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.

This role will serve as a general expert Pediatric clinician, educator, researcher, consultant and leader for nursing staff, patients, families and members of inter-professional health care teams. Collaborates with the nursing leadership team and inter-professional team to ensure cost-effective professional practice standards within the patient population based on best practices and evidence as well as impacts system wide efforts through CNS role.

This position will be responsible for: Directing the clinical nursing practice in a large, academic medical center, coordination and assessment of educational development and clinical competency of the nursing staff, and for ensuring continued Pediatric nursing competency through education programs for both the newly-hired and experience nursing staff. Consultations with staff on complex Pediatric nursing issues. Oversight of comprehensive parent and/or primary caretaker education activities. Ensuring the implementation of a coordinated and effective discharge planning program. Collaborate with UC San Diego Pediatric Stakeholders on practice, policy and education. Assuring all UC San Diego Health nurses deliver excellent care for the Pediatric patient and family. Facilitate compliance with extensive Pediatric regulations from Children's Medical Services (CMS), CDPH, TJC and other agencies as required.

Accountable for: Education/competency standardization, Pediatric equipment, Pediatric quality reviews, updates of MCPs and Pediatric guidelines, coordination of pediatric consults, EPIC integration with UC Irvine and implementation at UC San Diego Health, preparation/orientation/training and other Pediatric-related clinical opportunities, mentor staff in project development and implementation, monitor quality metrics, collaborate with Leadership, facilitate mock code simulation.

Under the direction of the department director or designee, the CNS prioritizes and manages multiple demands in an ever-changing healthcare environment. Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills are required. Must be able to use word processing and presentation software. Ability to effectively coordinate efforts with others, including interdisciplinary groups. Self-motivated and proven ability to work both independently or effectively as a team member with a variety of healthcare specialists.

• A Master's Degree in Nursing (MSN).

• 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 relevant experience, including at least three years of clinical experience in Pediatric nursing care.

• 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 and organization change.

• Knowledge of adult learning principles and their application.

• Three (3+) or more years' experience in the CNS role.
• Advanced computer knowledge, ability to research current practice, collation of statistical data, and development of appropriate presentation techniques.
• Current completion of Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) of the AHA or AAP within six (6) months of hire date.
• Current completion of Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) of the AHA or AAP.
• Current ANCC CNS certification and current professional certification (CCRN, PCCN, ONCC).
• Experience with electronic health record.
• Experience with learning management system.
• Project management experience.
• PALS Instructor

• 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.

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.

UC San Diego Health is the only academic health system in the San Diego region, providing leading-edge care in patient care, biomedical research, education, and community service. Our facilities include two university hospitals, a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Shiley Eye Institute, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, the only Burn Center in the county, and and dozens of outpatient clinics. We invite you to join our team!

Applications/Resumes are accepted for current job openings only. For full consideration on any job, applications must be received prior to the initial closing date. If a job has an extended deadline, applications/resumes will be considered during the extension period; however, a job may be filled before the extended date is reached.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit .

UC San Diego is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

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UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit for more information.

UC San Diego Health maintains a marijuana and drug free environment. Employees may be subject to drug screening.