Clinical Nurse Jobs in Palo Alto, CA
Clinical Nurse jobs in Palo Alto are concentrated in the Stanford Research Park, Downtown Palo Alto, and the Midtown corridor, across acute care, oncology, and outpatient specialty settings. Employers actively hiring include Stanford Health Care, Stanford Medicine Children's Health, and US Department of Veterans Affairs. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 303+ Clinical Nurse jobs
We are proud to inform you that this position is eligible for our Student Loan Assistance Program. You may receive up to $9,600 which will be applied directly to your student loan account*.
- This benefit is for eligible positions as outlined in our program guidelines.
At Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, we know world-renowned care begins with world-class caring. That's why we combine advanced technologies and breakthrough discoveries with family-centered care. It's why we provide our caregivers with continuing education and state-of-the-art facilities, like the newly remodeled Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford. And it's why we need caring, committed people on our team - like you. Join us on our mission to heal humanity, one child and family at a time.
Job ID: P146172-3218
Job Description
JOB SUMMARY
This paragraph summarizes the general nature, level and purpose of the job.
Clinical Nurse Specialists are Master's Degree prepared advanced practice Registered Nurses in roles characterized by the following responsibilities:
Provide care for patients with multiple or complex health needs within a specific clinical area;
- Use advanced clinical skills in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of patients;
- Use theoretical and clinical expertise to assist health care providers and patients in promoting or achieving optimal health;
- Develop and implement standards of nursing practice;
- Serve as a consultant or expert resource person for other health providers;
- Facilitate an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to meeting the needs of patients;
- Seek consultations and make referrals as needed; and
- Promote research to improve clinical nursing practice.
Clinical Nurse Specialists assess, plan, provide and evaluate specialized nursing care of patients by advancing the quality and scope of nursing practice through clinical practice, education, research, consultation, and administrative roles in the area of clinical expertise (e.g., diabetes, cardiology, respiratory, pediatrics, etc.) for a specified patient population.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification. They are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Employees must abide by all Joint Commission Requirements including but not limited to sensitivity to cultural diversity, patient care, patient rights and ethical treatment, safety and security of physical environments, emergency management, teamwork, respect for others, participation in ongoing education and training, communication and adherence to safety and quality programs, sustaining compliance with National Patient Safety Goals, and licensure and health screenings.
Must perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the hospital's policies and procedures, including its Service Standards and its Code of Conduct.
Analyzes unit patient care plans currently for evidence of documentation of standards of practice, shares findings with staff, and collaborates in developing a variety of valid and reliable assessment tools to assist staff with documentation records.
- Demonstrates expertise in the execution of daily patient care, providing collaboration, direction, and instruction to the staff in the application and utilization of the nursing process.
- Elects, implements, and evaluates comforting, therapeutic, restorative, and preventative nursing measures for selected patients; expertise in the planning and delivery of special patient care problems.
- In collaboration with nursing managers and other researchers, performs, assists with, and Initiates, evaluates and revises nursing plans of care that reflect a multidisciplinary approach to patient care; coordinates the nursing plan of care with the medical plan of care.
- Maintains and teaches others the specialized knowledge and skill necessary to perform techniques and routines in the specialty service area.
- Offers consultative services within nursing services and to other disciplines to provide or participates in planning, development, execution and evaluation of clinical research.
- Participates in the hospital's quality improvement program; collaborates in setting unit standards of care and monitors indicators of quality projects.
- Provides direct patient care using consistency in assessing current patient care situations, priorities, and needs.
- Provides safety, comfort care, and treatment of patients according to established legal, ethical, and institutional standards.
- Serves as a consultant to patients, families, and staff.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities as well as possession of any required licenses or certifications is qualifying.
Education: Master's degree in a work-related discipline/field from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Three (3) years of progressively responsible and directly related work experience.
License/Certification:
- Registered Nurse by California Board of Registered Nursing
- Clinical Nurse Specialist by California Board of Registered Nursing
- Basic Life Support by American Heart Association (AHA)
- or
- RQI Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support
KNOWLEDGE
These are the observable and measurable attributes and skills required to perform successfully the essential functions of the job and are generally demonstrated through qualifying experience, education or licensure/certification.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Ability to conduct research, document results, draw conclusions and make recommendations.
- Ability to develop and perform patient assessment and plan of care.
- Ability to identify competency-based education needs of and implement educational programs for staff.
