CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST Critical Care

About the Role

The Clinical Nurse Specialist is a clinical expert in evidence-based nursing practice within a specialty area, demonstrating a high degree of professional competence. This position acts as a clinical practitioner, educator, researcher, consultant, and leader in their specialty area. In collaboration with nursing management, the role works to establish a philosophy of care, developing models and standards to ensure competent, evidence-based practice based on patient needs and available resources.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with managers and directors on developing an annual education plan.
• Evaluates patient outcomes through data collection, research, and continuous quality improvement methods to effect change and improve the quality of care.
• Identifies needed areas of improvement and acts as a change agent to problem-solve and identify solutions.
• Functions as a member of an integrated professional healthcare team in coordinating an accurate assessment of patient needs, guiding the development, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care on an ongoing basis.
• Identifies staff and patient educational needs, develops and implements the necessary educational programs, and evaluates their effectiveness through monitoring performance and patient care outcomes.
• Participates in or coordinates committee activities as necessary and appropriate.
• Participates in the development, review, and update of patient care policies, procedures, and protocols as needed on a timely basis.

Requirements

• Provides a high degree of professional competence and demonstrates a high level of autonomy in a specialized field of nursing.
• Specialization in nursing practice includes in-depth graduate study of relevant theories and scientific knowledge related to a select patient population, promoting the ability to analyze and refine nursing practice and generate clinical practice knowledge.
• Possesses good interpersonal skills and communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
• Strong analytical skills and good organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to work flexible shifts as required.
• Ability to use logical problem-solving skills based on the nursing process and hospital policies and procedures.
• Requires effective judgment and/or action during emergency situations.
• Demonstrates diplomacy interacting with staff, clients, and the public.
• Demonstrates flexibility in meeting unanticipated demands and priorities.
• Certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) preferred.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Nursing (required).
• Licensed as a Registered Nurse (required).