What are the responsibilities and job description for the (CNS) Clinical Nurse Specialist, Oncology - 141780 position at UC San Diego Health?
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.
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 outcomes. UC San Diego Health has held its Magnet status since 2011.
The Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist is an advanced practice registered nurse who provides expert clinical leadership to improve outcomes for patients with cancer across the continuum of care. The CNS promotes safe, evidence-based administration of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other oncology treatments through clinical guidance, staff education, and practice standardization. This role partners with nursing, physicians, pharmacy, and interdisciplinary teams to support complex patient care, enhance oncology nursing practice, and lead quality and safety initiatives that improve patient outcomes and experience.
In collaboration with leadership, this position will review and ensure that nursing practice within multiple modalities, including infusion, care coordination (clinic), and radiation therapy, is evidence-based and aligned with all national quality and regulatory guidelines. This position requires a dynamic clinical leader with exceptional written and verbal communication skills in guiding nursing research and professional development through the career ladder and other opportunities at UCSD and nationally.
The CNS will collaborate with the Nurse Educator to assess knowledge and competence opportunities for improvement within all modalities, coaching and encouraging continuous performance improvement and learning within teams. This position will also collaborate with unit-based councils to identify, plan and implement strategies to improve patient and staff safety and experience.
This is the journey-level classification for an Advanced Practice Clinical Nurse Specialist.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSA Master's Degree in Nursing (MSN).
Registered Nurse (RN) license issued by the state of California.
Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist required or completion of the program within six (6) months of hire.
BART or BLS at time of hire with commitment to get BART within 6 months of hire date.
Five (5 ) or more years of relevant Oncology or Outpatient Oncology experience in cancer services(radiation oncology, infusion, clinics, etc.), including diagnoses, treatments, standards of practice and patient / family educational consulting and resources.
Recent Oncology or specialty care experience reflective of advanced nursing clinical knowledge and skills.
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.
- Three (3 ) or more years of experience in a CNS role.
- Current ANCC CNS certification or current professional certification in another advanced nurse practice discipline.
- Experience with electronic health records.
- Experience with learning management system.
- Project management/Lean Six Sigma certification or experience.
- Experience with training, onboarding, and educational programs within the oncology specialty.
- Experience with metrics and KPIs and performance improvement initiatives.
- 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.
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).
UC San Diego Health is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://www-hr.ucsd.edu/saa/nondiscr.html
Salary : $136,600 - $267,600