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Job Overview: The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) works collaboratively to improve patient care quality and promote desired patient outcomes in a designated population or specialty practice. The CNS functions as a leader within the three spheres of influence—Patient/Client, Nurses and Nursing Practice, and Organization/System—and is an active participant in the nursing leadership team. This hybrid role combines clinical expertise with project management, focusing on evidence-based practices, education, and leadership to enhance patient safety, care quality, and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Regularly review quality metrics to assess patient outcomes, safety, and satisfaction.
• Collaborate with Nursing Quality and Practice, Nursing Professional Development, and operational partners to identify and address improvement areas through evidence-based interventions.
• Analyze the return on investment (ROI) for quality initiatives, evaluating their impact on patient care, nursing practices, and operational efficiency.
• Seek and implement automation solutions to streamline processes, reduce errors, and improve care quality.
• Work with IT professionals to integrate technological advancements into clinical practice.
• Apply implementation science to ensure the successful adoption of new practices and technologies.
• Round on high-complexity patients to ensure adherence to quality improvement initiatives and assess prevention strategies, such as fall prevention.
• Ensure consistent quality practices in both inpatient and ambulatory settings.

Required Skills:

Clinical Expertise:

• Advanced Clinical Knowledge: In-depth understanding of clinical practices and conditions.
• Critical Thinking: Ability to assess complex clinical situations and make informed decisions.
• Patient Advocacy: Commitment to evidence-based, patient-centered care.

Leadership and Collaboration:

• Leadership: Lead quality improvement and evidence-based practice initiatives.
• Collaboration: Work effectively with physicians, nurses, allied health staff, and administrators.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication to educate staff and convey information.

Practice and Quality Improvement:

• Quality Standards: Familiarity with healthcare quality, regulatory standards, and accreditation processes.
• Data Analysis: Proficiency in using clinical data to drive improvement efforts.
• Project Management: Strong organizational skills to manage quality and practice improvement projects from start to finish, ensuring best practices are followed.

Research and Education:

• Research: Ability to conduct research to improve clinical practice and patient outcomes.
• Education: Aptitude for mentoring healthcare staff on best practices and protocols.
  

This role is eligible for TN sponsorship. Holders of F1 status eligible for post-completion OPT are welcome to apply. This role is NOT eligible to participate in the F-1 STEM OPT extension program. Successful sponsorship will require state licensure and completion of the VisaScreen or equivalent certification.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Nursing with a Clinical Nurse Specialist focus (Doctorate of Nursing Practice preferred).
• Experience as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) preferred.
• At least five years of nursing experience, with two years in the specialty area preferred.
• Flexibility to adjust schedule to meet patient needs and CNS workload.
• Must be free from problematic substance use for at least the two years immediately preceding hire (required for addictions services).

License and Certifications: 

• Required: Current RN license by applicable state requirements; may require RN licensure in multiple states.
• Required: Current APRN, CNS license by applicable state requirements or Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification in the designated specialty (if applicable in the state).
• Maintains current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for Healthcare Providers from recognized programs (e.g., American Heart Association, Red Cross, or Military Training Network).
• Additional specialty certification or training may be required, depending on the work area.