Clinical Nurse Specialist/Clinical Specialist Med/Surg

About the Role

The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) provides oversight for the Med/Surg, Oncology, and Observation units. This role partners with Nursing, Acute Care Hospitalists, Cardiac, Surgical and Anesthesia Services, and other disciplines to ensure the highest quality patient outcomes by applying evidence-based practices to improve care, efficiency, and patient experience.

The CNS functions as a member of the department management team, serving as a resource for research, consulting, and education on clinical practice. This position collaborates with other leaders and shared governance groups to ensure patient safety, clinical quality, and professional development of nursing staff. Internal candidates enrolled in a master’s program are eligible and will use the title “Clinical Specialist” with functions mirroring a CNS.

Responsibilities

• Maintains advanced knowledge and skills for the patient aggregate, including age-specific competencies.
• In complex cases, functions as part of the interdisciplinary care team with direct patient/family contact, including:
  • Performing comprehensive assessments and analyzing needs.
  • Developing or modifying care plans to optimize outcomes.
  • Providing emotional support, crisis management, and counseling.
  • Educating patients and families to assist in healthcare decisions.
  • Identifying resources for ongoing patient care.
• Serves as a resource for nursing and medical staff in daily patient management, including raising concerns and discussing treatment options.
• Mentors nursing staff caring for patients with complex needs.
• Collaborates with nursing leaders to monitor clinical practice, identify skill gaps, and develop staff expertise.
• Supports and facilitates nursing shared governance groups to standardize and advance practice.
• Promotes and implements standards of care and evidence-based research.
• Provides leadership in applying research methodologies to clinical practice problems.
• Facilitates implementation of external research studies.
• May serve as a preceptor to graduate students.
• Acts as a role model for organizational change, critical thinking, and professional activities.
• Works with healthcare teams to problem-solve continuum of care issues and ensure appropriate resource use.
• Collaborates with nursing leaders to align staffing systems with patient needs and staff skill sets.
• Serves as a leadership member to ensure quality patient care and unit/hospital goals.
• May lead interdisciplinary process improvement initiatives.
• Provides expert knowledge to colleagues, professionals, and consumers.
• Represents Frederick Health in professional/community service groups as needed.
• Demonstrates commitment to personal career growth and completes 32 CE hours/year.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Nursing or related healthcare field (candidates in a graduate program will be considered).
• MBON RN license or compact state equivalent.
• Five years of experience in Med/Surg, Oncology, or Observation Unit.
• National Certification in area of specialty within one year of hire.
• Experience as a Clinical Nurse Specialist preferred.
• Eligible for or licensed to practice in Maryland.

Skills

• High degree of analytical, critical thinking, and judgment in care provision.
• Effective written and verbal communication with individuals and groups.
• Excellent leadership, organization, and collaboration skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills for interacting with leadership, patients, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of Frederick Health’s management philosophy or ability to adapt to it.
• Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office products.

Patient Contact

Must demonstrate and maintain current knowledge and skills in providing care for patients across all age groups:

• Neonate (0–30 days)
• Infant (31 days–12 months)
• Child (13 months–12 years)
• Adolescent (13–17 years)
• Adult (18–65 years)
• Geriatric (66+ years)

Physical Demands

• Medium-Heavy Work: Lifting up to 75 pounds infrequently and/or carrying up to 35 pounds while walking.
• Pushing or pulling up to 115 pounds infrequently or greater than 115 pounds occasionally.
• Ergonomic Risk Factors:
  • Repetition: Repeating motions may stress muscles and tendons.
  • Forceful Exertion: Physical effort required for tasks like moving patients.
  • Awkward Posture: Prolonged reaching, twisting, bending, or working overhead.
  • Contact Stress: Pressure on nerves, tendons, or blood vessels from sharp edges.

Working Conditions

• Exposure to bloodborne pathogens and body fluids (Risk Category A).
• Exposure to infectious diseases, hazardous materials, and heavy equipment.
• Clinical nursing environment with potential for unpleasant sounds and odors.

Schedule

Full-time night shift: 7:00 PM–7:30 AM with weekend and holiday rotation.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and affordable benefits package, including:
  • Health, Dental, and Vision insurance (available after 30 days for employees working 20+ hours/week).
  • Employer-paid Life insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability for eligible employees.
  • Robust Paid Time Off program.
  • 403B retirement plan with employer match.
  • Free financial planning sessions.
  • Educational assistance program.
  • Employer-paid Employee Assistance Program.

Pay

Annual salary range: $81,344.80–$123,323.20, based on experience, skills, and education. Part-time salaries are pro-rated. Non-exempt positions may include shift differential and overtime pay.