Clinical Nurse
Class Specifications – H.35
Clinical Nurse 4 – 9137
Clinical Nurse 3 – 9138
Clinical Nurse 2 – 9139
Clinical Nurse 1 – 9140
January 1979, Updated August 2026
Series Concept
The Clinical Nurse series reflects the direct and active involvement of incumbents in assessing and addressing the nursing needs of patients and their families. These positions require a solid knowledge of physical, social, psychological, and nursing sciences which form the foundation for informed decision-making in nursing practice. The objective of the series is to establish a career path which provides for professional growth in patient care through increasingly difficult assignments. The series describes work in a variety of health care settings within the UC system.
The factors used to determine classification reflect clinical expertise and encompass the complexity of assignments, as well as the accountability and responsibility involved in patient care and nursing practice.
Class Concepts
Clinical Nurse 4
Under general direction, incumbents establish nursing standards, assess health needs, and plan and evaluate care for patients with complex health problems. Clinical Nurse 4 incumbents 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 3
Under general supervision, incumbents provide nursing care for patients and patient populations which exhibit more complex problems with less predictable outcomes. Clinical Nurse 3 incumbents may provide clinical supervision and evaluation for Clinical Nurse 1s, 2s, and paraprofessionals, and may participate in orientation, in-service education, staff development, and clinical training.
Clinical Nurse 2
Under general supervision, incumbents provide patient care in a structured environment. Clinical Nurse 2s 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 1
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 4
Possession of the legal requirements to practice as a Registered Nurse as determined by the California Board of Registered Nursing. A diploma or Associated 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 knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.
Clinical Nurse 3
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 knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.
Clinical Nurse 2
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 knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.
Clinical Nurse 1
Possession of the legal requirements to practice as a Registered Nurse as determined by the California Board of Registered Nursing; and knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.