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

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.