(CNS) Clinical Nurse Specialist - OR Periop - 136743

Special Selection Applicants : Apply by 9-29-25. Eligible Special Selection clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

DESCRIPTION

UC San Diego Health is a Magnet designated organization, which is a prestigious recognition that applies to only 10% of all U.S. hospitals. Magnet is the "gold standard" for nursing excellence and is based on strengths in five key areas which include transformational leadership, structural empowerment, exemplary professional practice, new knowledge, innovation and improvements and empirical quality results. UC San Diego Health has held its Magnet status since 2011.

As an organization or systemwide recognized expert in one or more specialty areas, the Clinical Specialist applies comprehensive knowledge of professional concepts and industry practices to lead projects of large size and scope that have critical impact. Collaborates with nursing management in developing new strategies, policies, and programs and implementing them within nursing clinical practice areas.

The Clinical Specialist serves as the clinical nurse leader for a program or area of nursing practice. Utilizes specialized knowledge and skills within major areas of focus, such as patient / family, nurses and nursing practice, and the organization / system. Typically partners with the nurse manager in leading the nursing clinical practice area. This is the journey level for an advanced practice clinical nurse specialist.

This Clinical Nurse Specialist must have focused clinical expertise in Intraoperative (OR) nursing and is used to cover all of the areas from pre-op through OR through recovery. The job posting range is $184,408 to $209,186 depending on experience.

The job description and qualifications have been slightly modified as of 11-18-25.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree in Nursing and / or equivalent experience / training.
• 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 certification at time of hire with commitment to get BART within six (6) months of hire date.
• Five (5+) or more years of recent and relevant clinical experience including recent focused clinical expertise in Intraoperative (OR) nursing including covering all of the areas from pre-op through OR through recovery.
• In-depth knowledge of one or more clinical specialty areas, to include diagnoses, treatments, standards of practice and patient / family educational consulting and resources.
• Advanced knowledge of methodology for conducting evidence-based research, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• 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

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range : $132,600 - $259,800 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent : $63.51 - $124.43

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).