Clinical Nurse Leader- Hartford Satellite 40 hour days
Job Summary
A Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) is a registered nurse who specializes in the care of a defined population of patients and has assumed a leadership role at the point of care. The CNL provides clinical leadership, advisement, and expertise to staff, particularly in the management of complex patient care. CNLs focus on improving quality of patient care and safety through care coordination, outcomes measurement, risk assessment, and the implementation of evidence-based best practices. This position collaborates with the Assistant Nurse Manager and Center for Nursing Excellence Department, and assists with the management of the department(s).
General Accountabilities And Essential Functions
Functions as a clinical leader at the point of care, with responsibility for lateral integration of care for a specific population of patients.
Provides clinical leadership and advisement to nursing staff regarding complex patient care situations.
Serves as the unit-based subject matter expert for wound care and skin integrity.
Collaborates with nursing staff, medical providers, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure patients receive appropriate evidence-based wound care interventions.
Evaluates effectiveness of wound treatment plans and recommends adjustments as clinically indicated.
May assume a patient assignment, which may include high-complexity patients.
Works collaboratively with medical providers, respiratory therapists, other healthcare interdisciplinary professionals to coordinate care.
Ensures the safe and efficient flow of patients within the unit (admits/discharges).
Assists with coordination of staff schedules and partnering with the staffing office to ensure appropriate staffing is scheduled for all shifts.
Oversees the coordination of care for patients to ensure safe, effective, and high-quality outcomes.
Collects and analyzes data related to patient outcomes to evaluate and improve plans of care.
Focuses on transitions of care to support continuity and safety.
Conducts risk assessments to identify opportunities to reduce errors and improve patient safety.
Oversees unit operations during assigned shift and ensures staff assignments are safe and appropriate based on patient needs and staff experience and qualifications.
Maintains staff performance and implements change as necessary to improve care delivery.
Serves as a resource, educator, and role model for nursing staff.
Functions as a team leader and patient advocate.
Facilitates effective interprofessional communication and teamwork.
Demonstrates motivation to lead change and improve healthcare outcomes.
Maintains professional growth and promotes continuous learning among staff.
Serves as the first line of communication for staff for any patient care issues or concerns.
Understands department budget, supports good financial stewardship and achieving budget targets.
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) preferred.
Experience: Clinical nursing experience with demonstrated expertise in the care of the defined patient population being served. Experience working collaboratively with interdisciplinary healthcare teams and providing leadership at the point of care is required. Prior wound care experience is preferred, including but not limited to experience in a wound care center, participation on a skin or wound care team, or demonstrated leadership in wound prevention and treatment initiatives.
Licensure/Certification: Must hold an active Registered Nurse (RN) license issued by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) or a multistate Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) license that allows practice in Connecticut. Current Nurse Certification in related specialty preferred. Wound care certification (e.g., WOCN, CWOCN, or equivalent) preferred. If not currently certified, incumbent must obtain wound care certification within six (6) months of hire.
Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal; strong problem-solving, decision-making, and time-management skills; demonstrated knowledge of operations, including staffing, scheduling, productivity management, workflow planning, and staff development; ability to evaluate patient outcomes and clinical processes; and proficiency in PC-based computer software, including Microsoft Office applications.
Physical Demands
Continuous periods of walking, standing, bending, reaching, with periodic sitting.
Occasional climbing, squatting, and kneeling as related to patient care.
Lift or carry objects up to 10 pounds continuously, 20 pounds frequently and up to 40 pounds frequently for assisting with patient transfers and bed mobility.
Ability to push/pull up to 25 lbs. frequently for medication carts/equipment and 50 pounds occasionally for patient care and mobility activities.
Frequent use of gross, fine motor and sensory skills in order to pass medications, perform assessments and treatments, and handle equipment used in patient care.
Cognitive Demands
Independent problem identification, abstract reasoning, and adaptability.
Quick decision-making on issues with significant organizational impact is required.
A very high degree of selective attention, discernment, perception and/or concentration is necessary.
A working knowledge and familiarity with medical terminology and professional/medical documentation.
A high degree of reading and auditory comprehension of abstractions and an ability to make inferences and respond to verbal directions.
Able to coach and assess skills of staff members.
Ability to work with mathematical data, reading, computing, developing, analyzing, and monitoring of budgets, quality reports, and medication administration.