Surgical Clinic Nurse (LVN) - San Jose

Illuminate Plastic Surgery is a premier plastic surgery practice with locations in Palo Alto and San Jose. Founded by Dr. David Boudreault and supported by a team of board-certified surgeons with over 50 years of combined experience, we deliver trusted, innovative, and inclusive solutions across plastic surgery, medical aesthetics, and wellness. Recognized by the Mercury News as home to the "Best Plastic Surgeon" in Palo Alto and Silicon Valley, Illuminate Plastic Surgery has built a reputation that patients trust — with hundreds of five-star reviews across our Bay Area locations. We've built a practice where clinical excellence meets genuine compassion, and every team member plays a role in helping patients feel confident in their own skin. We're looking for talented individuals who share that commitment with an elite team focused on patient care and incredible team culture.

The Surgical Clinic Nurse is an LVN position that works directly with the surgeons to support surgical patients both pre-operatively and post-operatively. 

Job Duties

Meetings & Team Communication

• Attend daily in-person huddle at 8:45 AM; be prepared to review incoming patients
• Participate in meetings with Clinical Practice Administrator, Nurse Practitioner, and Surgical Clinic team
• Attend additional meetings as scheduled

Patient Rooming & Intake

• Review patient chart prior to visit
• Escort patient from waiting area (first name only) and maintain HIPAA compliance
• Confirm: Reason for visit, Medical history, medications, allergies, vital signs (as appropriate), and patient concerns
• Prepare exam room for visit or procedure
• Initiate documentation in patient record
• Provide education on recommended treatments, products, and pricing as appropriate

Clinical Documentation

• Ensure patient medical history is completed in the patient portal; update in system if needed
• Initiate for provider visit notes, History & Physical
• Surgery fee quotes
• Document all patient interactions, including pre- and post-operative communication

Patient Photography

• Capture pre- and post-operative photos per surgeon protocols
• Obtain and document patient consent for photography and media use
• Upload and organize images in patient records
• Maintain photo database and assist with before-and-after image preparation for education and marketing

Chaperone Responsibilities

• Serve as chaperone for visits involving opposite-gender provider and patient, per policy
• Introduce yourself to the patient when appropriate
• Assist with documentation during visit as needed

Pre-Operative Coordination

• Complete pre-consultation calls, including medical history and medication review and pre-consult questionnaires
• Educate patients on treatment plans, expectations, and compliance
• Review and obtain required consents
• Prepare pre-operative materials for patient binders and post-op kits
• Ensure all required photos are submitted prior to telehealth visits

Post-Operative Care

• Provide hands-on care including suture and drain removal, dressing changes and re-bandaging and assisting patients with garments
• Reinforce post-operative instructions and compliance

Procedure & Clinical Support

• Assist providers during procedures, including minor surgical and laser treatments
• Ensure all required consents are signed prior to procedures
• Maintain proper room setup and turnover per protocol

Sterilization & Room Turnover (as applicable)

• Turn over rooms according to established protocols
• Clean, decontaminate, and prepare instruments for sterilization
• Assemble and package instruments for terminal sterilization

Patient Communication

• Respond to patient calls, texts, and inquiries
• Communicate with providers as needed
• Document all interactions in patient records

Quality & Team Contribution

• Participate in quality improvement initiatives (e.g., incident reporting, process improvement)
• Collaborate with team to deliver a high-touch, concierge patient experience
• Provide cross-coverage support, including MedSpa assistance when needed
• Assist team members and take on additional responsibilities as assigned

Education/ Certification and Experience

• Current state licensure as an LVN
• CPR Certification
• BLS (Basic Life-saving Skills) Certification
• 5 years' clinical experience in a surgical clinic environment

Requirements, Skills, and Abilities

Physical Requirements

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

Technical Abilities

• Ability to use computer with Windows Operating System for daily tasks, including Email and Microsoft Teams. 
• Ability to use Electronic Medical Record (PatientNOW) 
• Ability to learn 3rd party software to augment the patient experience.

Communication and Problem Solving

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

Patient Confidentiality

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

Availability

• Reliable Transportation
• Ability to reliably work a consistent schedule, including the following shifts:
• 8:30 to 5:30 Monday through Friday

Immunizations and Tests

• Hepatitis B (or protective antibody levels must be confirmed through blood testing)
• TB Test (will be done annually)
• Tetanus
• Yearly Influenza

Aesthetic Knowledge

• A good understanding of anatomy and the practice offerings.
• A thorough understanding of the path the patient takes during their surgical journey.

Environmental Hazards and Job Conditions

Exposure to:

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

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required based on procedure.

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

Compensation - $38.00 - $44.00/hour