Clinical Practice Nurse Expert - Surgical Services

Overview Clinical Practice Expert I (CPNE I) reports to the Unit Manager and leads quality and practice improvement initiatives within assigned unit(s). The role functions as a member of a multidisciplinary, unit‑based team to provide nursing expertise for a defined microsystem and to support evidence‑based practice standards. Clinical Practice / Quality Assess clinical practice on unit(s) through rounding, observation and staffing. Collaborate with ICCE stakeholders and unit leadership to align quality initiatives with health system goals. Use performance measures to identify and assess delivery of evidence‑based practices and promote higher‑value care outcomes. Partner with Nurse Manager/Director to develop strategies for quality outcomes within the unit. Design and direct system improvements addressing trends in safety and quality. Implement evidence‑based quality improvement strategies using analytics and risk anticipation. Apply just‑culture principles and safety tools such as FMEA and RCA to anticipate, intervene and reduce risk. Assess patient handoffs, transitions of care, medication reconciliation and administration processes to improve safety. Analyze data from datasets including HCAHPS, nurse‑sensitive indicators, NDNQI and population registries to assess risks and outcomes. Collect and analyze relevant data to generate evidence for nursing practice and provide input in database design. Identify evidence‑based interventions and examine patterns of behavior and outcomes for gaps in practice. Research current literature and inform clinical practice improvement; participate in specialty national organizations. Competency Management Identify top talent, coach and develop clinical skill sets. Train additional skill validators on the unit. Monitor performance and collaborate with the interprofessional team to provide remediation plans. Education Provide content expertise for live and online organizational programs as needed. Deliver “just‑in‑time” teaching to enhance practice. Promote critical thinking and nursing judgment in collaboration with the care team. Identify and collaborate with nursing leadership to select preceptors. Partner with Nursing Education staff on facility‑wide education initiatives and clinical requirements. Ensure assigned staff maintain current AHA certifications and units meet certification goals. Conduct chart reviews and audits for evidence‑based nursing practice compliance. Role Development Utilize strong written and verbal communication skills. Coach clinical ladder candidates to improve care processes and outcomes. Collaborate with governance and leadership teams to increase specialty certification. Analyze data to identify practice opportunities and lead quality improvement initiatives. Perform additional duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in nursing required; master’s degree preferred. Two years of clinical experience in area of expertise required. Excellent collaboration, consultation, communication and teamwork skills required. Licensure / Certifications Current South Carolina licensure as a registered nurse or equivalent compact state license. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (AHA BLS for Healthcare Providers or equivalent). Advocated to hold Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and/or Pediatric Life Support (PALS) as required by unit. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Basic computer knowledge including Microsoft Office. Familiarity with quality improvement methodology. Preferred Qualifications Advanced certification in a specialized field. Physical Requirements Ability to stand up to twelve (12) hours, walk, sit, use hands, reach, stoop, kneel, talk, hear and smell. Ability to lift or exert energy up to 35 pounds; safe patient handling equipment is provided for transfers above 35 pounds. Clear vision (20 inches or less), distance vision (20 feet or more), color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception notes. Equal Employment Opportunity The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws. The institution participates in the federal E‑Verify program to confirm identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. #J-18808-Ljbffr