Clinical Nurse, Per Diem

Make a difference in student health-one day at a time.
The Per Diem Nurse will provide clinical coverage approximately one day per week, as well as coverage for unscheduled absences and staff vacations. This is a rewarding opportunity to deliver high-quality, student-patient-centered care while working collaboratively with an interdisciplinary healthcare team in a campus-based clinical setting.

Licensed candidates who are interested in flexible, per diem work and supporting student well-being are encouraged to apply.

Thank you for your interest in UC Santa Cruz Student Health Services.

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 03-26-2026

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

UC Santa Cruz (UCSC) Student Health Services (SHS) is a full-service medical facility offering clinical, educational, and psychological support to UCSC students. SHS is deeply committed to ensuring affordable, well-integrated, multidisciplinary healthcare that effectively supports the university's diverse campus communities through equitable access and culturally competent, high-quality programs and services.

The Primary Care Program includes primary care and same-day care, with the support of on-site radiology, a COLA-accredited clinical laboratory, and a campus pharmacy. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) supports UCSC students to maintain or improve their general well-being by providing a broad range of counseling, psychiatric services, consultation, and outreach services and programs.

Other departments include Student Health Outreach and Promotion (SHOP), home of the Condom Co-op; CARE (Campus Advocacy, Resources, and Education) the advocacy and prevention education office that supports survivors of sexual assault, stalking, and dating/domestic violence; and Student Insurance Programs.

Student Health Services employs approximately 150 staff including physicians, psychiatrists, case managers, lab scientists, pharmacists, nurses, radiologists, and many other clinical and administrative staff. Student Health Services welcomes staff with interest and experience in working with students with a wide range of ethnic, cultural, and gender identities.

More information can be found at: https://healthcenter.ucsc.edu

JOB SUMMARY

Under the medical direction of physicians and the clinical supervision of the Clinic Director, the Clinical Nurse performs patient care at the Student Health Center and completes a variety of established nursing procedures using current clinical knowledge. The incumbent works with an interdisciplinary team, within a scope defined by Student Health Services policies as well as relevant state and other applicable regulations. The Clinical Nurse exercises professional judgment in the day-to-day operation of nursing-staffed functions and acts as a role model and mentor to other nurses, staff, and students.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $74.84/ hourly
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: None

Schedule Information:

• Part-time, Variable
• Percentage of Time: 20%, 8 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Clinic is open Monday through Friday
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Per Diem appointment

Job End Date: 06/30/2026, with the possibility of extension

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: Registered Nurses (NX)

Job Code Classification: NURSE PD (009119)

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

80% - Assessment and Treatment

• Obtain vital signs, take patient health history; perform accurate assessment of health status, condition, and/or illness.
• Triage students presenting via telephone or in-person; set priorities for their health care needs and facilitate appropriate care and interventions.
• Interpret and implement physician orders; prepare patient for needed procedures; assist in treatment procedures; carry out authorized treatment of illness and injury, in consultation with or referral to other health care providers and in accordance with Student Health Services Policies and Procedures; provide oral and injectable medication; provide acute and post-operative wound care.
• Provide routine immunizations and allergy injections.
• Provide travel consultations and immunizations for UC Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) and other students in accordance with Student Health Services Policies and Procedures.
• Provide patient education, and advise patient on self-care, needed follow-up, and suggested behaviors to achieve optimal health maintenance and improvement.
• Coordinate care and case management that involves other health professionals or resources.
• Provide continuity and help the student deal effectively with the health care system.
• Provide patient-centered care that is respectful of and responsive to individual patient preferences, needs, and values; provide and promote excellence in customer service.
• Perform all other duties within the scope of practice of a Registered Nurse licensed in California.

10% - Infection Control and Routine Duties

• Use appropriate infection control and safety techniques, including cleaning and sterilizing instruments and equipment, preparing trays according to standards, and monitoring the availability of clinic supplies.
• Collaborate in support and maintenance of clinical care areas, including the disposal of hazardous waste.

10% - Administrative Duties

• Record accurate, timely, and relevant signed and dated entries in the medical record.
• Accurately record billing information on each patient seen, including missed appointments.
• Order supplies, receive orders, and keep work areas organized and stocked with needed supplies.
• Participate in Quality Assurance/Continuous Quality Improvement activities of Student Health Services.
• Assist in the orientation of new staff.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Related education and general nursing work experience including a valid license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of California
• Related education and general nursing work experience including a valid license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of California
• Related experience or skills, knowledge, and abilities, such as those attained through 6 months of clinical experience in a family practice or student health setting
• Knowledge of nursing/health education guidelines
• Ability to apply clinical judgement appropriately, and seeks medical consultation, when necessary
• Knowledge of standard infection control practices, including use of universal precautions and sterile technique
• Excellent communication and listening skills; maintains a positive communication style during all interactions
• Ability to provide and promote excellent customer service and to respectfully respond to patient-centered preferences, needs and values
• Ability to use standard clinical equipment per regulatory standards and guidelines; ability to operate necessary safety and medical equipment, as needed
• Ability to work cooperatively and independently, at times with minimal supervision
• Demonstrated flexibility, organizational, and prioritization skills
• Strong ability to multitask in an environment with frequent interruptions and time constraints
• Ability to handle difficult, sensitive and confidential situations tactfully

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Recent experience with electronic medical records
• Ability to start intravenous lines/venipuncture
• Experience with clinical triage situations

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to successfully complete a pre-hire criminal history background check and a pre-hire credentialing check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Possession of a current State of California Nursing License in good standing
• Must possess a current CPR certificate.
• Selected candidate will be required to take a TB test within 60 days of hire.
• Ability to work safely in areas where hazardous materials are present or stored.
• Ability to wear a respirator in accordance with the California Code of Regulations Title 8, 5144.
• Ability to read signs and follow directions on labels that are written in English as well as ability to read and understand Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and the proper use of chemical compounds.
• The selected candidate will be required to work all scheduled hours on-site.
• Ability to work a variable schedule.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Complete Health Insurance Portability and Accessibility (HIPAA) training within 30 days of hire.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• Will be required to comply with current Student Health Center employee health safety requirements for health care workers as defined by state and federal regulatory agencies; Current health safety requirements to be discussed during the interview.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
  • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.