Payroll Title:
CLIN NURSE OR ADV PRACT SPEC 4 Department:
NURSING EDUCATION Hiring Pay Scale
$184,000 - $209,000 / Year Worksite:
Hillcrest Appointment Type:
Career Appointment Percent:
100% Union:
Uncovered Total Openings:
1 Work Schedule:
Variable, 8 hrs/day, Monday-Friday
#141589 (CNS) Clinical Nurse Specialist-Nursing EducationFiling Deadline: Wed 10/21/2026 Apply Now
UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply. UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment : Apply by 10/12/2026 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.
Reassignment Applicants : Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.
DESCRIPTIONThe Clinical Nurse Specialist is an advanced practice registered nurse who serves as a clinical expert. The CNS collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to improve patient outcomes, enhance evidence-based practice, and lead quality improvement initiatives across inpatient settings. Responsibilities include providing expert consultation for complex patient care issues, developing and evaluating clinical programs, educating nursing staff and healthcare professionals, and promoting patient safety and regulatory compliance.
The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is an Advance Practice Registered Nurse prepared at the master's or doctorate level and is certified as a CNS with the California Board of Registered Nursing. The CNS is part of the leadership team and collaborates with members of their team to provide and influence optimal patient care and service in their patient population. The CNS demonstrates the competencies within the three spheres of influence of their practice model which are (1) the patient/family, (2) nursing practice, and (3) the organization, with the patient being integral to their purpose and practice. The CNS encompasses the following roles: clinical expert, consultant, leader, educator, evidence-based practice advocate, inter and intradepartmental liaison, and resource professional. The CNS educates, guides, and mentors the nursing staff and health care team members in the provision of patient care at a local and system level.
Must be able to demonstrate effective communication skills and the ability to appropriately delegate assignments to other team members. Will use excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrate leadership ability to chair and actively participate on multidisciplinary teams, task forces, and committees. Will also have knowledge of department budgets and promote cost-effective utilization of resources. Is self-motivated and has a proven ability to work both independently and effectively as a team member with a variety of healthcare specialists.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS- A Master's Degree in Nursing (MSN); and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Registered Nurse (RN) license issued by the state of California.
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) license issued by the state of California or licensure / certification in another advanced nurse practice discipline.
- BLS/CPR and ACLS certification at time of hire with commitment to get ART within six (6) months of hire date.
- Five (5+) or more years of recent and relevant clinical experience including critical care.
- Expert knowledge of one or more clinical specialty areas, and often broad knowledge of multiple specialties. Includes diagnoses, treatments, standards of practice, patient / family educational consulting, and resources.
- Expert knowledge of methodology for conducting evidence-based research, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
- Knowledge and utilization of advanced continuous quality improvement (CQI) techniques and evidence-based practice to improve clinical outcomes; ability to identify areas for improvement, and effectively applies the concepts of change theory to promote departmental change.
- Knowledge of adult learning principles and their application.
- Advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills to assess highly-complex issues and develop multiple options for resolution.
- Advanced interpersonal skills, with the ability to provide education, training, and direction to nursing staff, and to develop positive working relationships with patients, families, employees, and outside agencies as required.
- Advanced skills in written and verbal communications, with the ability to convey complex and / or sensitive information in a clear and concise manner.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS- Three (3) or more years' experience in the CNS role.
- Recent adult ICU or specialty care experience reflective of advanced nursing clinical knowledge and skills.
- ICU experience.
- Advanced computer knowledge, ability to research current practice, collation of statistical data, and development of appropriate presentation techniques.
- Current ANCC CNS certification and current professional certification (CCRN, ONCC).
- Experience with electronic health record.
- Experience with learning management system.
- Project management experience.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS- Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.
- Must obtain specialty certification within one year of hire.
- Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.
Pay Transparency Act
Annual Full Pay Range: $136,600 - $267,600 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)
Hourly Equivalent: $65.42 - $128.16
Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).
Apply Now
If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements. If applicable, life-support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands-on practice and in-person skills assessment; online-only certification is not acceptable. 
