CNS) Clinical Nurse Specialist-Nursing Education

UC San Diego Health is proud to be a four-time Magnet-designated organization and has now earned Magnet with Distinction from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Magnet is the gold standard for nursing excellence, achieved by only about 10% of hospitals worldwide. Magnet with Distinction is awarded to the highest-performing Magnet organizations, with only a select few earning this prestigious honor.

This recognition reflects our commitment to transformational leadership, professional nursing excellence, innovation, exceptional patient outcomes, and an empowering practice environment where nurses thrive.

The 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.

• 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…