A PASSION FOR SUPPORTING YOUR SUCCESS
You’re dedicated to continually expanding your knowledge and skills so you can consistently advance nursing excellence and deliver the highest standards of compassionate care to your patients. At UCLA Health, we’re just as committed to helping you grow your career and reach your fullest professional potential.
The professional environment at UCLA Health has significantly contributed to the development of my leadership and professional practice. Through active participation in multiple professional practice councils, I have had the opportunity to contribute to organizational initiatives that support nursing excellence and professional development.
Stephanie D., Clinical Nurse Specialist
At every stage of my career journey, I’ve been given very supportive training as well as educational courses to help me further develop as a leader. I have also been encouraged and supported to obtain certifications for Critical Care, Neuro, and Trauma.
Jennifer O., Clinical Nurse Manager
UCLA Health has prepared me to lead my team through every new challenge we face. I have received a great deal of support and mentorship from executive leadership all along the way. They have provided a great deal of support and guidance as I have navigated new challenges.
Patrick Loney, CNO of Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital
A PASSION FOR NEW DIRECTIONS
We provide nursing professionals with a wide variety of options for defining and following a uniquely rewarding career path. Take a closer look at a few of the nursing roles you can pursue. Here at UCLA Health, nurses aren’t just filling roles — they are part of a dynamic, mission-driven system where every shift offers a chance to grow, learn, and make a difference in patients’ lives.
Select a role from the following tabs to see what career paths are available for your current role.
Administrative Clinical Care Partner
Support nursing teams by helping keep care environments organized, responsive, and patient focused. Support patients and families while gaining exposure to the clinical care setting. This position is ideal for candidates interested in starting a career in nursing or health care. To qualify, you must have California CNA license and BLS certification.
Licensed Vocational Nurse
Provide basic, hands‑on nursing care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or physician. Perform wound care, collect patient specimens, and record health information. These positions require LVN, I.V. and BLS certification.
Clinical Nurse I
Provide routine patient care under close supervision, applying theoretical nursing concepts in controlled clinical situations. The Clinical Nurse I position is reserved for our Nurse Residency Program and is intended for newly graduated nurses from an accredited nursing program with less than six months of RN experience.
Clinical Nurse II (Inpatient/ Outpatient)
Provide patient care under general supervision, performing established nursing interventions and utilizing current clinical knowledge in a structured environment. The Clinical Nurse II position is for nurses with six months or more of experience and is considered an experienced RN role. Requirements include a California RN license, BLS certification, ADN (with approval), BSN or MSN. Additional experience/certification requirements vary by department.
Administrative Nurse I
Administrative Nurse roles combine clinical knowledge with operational leadership. These nurses support unit operations, staffing, performance improvement, and day-to-day clinical workflows while partnering closely with leadership teams.
Requirements include:
- California RN license
- BLS from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association
- ADN (with approval), BSN or MSN
- Additional, specific experience or certification requirements may vary by department
Nurse Practitioner
Provide advanced clinical care, diagnose and treat patients while collaborating closely with physicians and interdisciplinary teams. Enjoy a high level of autonomy and play a critical role in improving access, quality, and continuity of care.
These roles require:
- California RN & NP license
- MSN or DNP in Nursing
- CA, NP Furnishing with Schedule II, NPI#, DEA#, Enrollment in PECOS and in CURES
- BLS from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association
- National NP Board certification in a relevant specialty
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Provide expert nursing care and guide practice improvements across our hospitals and clinics. Consult with care teams, mentor staff, and lead evidence-based initiatives to enhance patient outcomes and nursing practice.
Nursing Professional Development Specialist
Facilitate education and professional growth for the nursing workforce. Design training programs, support competency development, and partner with clinical teams to elevate nursing practice.
Clinical Nurse Manager
Oversee daily nursing operations for a unit or department. Responsible for staffing, quality outcomes, performance management, and team development, ensuring safe, efficient, and patient-centered care.
Unit Director
Provide strategic leadership for nursing units, overseeing operations, quality initiatives, budgets, and workforce planning. Set the vision and culture for your team while aligning unit goals with UCLA Health’s broader mission and standards of excellence.
Requirements:
- California RN license
- BLS from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association
- Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree required, one of which must be in Nursing
- Specific experience or certification requirements may vary by department
A PASSION FOR KNOWLEDGE
As a UCLA Health nurse, you have access to a variety of information and resources to expand your understanding and support your career growth, professional development, and internal mobility. Learn more about advancing your clinical career. Login may be required.
This is the place to start to learn more about your many options for career growth and development.
Committed to advancing our healing mission by strengthening nursing practice across all clinical settings.
Explore careers where you can leverage data to improve the quality of healthcare.
Learn about the exciting opportunities for growth within our expanding network of ambulatory clinics.
Nursing Professional Development
Discover the many ways UCLA Health is advancing the professional nursing practice.
UCLA Health has encouraged me to challenge myself and grow professionally from the very beginning of my nursing career. I’ve had the opportunity to conduct a year-long evidence-based practice project, join professional governance councils and even become the Chair of my Unit Practice Council. Today, as the Magnet Program Coordinator, I’m able to make a meaningful difference in the nursing practice at my hospital.
Dahlia M., Magnet Program Coordinator, UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center
Beyond the Bedside: Career Growth in Nursing at UCLA Health
TAKE A CAREER JOURNEY WITH SOME OF OUR EXCEPTIONAL NURSES
Explore inspiring stories from UCLA Health nurses as they share their professional growth and evolving career journeys. Hear how they discovered new opportunities, expanded their skills, and advanced within our organization through mentorship, continuous learning, and a supportive nursing community.
Now playing: Beyond the Bedside: Career Growth in Nursing at UCLA Health
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTi4I4yzLpM
Play video: Advancing My Nursing Career: Support & Growth at UCLA Health
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOGkV6YKTuM
Play video: From Patient Transporter to Chief Nursing Officer: A Journey of Growth & Opportunity at UCLA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-bXdlyfGFE
TAKE A CAREER JOURNEY WITH SOME OF OUR EXCEPTIONAL NURSES
Explore inspiring stories from UCLA Health nurses as they share their professional growth and evolving career journeys. Hear how they discovered new opportunities, expanded their skills, and advanced within our organization through mentorship, continuous learning, and a supportive nursing community.
Nursing Professional Development & Clinical (Nursing) Internal Mobility Resources
UCLA Health nurses have access to a variety of programs and resources that support career growth, professional development, and internal mobility. Explore the opportunities below to learn more about advancing your clinical career.
Need Additional Guidance?
If you have questions about professional development opportunities or would like help navigating available programs, consider connecting with a Nursing Professional Development (NPD) specialist through the Center for Nursing Excellence.
