Job Description

Under general supervision, serves as an advanced practitioner, educator, consultant, collaborator, and change agent in the assessment, development, implementation, evaluation and maintenance of a system of care for a selected population of patients. Facilitates the development, implementation, and ongoing management of a model for professional practice that fosters the delivery of high quality, cost effective patient care as well as the professional development of staff. Supports and participates actively in ongoing research and quality improvement activities. This leadership role assumes action, initiation, innovation, visible distinction, and demonstrated contribution to change. Ensures hourly caring rounds are regularly conducted.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

1. Clinical expert: Serves as a clinical expert in area of specialty. * Provides advanced expertise in the delivery of health care, interpretation of clinical issues, and utilization of the nursing process. * Initiates and serves as a catalyst in the development and review of standards of care and practice and clinical programs for innovative improvement of nursing care. * Develops and maintains a collaborative relationship with members of other health disciplines to provide comprehensive care planning for patients. * Helps to lead performance improvement and research/development activities related to areas of expertise. Supports and mentors staff to become involved in similar activities.
2. Educator. Serves as educator. * Designs, implements, and evaluates educational programs for staff nurses, student nurses, nurse managers, and other disciplines. * Supports and mentors professional development of nursing staff. * Designs, implements, and evaluates educational programs for selected clients and significant others and community groups served by the agency.
3. Consultant. Provides consultation services in areas of specialty to staff nurses, nurse managers, and other disciplines. * Develops and maintains an open continuous communication network with interdependent units, colleagues, and agencies to facilitate quality care and to promote the profession of nursing. * Supports and actively participates in the Department of Nursing and/or multidisciplinary committees. * Serves as an advocate for clients and families, peers, and the assigned unit as a liaison with other health care providers, units, and agencies. * Maintains political awareness through membership in professional organizations and supports issues affecting health care, clients served, and the profession of nursing.
4. Researcher. Supports and participates in research and quality assurance activities. * Creates innovative programs to monitor the effectiveness of nursing practice and education activities within the specialty areas. This includes the periodic review and evaluation of professional practice, peers, self, and consumers. * Identifies concerns, questions, or problems appropriate for nursing research and encourages the nursing staff to do the same. Serves as a resource/consultant during research activities. Conducts clinical research and/or implements new knowledge and/or findings into nursing practice.
5. Change agent. Serves as change agent. * Initiates, facilitates, and evaluates planned change through the development of programs and activities which enhance the quality of nursing care. * Enhances development of professional practice, creates innovative programs for clients and health care professionals, and resolves conflict. * Develops annual work plan reflecting the department and division goals and objectives.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

1. Masters of Science (MS/MSN) as Clinical Nurse Specialist is required.
2. Licensure as a Registered Nurse in the state of Maryland, or eligible to practice due to Compact state agreements outlined through the MD Board of Nursing, is required.
3. Three years of clinical experience in a nursing position, with at least one year in the specialty.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Experience in group dynamics, organizational change, methodologies for affecting change, and nursing research Work requires clinical, technical and professional level of knowledge of nursing’s current issues relevant to care delivery systems, quality improvement and professional practice.
2. Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, complete and evaluate assignments and/or projects. Ability to analyze and to conceptually develop ideas, programs and projects and provide guidelines for implementation.
3. Advanced expertise in operationalizing the nursing process.
4. Demonstrated competency in a leadership role.
5. Demonstrated ability to work with a collegial and collaborative relationship with other health care providers in the promotion and provision of comprehensive care.
6. Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient population(s) served. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his or her population-specific and age specific needs.

Patient Safety

Ensures patient safety in the performance of job functions and through participation in hospital, department or unit patient safety initiatives.

1. Takes action to correct observed risks to patient safety.
2. Reports adverse events and near misses to appropriate management authority.
3. Identifies possible risks in processes, procedures, devices and communicates the same to those in charge.

Additional Information

This employee will oversee the following Surgical and Cardiac Surgical Units working in tandem with the Clinical Practice and Education Specialist:

• Thoracic Intermediate Care
• Surgical Intermediate Care
• Transplant Intermediate Care
• Surgical Acute Care
• Surgical Intensive Care
• Cardiac Surgical Intensive Care
• Cardiac Surgical Progressive Care
• Vascular Surgery Progressive Care

Candidate will report directly to Director of Nursing.