health Care Staffing (UHC Staffing), we believe healthcare staffing should be more than just finding a job. We are here to connect amazing professionals with opportunities that make their careers exciting, rewarding, and meaningful. With us, you're not just signing up for a contract you are joining a team that's got your back, answers your calls, and maybe even cracks a joke or two to brighten your day. Think of us as the travel buddy who handles the logistics while you focus on what you do best helping people heal.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Assist surgeons as a Registered Nurse First Assistant in a busy perioperative operating room, enhancing patient outcomes during procedures
• Provide expert perioperative nursing care across a wide range of surgical cases including laparoscopic, bariatric, orthopedic, neurosurgery, urology, gynecology and ENT
• Collaborate with the OR team, charge nurse, techs and ancillary services (RT, pharmacy) to ensure smooth, safe patient flow
• Document care accurately in Cerner and maintain clear communication about patient status and operative events
• Respond to on-call notifications promptly (30-minute response expectation) and provide high-quality care during nights and weekend calls
• Adhere to sterile technique, safety protocols and unit-specific orientations to minimize risk and improve surgical outcomes

Qualifications

• Active RN license in the appropriate state and eligibility to work at the facility
• Experience: Minimum 2 years of relevant perioperative/OR experience (as listed)
• Required certifications: ACLS and BLS (AHA), Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) via CCI
• RNFA competency or certification and demonstrated experience assisting in surgical procedures
• Comfortable with variable OR ratios (1:1 and 2:1) and high case volumes (18-20 cases/day across 7 suites)
• Ability to meet on-call responsibilities, including nights and two 12-hour weekend calls per month

Education

• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license required
• BSN not required (per job details), though welcome if you have one
• Orientation: 12 hours of unit-specific orientation provided

Knowledge & Skills

• Perioperative nursing best practices and sterile technique
• Proficiency with Cerner electronic medical record/charting
• Experience with a wide range of surgical specialties: laparoscopic, bariatrics, ortho, neuro, urology, GYN and ENT
• Familiarity with OR equipment/technology (Phillips telemetry, ventilators) and working with RT and pharmacy teams
• Strong communication skills, teamwork in high-acuity settings, and ability to respond quickly to call
• Scrubbing preferred for RNs; CST preferred among tech staff

Benefits

• Supportive team environment that values your perioperative expertise
• Medical, dental and vision coverage to keep you healthy and energized
• Paid time off so you can recharge between cases
• Licensure assistance and reimbursement for required certifications
• Professional development and orientation tailored to the OR
• Access to 24/7 RT and pharmacy support while you work
• A schedule with guaranteed hours (40 hours/week) and predictable 10-hour day shifts
• A workplace that provides scrubs and supports work-life balance

Travel Perks: Explore Santa Maria, CA

This is a short-term contract placement in Santa Maria, CA — perfect for adventurous clinicians. Explore nearby Pismo Beach and the Oceano Dunes for sunsets and coastal walks, visit the charming Danish village of Solvang and the wine tasting rooms of Santa Ynez Valley on a day off, or hike in Los Padres National Forest for fresh air. Foodies will appreciate local Santa Maria-style barbecue and easy drives to San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara for dining, shopping and cultural outings.

Hashtags

#RNFAJobs #SantaMariaCAJobs #PerioperativeNursing #ORNurse #RegisteredNurse #TravelNurse #HealthcareJobs #UHCCareers #SurgicalFirstAssist #CernerJobs