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Clinical Specialist Rn Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We're seeking an experienced Lead Clinical Specialist, RN to support the launch of our therapeutic apheresis and cellular therapy program at our new contracted locations in San Diego. This newly ...

We're seeking an experienced Lead Clinical Specialist, RN to support the launch of our therapeutic apheresis and cellular therapy program in San Diego hospitals and clinics. This newly created role ...

Clinical Specialist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$105K - $110K/yr

Benefits may vary by employment status Responsibilities As a Hospice Clinical Specialist, You will ... Three years practice as a Registered Nurse * Previous Hospice experience preferred * Current ...

Benefits may vary by employment status Responsibilities As a Hospice Clinical Specialist, You will ... Three years practice as a Registered Nurse * Previous Hospice experience preferred * Current ...

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Clinical Specialist Rn information

What is a clinical specialist RN?

Clinical Specialist RNs, also known as Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS), are advanced practice registered nurses who provide expert advice, guidance, and support in specific areas of healthcare. They typically specialize in fields such as pediatrics, geriatrics, oncology, or critical care, and focus on improving patient outcomes through clinical practice, education, and research. Clinical Specialist RNs often serve as consultants, educators, and leaders within healthcare teams, helping to implement best practices and mentor other nurses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a clinical specialist RN?

To thrive as a Clinical Specialist RN, you need advanced clinical expertise, in-depth patient assessment skills, and an active RN license, often supported by a BSN or higher degree. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), medical device technologies, and sometimes specialty certifications like CCRN or CEN is typically required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving abilities, and leadership skills help you educate staff and collaborate effectively across departments. These competencies are vital for delivering high-quality patient care, supporting clinical teams, and driving improvements in healthcare practices.

How does a clinical specialist RN typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in a healthcare setting?

A Clinical Specialist RN works closely with physicians, therapists, pharmacists, and other nursing staff to develop and implement patient care plans. They often act as a clinical resource, providing education, guidance, and support to ensure evidence-based practices are followed. Their role may include leading case discussions, participating in patient rounds, and facilitating communication across departments to optimize patient outcomes. This collaborative environment allows Clinical Specialist RNs to leverage their expertise and contribute to high-quality care while developing strong professional relationships.

What are popular job titles related to Clinical Specialist Rn jobs in California?

For Clinical Specialist Rn jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Clinical Specialist Rn jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Clinical Specialist Rn jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Clinical Specialist Rn job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Lead Clinical Specialist, RN

Vitalant

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Vitalant rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

