Nursing Practice Specialist

the Nursing Practice Specialist serves as a clinical leader in advancing evidence-based nursing practice, improving patient outcomes, and supporting professional nursing development across assigned units and sites. This role integrates evidence, clinical expertise, and performance data to guide practice decisions, influence policy development, and lead quality improvement initiatives. Working collaboratively with nursing leadership, interprofessional teams, and system stakeholders, the Nursing Practice Specialist promotes excellence in patient care, regulatory readiness, and a culture of professional accountability and nursing empowerment throughout the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Evidence-Based Practice

• Translate current research and clinical evidence into nursing practice, policies, procedures, and standards of care.
• Lead the implementation of evidence-based interventions that improve patient outcomes and nursing practice.
• Facilitate the dissemination of best practices through education, presentations, mentoring, and consultation.
• Partner with Clinical Excellence and Nursing Professional Development teams to align initiatives with organizational priorities.

Data Analysis & Outcomes Improvement

• Analyze unit- and hospital-level quality, safety, and performance metrics to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Develop, monitor, and evaluate nursing-sensitive quality indicators and patient care outcomes.
• Use data to inform clinical decision-making and guide practice improvements.
• Collaborate with nursing leaders to establish accountability for measurable clinical and operational outcomes.

Project Management

• Lead nursing practice and quality improvement projects from planning through implementation and evaluation.
• Collaborate across departments and sites to align local initiatives with system-wide strategic goals.
• Develop project timelines, measurable deliverables, and sustainability plans.
• Present project outcomes and recommendations to nursing and organizational leadership.

Nursing Professional Development

• Mentor, coach, and support nurses in developing clinical expertise and evidence-based decision-making skills.
• Collaborate with education teams to design and deliver learning experiences that enhance clinical competence.
• Encourage staff participation in shared governance, research, quality improvement, and innovation initiatives.
• Foster a culture of lifelong learning, professional growth, and accountability.

Clinical Rounding & Practice Support

• Conduct routine clinical rounds to evaluate nursing practice, identify barriers to care, and support frontline staff.
• Collaborate with nurse leaders to address unit-specific practice concerns and improve clinical outcomes.
• Provide real-time consultation, coaching, and feedback to reinforce evidence-based care and best practices.

Regulatory Compliance & Survey Readiness

• Maintain current knowledge of regulatory, accreditation, and professional practice standards.
• Partner with nursing leaders to ensure ongoing compliance and readiness for regulatory and accreditation surveys.
• Participate in mock surveys, tracer activities, and readiness assessments.
• Lead or support post-survey action planning, performance improvement activities, and compliance monitoring.

Qualifications

Required

• Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license.
• Masters's degree in Nursing (MSN).
• Three to five years of progressive clinical nursing experience.
• Demonstrated experience in evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and clinical leadership.
• Strong analytical, communication, organizational, and project management skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across interdisciplinary teams.

Benefits:

Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting the first of the month after hire, plus wellness programs and mental health support

403(b) retirement plan with employer match, pension, and life and disability insurance

Tuition reimbursement toward advanced degrees and specialty certifications

Generous paid time off, fitness discounts, and free on-site parking

About Carroll Hospital

Carroll Hospital in Westminster, Maryland, is a full-service community hospital proudly serving the residents of Carroll County and the surrounding region. As part of LifeBridge Health - one of the region's most comprehensive healthcare systems - Carroll delivers personalized, high-quality care in a welcoming community setting, with a mission to improve the health of the communities we serve, and to take care of the people who take care of patients.

About LifeBridge Health

LifeBridge Health is a dynamic, purpose-driven health system redefining care delivery across the mid-Atlantic and beyond, anchored by our mission to "improve the health of people in the communities we serve." Join us to advance health access, elevate patient experiences, and contribute to a system that values bold ideas and community-centered care.

With over 14,000 employees, 130 care locations, and two million annual patient encounters, we combine strategic growth, innovation, and deep community commitment to deliver exceptional care anchored by five leading centers in Maryland.

Our organization thrives on a culture of CARE BRAVELY-where compassion, courage, and urgency drive every decision, empowering teams to shape the future of healthcare.

LifeBridge Health complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex or sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. LifeBridge Health does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex or sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.