- Ability to perform patient assessment and triage.
- Ability to provide consultation to physicians, nurses and other health care providers in meeting care needs of patients.
- Ability to provide direct evaluation and consultation to patients.
- Knowledge of advanced clinical practice education, consultation, research, and administration.
- Knowledge of clinical operations, workflow and procedures.
- Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- Knowledge of the principles, practices and objectives as well as issues and developments in the field of nursing, especially as applied to the area of nursing specialty.
- Skill: Advanced nursing skills in area of specialty.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The Physical Requirements and Working Conditions in which the job is typically performed are available from the Occupational Health Department. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Additional Information
Pay Range
Compensation is based on the level and requirements of the role.
Salary within our ranges may also be determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, location, and abilities, as required by the role, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Typically, new team members join at the minimum to mid salary range.
Minimum to Midpoint Range (Hourly): $90.19 to $112.73
Stanford Medicine Children's Health (SMCH) strongly values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination in all of its policies and practices, including the area of employment. Accordingly, SMCH does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability, or the perception of any of the above. People of all genders, members of all racial and ethnic groups, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants with criminal convictions will be considered after an individualized assessment of the conviction and the job requirements, and where applicable, in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
We are proud to inform you that this position is eligible for our Student Loan Assistance Program. You may receive up to $9,600 which will be applied directly to your student loan account*.
- This benefit is for eligible positions as outlined in our program guidelines.
At Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, we know world-renowned care begins with world-class caring. That's why we combine advanced technologies and breakthrough discoveries with family-centered care. It's why we provide our caregivers with continuing education and state-of-the-art facilities, like the newly remodeled Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford. And it's why we need caring, committed people on our team - like you. Join us on our mission to heal humanity, one child and family at a time.
Job ID: P146172-3218
Job Description
JOB SUMMARY
This paragraph summarizes the general nature, level and purpose of the job.
Clinical Nurse Specialists are Master's Degree prepared advanced practice Registered Nurses in roles characterized by the following responsibilities:
Provide care for patients with multiple or complex health needs within a specific clinical area;
- Use advanced clinical skills in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of patients;
- Use theoretical and clinical expertise to assist health care providers and patients in promoting or achieving optimal health;
- Develop and implement standards of nursing practice;
- Serve as a consultant or expert resource person for other health providers;
- Facilitate an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to meeting the needs of patients;
- Seek consultations and make referrals as needed; and
- Promote research to improve clinical nursing practice.
Clinical Nurse Specialists assess, plan, provide and evaluate specialized nursing care of patients by advancing the quality and scope of nursing practice through clinical practice, education, research, consultation, and administrative roles in the area of clinical expertise (e.g., diabetes, cardiology, respiratory, pediatrics, etc.) for a specified patient population.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification. They are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Employees must abide by all Joint Commission Requirements including but not limited to sensitivity to cultural diversity, patient care, patient rights and ethical treatment, safety and security of physical environments, emergency management, teamwork, respect for others, participation in ongoing education and training, communication and adherence to safety and quality programs, sustaining compliance with National Patient Safety Goals, and licensure and health screenings.
Must perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the hospital's policies and procedures, including its Service Standards and its Code of Conduct.
Analyzes unit patient care plans currently for evidence of documentation of standards of practice, shares findings with staff, and collaborates in developing a variety of valid and reliable assessment tools to assist staff with documentation records.
- Demonstrates expertise in the execution of daily patient care, providing collaboration, direction, and instruction to the staff in the application and utilization of the nursing process.
- Elects, implements, and evaluates comforting, therapeutic, restorative, and preventative nursing measures for selected patients; expertise in the planning and delivery of special patient care problems.
- In collaboration with nursing managers and other researchers, performs, assists with, and Initiates, evaluates and revises nursing plans of care that reflect a multidisciplinary approach to patient care; coordinates the nursing plan of care with the medical plan of care.
- Maintains and teaches others the specialized knowledge and skill necessary to perform techniques and routines in the specialty service area.
- Offers consultative services within nursing services and to other disciplines to provide or participates in planning, development, execution and evaluation of clinical research.
- Participates in the hospital's quality improvement program; collaborates in setting unit standards of care and monitors indicators of quality projects.
- Provides direct patient care using consistency in assessing current patient care situations, priorities, and needs.
- Provides safety, comfort care, and treatment of patients according to established legal, ethical, and institutional standards.
