CNS Clinical Nurse Specialist - Oncology

Hillcrest – 200 West Arbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92103, United States

Clinical Nurse Specialist – Oncology (CNS). Filing Deadline:
Tue 1/27/2026.
Apply Now

UC San Diego values diversity and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. If you possess the required licensure and certifications, have most of the qualifications or transferable skills, we strongly encourage you to apply.

UC San Diego Health is a Magnet designated organization, recognized for nursing excellence. The Clinical Nurse Specialist serves as a systemwide clinical practice expert in adult oncology care, partnering with multidisciplinary teams and managing the complex needs of oncology patients across all care levels.

• Act as an expert resource across multiple nursing units for complex oncology cases.
• Provide education, consultation, and develop evidence‑based practice in chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and symptom management.
• Coordinate antineoplastic therapy, including non‑oncology units, and maintain clinical competence for administering antineoplastics.
• Implement an oncology development program and support ongoing learning for chemotherapy‑competent nurses.
• Collaborate on curriculum development and instruction for oncology classes for new hires.
• Support staff maintenance of annual competencies.
• Provide consultation and routine patient rounding for oncology patients receiving antineoplastics.
• Develop oncology programs, processes, education resources, and policy/guideline updates for all acuity levels.
• Lead interdisciplinary teams to address nursing practice issues.
• Advising nursing leadership and providers on quality outcomes, evidence‑based practice, and efficiency of clinical care.
• Provide ongoing mentorship for staff professional development.

• Registered Nurse (RN) license issued by the state of California.
• Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN) required for the CNS role.
• CNS license issued by the state of California; required to be hired in CNS role.
• BLS/CPR certification at time of hire and commitment to obtain BART within six months.
• Seven or more years of recent and relevant oncology clinical experience.
• Oncology chemotherapy certification or agreement to obtain within six months of hire date.
• Expert knowledge of methodology for evidence‑based research, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Expert critical thinking and problem‑solving skills for highly complex issues.
• Expert written and verbal communication skills for conveying complex information.
• Expert knowledge of one or more clinical specialty areas with broad understanding of multiple specialties.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills and effective collaboration across departments.
• Provides counsel and guidance on highly complex issues of functionality, clinical quality, efficiency, and program development.

• Recent clinical experience in oncology.
• Five or more years of recent and relevant CNS experience.
• Specialty certification in related nursing field.
• Evidence of training in health equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Experience in an academic medical center.
• Experience with professional presentations and publication.

• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre‑employment physical.

Annual Full Pay Range: $149,700 – $297,700 (prorated if percentage < 100%). Hourly Equivalent: $71.70 – $142.58.

Vaccination Programs: Compliance required; subject to updates.

Life‑support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.): Must include hands‑on practice and in‑person skills assessment; online‑only certification is not acceptable.

UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate must disclose any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years regarding misconduct, or any appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct at a previous employer.

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti‑Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Apply now at Apply Now