698th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

At Vitalant, the impact you make doing work that is purposeful, meaningful, and worthwhile is vital. As a member of our non-profit organization, you can be impact-inspired to provide vital clinical services to communities nationwide, vital products to those in need of a donor's generosity, or vital scientific research that advances blood safety worldwide.
Compensation Considerations:
Salary Grade: 121 3BS
Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, with occasional evening and weekends depending on patient need. Hours may vary.
Position will have rotational call and travel to five area hospitals.
Salary Range: 106,392 - 140,452
Work Shift (if applicable):
Shift 1 (United States of America)
Job Description:
Help Deliver the Future of Cellular Therapy
At Vitalant, our work goes beyond collecting blood-we advance therapies that transform lives. Every day, our teams partner with leading healthcare organizations to deliver innovative therapies that give patients new hope.
We're seeking an experienced Lead Clinical Specialist, RN to support the launch of our therapeutic apheresis and cellular therapy program at our new contracted locations in San Diego. This newly created role offers the opportunity to help establish a premier clinical partnership while caring for patients receiving some of today's most advanced therapies, that may include therapeutic apheresis procedures and/or stem cell, granulocyte and lymphocyte collections.
If you're passionate about delivering exceptional patient care, building clinical partnerships, and working at the forefront of cellular therapies, we'd love to have you join our team.
What You'll Do
As the Lead Clinical Specialist, RN, you'll serve as the clinical leader supporting therapeutic apheresis services throughout several contracted Health Systems in San Diego In this highly specialized role, you will:
  • Perform therapeutic apheresis procedures for adult and pediatric patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
  • Care for patients undergoing CAR-T cell therapy, stem cell collections, mononuclear cell collections, plasma exchange, red cell exchange, and other therapeutic apheresis procedures.
  • Coordinate closely with hematologists, oncologists, transplant physicians, advanced practice providers, nursing teams, and laboratory professionals to ensure exceptional patient care.
  • Serve as the clinical expert for therapeutic apheresis and cellular therapy services.
  • Support implementation and growth of Vitalant's cellular therapy partnership in San Diego.
  • Provide patient and caregiver education before, during, and after treatment.
  • Ensure compliance with FDA, FACT, AABB, and applicable regulatory and quality standards.
  • Participate in quality improvement initiatives, clinical education, and program development.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to continuously improve patient outcomes and the patient experience.
Why This Role Is Different
This is more than a nursing position-it's an opportunity to help build a new cellular therapy program supporting patients receiving life-changing treatments.
You'll care for individuals battling leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, autoimmune disorders, and other complex diseases while helping deliver innovative therapies that continue to redefine modern medicine.
As one of the clinical leaders supporting this strategic partnership, you'll play a key role in establishing clinical excellence, strengthening provider relationships, and expanding access to advanced therapeutic apheresis services throughout the San Diego community.
What You Bring
  • Current Registered Nurse (RN) license.
  • BSN preferred.
  • Experience in therapeutic apheresis, oncology, bone marrow transplant, hematology, critical care, infusion therapy, or cellular therapy preferred.
  • Knowledge of CAR-T therapies, stem cell collection, cellular therapies, or transfusion medicine is highly desirable.
  • Strong vascular access, patient assessment, and critical thinking skills.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
  • Ability to work independently while partnering effectively with multidisciplinary clinical teams.
  • Commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care and continuous clinical excellence.
Why Vitalant
At Vitalant, every role contributes to saving and improving lives. We foster a culture built on our RITE Values:
  • Respect for one another and every patient we serve.
  • Integrity in every decision and interaction.
  • Teamwork across clinical, laboratory, and healthcare partners.
  • Excellence through innovation, quality, and compassionate care.

Whether supporting groundbreaking cellular therapies or advancing the future of therapeutic apheresis, you'll find meaningful work, professional growth, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact every day.
Join Us
If you're ready to combine advanced clinical expertise with compassionate patient care while helping launch a new therapeutic apheresis partnership in San Diego, we encourage you to apply.
Together, we'll help deliver the therapies that are changing-and saving-lives.
Vitalant is seeking a Lead Registered Nurse dedicated to making a positive difference. If you are customer-focused and impact-inspired to help others, and making a difference is vital for you, you'll experience a career built on purpose, an organization created to care, and a team committed to lead - together.
What to Expect
Work Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, with occasional evening and weekend depending on patient need. Hours may vary.
Position will have rotational call
Travel will between five area hospitals
Salary Range: 106,392 - 140,452
Our comprehensive total rewards support you, your family, and your future with
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401K + 5% company match
  • Tuition assistance up to $5k per year
  • Free basic life and AD&D insurance
  • Free short-and-long-term disability insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Employee Resource Groups
  • Recognition and perks

REQUIREMENTS:
KNOWLEDGE/EDUCATION
Associate's degree required.
Bachelor's degree preferred.
Knowledge of rationale and techniques relating to assigned duties required.
LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
RN license in state of practice required.
Current CPR certification preferred.
Valid driver's license required.
Location:
3636 Gateway Center AvenueSuite 100San Diego, CA 92102
Job Category:
Lab Services
Contact Information: careers@vitalant.org
If you are impact-inspired to help others, and making a difference is vital for you, you'll experience a career built on purpose, a company created to care, and a team committed to lead - together.

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