- Serves as a consultant to patients, families, and staff.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities as well as possession of any required licenses or certifications is qualifying.
Education: Master's degree in a work-related discipline/field from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Three (3) years of progressively responsible and directly related work experience.
License/Certification:
- Registered Nurse by California Board of Registered Nursing
- Clinical Nurse Specialist by California Board of Registered Nursing
- Basic Life Support by American Heart Association (AHA)
- or
- RQI Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support
KNOWLEDGE
These are the observable and measurable attributes and skills required to perform successfully the essential functions of the job and are generally demonstrated through qualifying experience, education or licensure/certification.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Ability to conduct research, document results, draw conclusions and make recommendations.
- Ability to develop and perform patient assessment and plan of care.
- Ability to identify competency-based education needs of and implement educational programs for staff.
- Ability to perform patient assessment and triage.
- Ability to provide consultation to physicians, nurses and other health care providers in meeting care needs of patients.
- Ability to provide direct evaluation and consultation to patients.
- Knowledge of advanced clinical practice education, consultation, research, and administration.
- Knowledge of clinical operations, workflow and procedures.
- Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- Knowledge of the principles, practices and objectives as well as issues and developments in the field of nursing, especially as applied to the area of nursing specialty.
- Skill: Advanced nursing skills in area of specialty.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The Physical Requirements and Working Conditions in which the job is typically performed are available from the Occupational Health Department. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Additional Information
Pay Range
Compensation is based on the level and requirements of the role.
Salary within our ranges may also be determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, location, and abilities, as required by the role, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Typically, new team members join at the minimum to mid salary range.
Minimum to Midpoint Range (Hourly): $90.19 to $112.73
Stanford Medicine Children's Health (SMCH) strongly values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination in all of its policies and practices, including the area of employment. Accordingly, SMCH does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability, or the perception of any of the above. People of all genders, members of all racial and ethnic groups, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants with criminal convictions will be considered after an individualized assessment of the conviction and the job requirements, and where applicable, in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
See All 303+ Clinical Nurse Jobs in Palo Alto
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Find Clinical Nurse JobsClinical Nurse Job Market in Palo Alto
Who's Hiring
- Stanford Health Care186
- Stanford Medicine Children's Health105
- US Department of Veterans Affairs12
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
Clinical Nurse Jobs in Palo Alto: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a clinical nurse job in Palo Alto?
The strongest path into Palo Alto clinical nurse roles is targeting the city's large academic medical systems, outpatient specialty clinics, and life sciences-adjacent care facilities concentrated near the Stanford Research Park and El Camino Real corridor. Candidates with experience in oncology, cardiovascular care, or perioperative nursing have a clear edge here. Tailoring your application to the specific patient population and unit type of each employer, rather than submitting a generic resume, consistently separates competitive applicants in this market.
Which companies hire clinical nurses in Palo Alto?
Palo Alto clinical nurse roles are posted by Stanford Health Care, Stanford Medicine Children's Health, and US Department of Veterans Affairs and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. The local employer mix leans heavily toward academic medical centers, specialty outpatient practices, and health systems serving the broader Peninsula.
Are there remote clinical nurse jobs in Palo Alto?
Yes, but with significant limits, since clinical nursing is predominantly a hands-on, bedside role that requires physical presence. About 0% of clinical nurse openings tied to Palo Alto are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those listings tend to involve care coordination, utilization review, or telehealth triage rather than direct patient care. Palo Alto's concentration of health-tech and payer organizations creates more remote-eligible nursing roles than you'd find in a typical market.
How can I get a clinical nurse job in Palo Alto with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point in Palo Alto is applying to new graduate nurse residency programs at the large health systems anchoring the area, which are specifically structured to onboard nurses without prior acute care experience. Lateral roles like patient care technician, medical assistant, or care coordinator at local outpatient clinics and specialty practices build the unit-specific familiarity that Palo Alto employers prioritize. Completing clinical rotations or preceptorships at a Palo Alto-area facility, if possible, creates a direct hiring advantage over candidates without local exposure.
Which industries hire the most clinical nurses in Palo Alto?
Palo Alto clinical nurse roles concentrate in Healthcare & Medical Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. The city's identity as a hub for academic medicine and health innovation means hiring in these sectors reflects both high patient volume and a steady pipeline of research-driven care programs that require specialized nursing support.
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