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Clinical Nurse 

UCI Series Concepts

Class Specifications - H.35
Clinical Nurse V - 9136
Clinical Nurse IV - 9137
Clinical Nurse III - 9138
Clinical Nurse II - 9139
Clinical Nurse I - 9140

January, 1979

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SERIES CONCEPT

The Clinical Nurse series reflects the direct and active involvement of 
incumbents in determining the nursing needs of the patient and family.  
The series includes positions which require knowledge of physical, 
social, psychological and nursing sciences which serve as a basis for 
the decision-making processes of nursing practice.  The objective of 
the series is to establish career patterns which provide for 
professional growth in patient care through increasingly difficult 
assignments for the highly qualified clinical nurse.  The series 
describes work in a variety of health care settings within the 
University system.  The series consists of five levels of responsibility 
ranging from Clinical Nurse I through Clinical Nurse V.

The factors used as a basis for classification determination reflect 
clinical expertise through complexity of assignment, and accountability 
and responsibility for patient care and nursing practice.

                        CLASS CONCEPTS

Clinical Nurse V

Under general direction, incumbents design and conduct clinical research 
and special studies.  Clinical Nurse V's evaluate current nursing 
practices, develop the necessary methodologies, and implement 
standards of nursing care; provide consultation services; assess 
clinical educational needs of the service; and participate in 
implementing and evaluating educational programs.

Clinical Nurse IV

Under general direction, incumbents establish nursing standards, assess 
health needs, and plan and evaluate care for patients with complex 
health problems.  Clinical Nurse IV's utilize specialized knowledge and 
skills for patient care supervision, evaluation, and teaching; and may 
act as resource persons within the organization and/or community.

Clinical Nurse III

Under general supervision, incumbents provide nursing care for patients 
and patient populations exhibiting more complex problems with less 
predictable outcomes.  Clinical Nurse III's may provide clinical 
supervision and evaluation for Clinical Nurse I's, II's, and 
paraprofessionals; and may participate in orientation, in-service 
education, staff development and clinical training.

Clinical Nurse II

Under general supervision, incumbents provide care to patients in a 
structured environment.  Clinical Nurse II's perform established nursing 
interventions utilizing current clinical knowledge.  This is the 
operational level in the series where a majority of clinical nursing 
positions are allocated.

Clinical Nurse I

Under close supervision, incumbents apply the theoretical concepts of 
nursing to clinical practice by performing routine patient care 
assignments and established nursing procedures in controlled patient 
care situations.  This is the entry level class in the series.

                          MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Clinical Nurse V

Possession of the legal requirements to practice as a Registered Nurse 
as determined by the California Board of Registered Nursing.  A Masters 
degree in Nursing with two years of clinical experience including at 
least one year in the area of concentration; or a Doctorate in Nursing 
or a relevant discipline; or an equivalent combination of education and 
experience; and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful 
performance of the duties assigned to the position.

Clinical Nurse IV

Possession of the legal requirements to practice as a Registered Nurse 
as determined by the California Board of Registered Nursing.  A Diploma 
or Associate degree in Nursing with three years of clinical experience 
including at least one year in the area of concentration; or a 
Baccalaureate degree in Nursing with two years of clinical experience 
including at least one year in the area of concentration; or a Master's 
degree in Nursing with one year of experience including at least six 
months in the area of specialization; or an equivalent combination of 
education and experience; and knowledges and abilities essential to the 
successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.

Clinical Nurse III

Possession of the legal requirements to practice as a Registered Nurse 
as determined by the California Board of Registered Nursing.  A Diploma 
or Associate degree with two years of clinical experience; or a 
Baccalaureate degree in Nursing with one year of clinical experience; a 
Master's degree in Nursing with six months of clinical experience; or an 
equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledges and 
abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned 
to the position.

Clinical Nurse II

Possession of the legal requirements to practice as a Registered Nurse 
as determined by the California Board of Registered Nursing and six 
months of clinical experience; and knowledges and abilities essential 
to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.

Clinical Nurse I

Possession of the legal requirements to practice as a Registered Nurse 
as determined by the California Board of Registered Nursing; and 
knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the 
duties assigned to the position.

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