Nurse Scientist

About the role

The Nurse Scientist is a doctorally prepared nursing professional responsible for building and participating on interprofessional teams that generate new knowledge to advance AtlantiCare’s outcomes through the application of research, evidence-based practice (EBP), and quality improvement (QI) across the nursing continuum — in alignment with AtlantiCare’s mission and the Nursing Strategic Plan.

Responsibilities

• Bridges the gap between research and clinical care, partnering with frontline nurses, advanced practice providers, physician leaders, and hospital administration to advance the scientific foundation of nursing practice and improve patient outcomes.
• Counsels and mentors nurses and other healthcare professionals in the application of research findings to enhance patient care.
• Contributes to strategic planning for nursing research and professional practice in alignment with AtlantiCare’s goals and the Nursing Strategic Plan.
• Models professional nursing values, ethical practice, and a commitment to health equity in all scholarly activities.

Requirements

• Doctoral degree in nursing required; PhD preferred.
• Current licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of New Jersey.
• American Heart Association BLS required.
• National certification in nursing specialty within 6 months from date of hire or transfer.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of clinical nursing experience in an acute care or specialty hospital setting.
• Demonstrated experience leading or contributing to nursing research, EBP projects, or quality improvement initiatives.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as leadership skills required.

Qualifications

• EDUCATION: Doctoral degree in nursing required; PhD preferred.
• LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: Current licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the State of New Jersey (or eligibility for licensure).
• Required Experience: Minimum of 3–5 years of clinical nursing experience in an acute care or specialty hospital setting. Demonstrated experience leading or contributing to nursing research, EBP projects, or quality improvement initiatives. Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as leadership skills required.
• PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: Experience with grant writing and extramural funding (NIH, AHRQ, PCORI, or foundation grants). Familiarity with Magnet Recognition Program standards and documentation. Proficiency in statistical software (SPSS, SAS, R, or equivalent) and/or qualitative analysis tools (NVivo, Atlas.ti). Active membership and involvement in professional nursing organizations (e.g., ANA, STTI, specialty nursing societies).

Performance Expectations

• The Nurse Scientist demonstrates the technical competencies as established on the Assessment and Evaluation Tool.
• Performance will be evaluated annually against the defined competency framework, scholarly output metrics, and organizational goal alignment.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Office and clinical hospital environment; potential for exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious diseases in patient care areas.
• Physical demands include but are not limited to stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing equipment, and extended standing and walking.
• Lifting approximately 25–50 lbs. frequently; lifting 50–100 lbs. with assistance occasionally.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• May require occasional evening or weekend availability for educational events or research deadlines.