Clinical Nurse Specialist/Clinical Specialist Med/Surg

Clinical Specialist

This position will provide oversight for the following units: Med/Surg, Oncology, and the Observation Unit. The CNS on the unit will partner with Nursing, Acute Care Hospitalists, Cardiac, Surgical and Anesthesia Services, and other disciplines to guarantee the highest quality patient outcomes. They will apply evidence to improve care, efficiency, and patient experience.

The Clinical Specialist is a master's prepared nurse who brings expert knowledge and leadership to the provision of patient care for specific patient aggregates. The Clinical Specialist functions as a member of the department management team and serves as a resource to the interdisciplinary care team for research as well as consulting and education on clinical practice. The Clinical Specialist works collaboratively with other leaders and shared governance groups to ensure patient safety, clinical quality, and professional and educational development of the nursing staff. For professional development and advancement opportunities, internal candidates who are enrolled in a master's program are eligible for this position and will use the job title "Clinical Specialist" but the position functions mirror that of a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS).

Supports, and is responsible for incorporating into job performance, the Frederick Health (FH) mission, vision, core values and customer service philosophy and adheres to the FH Compliance Program, including following all regulatory requirements and the FH Standards of Behavior.

Example of Essential Functions:

• Maintains advanced knowledge and skills as required by the patient aggregate, including age-specific competencies.
• In complex cases or as indicated, functions as a member of the interdisciplinary care team and provides direct patient/family contact which may include:
• Performing comprehensive assessment and analysis of needs.
• Developing and/or modifying a plan of care through ongoing coordination and integration of the plan to optimize care delivery and patient outcomes.
• Providing emotional support, crisis management and patient and family counseling.
• Providing education and assisting patients and families in making healthcare decisions.
• Identifying resources needed for the ongoing care of the patient
• Resource for and assists the nursing and medical staff in their daily management of patients (e.g., being available to raise concerns, discuss treatment options, clarify patient goals/outcomes, etc.).
• Mentors nursing staff as they care for patients and families with complex needs.
• Collaborates with nursing leaders to monitor clinical practice, identify knowledge/skill needs, and to develop the clinical expertise of staff.
• Supports and facilitates nursing shared governance groups, to help guide nurses to standardize and advance nursing practice, requiring the CNS to be an innovator of nursing practice.
• Promotes the development and implementation of standards of care.
• Applies research methodologies to clinical practice; promotes and facilitates nursing staff use of evidence based research.
• Provides leadership within the Nursing Division for the use of research and the application of research methodologies to clinical practice problems.
• Facilitates implementation of research studies brought to the hospital by outside groups.
• May serve as a preceptor to graduate students.
• Acts as a role model and resource for team members and nursing governance groups in the areas of organizational change, critical thinking, care planning, research, and other professional patient care activities.
• Assists patient care staff to make organizational change relative to clinical practice.
• Works with health care team to problem-solve continuum of care issues and facilitate appropriate use of resources.
• Works with nursing leaders to ensure that staffing systems incorporate patient needs, staff member skill sets and staff mix to provide skilled nurses and adequate resources to accomplish desired outcomes.
• Serves as member of leadership to ensure quality patient care practice and outcomes, as well as the goals of the units, hospital, and corporation.
• May lead interdisciplinary team efforts for process improvement initiatives that require interdepartmental collaboration.
• Provides expert knowledge to colleagues, health professionals, and consumers.
• Represents FMH in professional/community service groups as needed.
• Demonstrates commitment to personal career growth and development.
• Completes 32 CE hours/year in addition to the FMH Mandatory education

The CNS Role Is Carried Out Through Three Spheres of Influence:

1. Patients/Clients

2. Nurses and Nursing Practice

3. Organization/System

A Sphere of Influence is defined as "a domain of CNS practice that encompasses the pertinent stakeholders or consumers of CNS services. A particular sphere of influence identifies the scope or breadth of practice or role activities and parameters of target outcomes associated with a particular sphere of influence."

Reference- National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists. (2004). Statement on clinical nurse specialist practice and education (2 ed.). Harrisburg, PA: Author.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability for a high degree of analysis, critical thinking, and judgment in provision of care.
• Demonstrated ability for effective written and verbal communication with individuals and groups.
• Excellent leadership, organization and collaboration skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact with leadership, patients, and interdisciplinary care team.
• Knowledge of Frederick Memorial Hospital's Management philosophy or for external candidates, demonstrated ability to work within it.
• Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office products.

Minimum Education, Training, and Experience Required:

• Eligible for or licensed to practice in the State of Maryland.
• Enrolled in a program leading to a Master's Degree in Advanced Practice Nursing or related healthcare field.
• National Certification in area of specialty within one year of hire.
• Five years experience in Nursing, including two years experience in area of specialty.
• Experience as a Clinical Nurse Specialist preferred.

Patient Contact:

Must demonstrate and maintain current knowledge and skills in providing appropriate care/contact for patients in the following age groups:

Neonate (0 thru 30 days)

Infant (31 thru 12 months)

Child (13 months thru 12 years)

Adolescent (13 years thru 17 years)

Adult (18 years thru 65 years)

Geriatric (66+ years)

Physical Demands:

Medium-Heavy Work Lifting up to 75 pounds on an infrequent basis (less than one lift every three minutes) and/or carrying up to 35 pounds while walking. Pushing or pulling up to 115 pounds infrequently or greater than 115 pounds occasionally (no more than once per hour).

Ergonomic Risk Factors:

Repetition : Repeating the same motion over and over again places stress on the muscles and tendons. The severity of risk depends on how often the action is repeated, the speed of the movement, the required force and muscles involved.

Forceful Exertion : The amount of physical effort required to perform a task (such as moving patients) or to maintain control of equipment or tools. The amount of force depends on the type of grip, the weight of an object or person, body posture, the type of activity and the duration of the task.

Awkward Posture : Posture is the position your body is in and its effect on the muscle groups that are involved in the physical activity. Awkward postures include repeated or prolonged reaching, twisting, bending, kneeling, squatting, working overhead with your hands or arms, or holding fixed positions.

Contact Stress : Pressing the body hard on sharp edges can result in placing too much pressure on nerves, tendons, and blood vessels. For example, using the palm of your hand to hit or stick objects can increase risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

Working Conditions:

Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Risk Category:

A WILL have exposure to blood or body fluids.

B. Exposure to infectious diseases, hazardous materials and highly technical and heavy equipment.

C. Normal office conditions. A clinical nursing environment with unpleasant sounds and odors.

Reporting Relationship:

Reports to Department Director.

Disclaimer:

The content of this document reflects the general duties, responsibilities, minimum skills, abilities and competencies necessary to perform the essential functions of the job and should not be considered as an exhaustive detailed description of all the work requirements of the position.

Schedule:

Full time 7p-7:30a with weekend and holiday