Clinical Specialist

Functions as a clinical expert and health care provider, educator, collaborator, consultant, leader and researcher for a specific patient population or specialty topic. Uses a framework for professional evidence-based nursing practice within three spheres of influence: patient/family, nursing, and system/organization. Acts as a consultant to address complex patient care issues, providing guidance in prevention and management of patient care practice. Coordinates, coaches, educates, and leads nursing staff in evidence-based clinical practice, quality improvement and patient safety. Conducts, facilitates, or applies research to enhance patient care and outcomes.

Supports operational and clinical stakeholders in the identification, development, and execution of regulatory readiness efforts. Provides leadership and presentations as needed.

Leads, and/or facilitates key strategic regulatory, quality and safety initiatives supporting successful regulatory survey processes
Supports organization with data collection, interpretation, and analysis to meet and implement regulatory strategies on local, state and national levels.

Coaches and facilitates teams to effectively transition responsibilities to operational leaders.
Lead and/or facilitate nursing policy and procedure process and software system.
Participates in state or local board of nursing meetings as organizational representative providing assessment of impact to local entities.

EducationBachelor's degree in Nursing Required Master's degree in Nursing Required Doctoral degree in Nursing, Education, or Healthcare Administration Preferred Experience5-7 years of progressively more responsible job related experience in Nursing Required Experience in nursing advanced practice role Preferred Licenses and CertificationsRN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure in the District of Columbia Required Specialty certification from a nationally recognized nursing organization within 1 Year Required BLS - Basic Life Support Required Health Services\ACLS Required COMMUNICATION & RELATIONSHIP BUILDING: Builds trusting, collaborative relationships with all members of the health care environment. Facilitates departmental, nursing and other meetings as appropriate. Functions collaboratively and effectively with interdisciplinary teams. Accomplishes objectives through persuasion.COMMUNICATION & RELATIONSHIP BUILDING: Engages in external and internal, formal and informal teaching to nursing and other health disciplines. Functions within a faculty role, as applicable. Acts as a preceptor for affiliation students. Collaborates in planning educational activities in accordance with American Nurse' Credentialing Center standards as appropriate.COMMUNICATION & RELATIONSHIP BUILDING: Serves as a collaborative source of clinical expertise and professional advice. Plays a significant role in developing, maintaining, and applying nursing standards, standard order sets, patient care protocols, and policies and procedures in collaboration with health care team members.KNOWLEDGE OF THE HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENT: Provides specialized nursing leadership for a defined patient population where professional and clinical leadership skills are clearly demonstrated.KNOWLEDGE OF THE HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENT: Supports the patient care delivery model which is accountable for assessing the patient, planning, evaluating and modifying nursing care and treatment based on data obtained through observation, interviewing and analysis of patient records.KNOWLEDGE OF THE HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENT: Participates in the assessment, implementation and ongoing evaluation of clinical services for a designated patient population.KNOWLEDGE OF THE HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENT: Assesses and analyzes patient data and evaluates appropriateness in care.KNOWLEDGE OF THE HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENT: Demonstrates a holistic approach to care regarding patient/family clinical, education and psychosocial needs.KNOWLEDGE OF THE HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENT: Utilizes approaches and strategies that support and optimize patient care outcomes that are based on the interdisciplinary plan of care and absolutes of IMOC and Contemporary Primary Nursing. Takes action to support the National Patient Safety Goals, nursing sensitive indictors, regulatory requirements (i.e., DC Health, TJC) and other identified quality metrics.KNOWLEDGE OF THE HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENT: Serves as a resource to nursing and medical staff and other disciplines in the provision of the patient's plan of care and discharge planning.KNOWLEDGE OF THE HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENT: Provides expertise and support for health care surveys and regulatory and compliance reviews from local, regional, and national entities Including, but not limited to, the D.C. Department of Health, The Joint Commission, and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Supports survey readiness. Collaborates with facility leadership in the development of post-survey action planning and execution.KNOWLEDGE OF THE HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENT: Participates in departmental and hospital interdisciplinary teams and committees to determine policy, standards, clinical procedures and nursing scope of practice.KNOWLEDGE OF THE HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENT: Participates in risk management as it relates to nursing practice including investigating, identifying and communicating issues. Incorporates evidence into all clinical activites. Actively participates in research, evidence-based practice (EBP) and performance improvement activities. Disseminates research findings through presentations and publications. Leads and mentors nursing research activities at the unit/departmental level.KNOWLEDGE OF THE HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENT: Supports the development and implementation of an organization-wide patient safety program including participation in nursing peer review, compliance with national patient safety goals and support for a non-punitive reporting environment.KNOWLEDGE OF THE HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENT: Guides and facilitates the development and modification of performance improvement planning and activities. Documents existing processes within the DON to establish a baseline for the development of improvements. Leads teams to improve processes that will optimize outcomes for designated patient populations. Participates in the development, coordination and dissemination of measureable objectives and outcomes. Creates an environment that facilitates teams to initiate actions that produce results.KNOWLEDGE OF THE HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENT: Leads and manages a wide array of high visibility, multidisciplinary projects aimed at improving hospital performance in areas including, but not limited to, infection prevention, safety, compliance, regulatory and nursing practice. Functions as a facilitator and collaborator at the highest level in order to ensure the development and execution of action plans, participation and engagement of committee participants, and communication of successes and opportunities to executive leadership.LEADERSHIP: In support of the Department of Nursing mission and vision, promotes an environment that embraces continuous learning, performance improvement and clinical regulatory compliance. Identifies organizational barriers and uses Effective change management strategies.LEADERSHIP: Collaborates with nursing education and management in the assessment of staff competencies and learning needs. Develops key educational materials to promote knowledge of changes to nursing practice, facility initiatives, and important project milestones. Assesses and analyzes data to identify practice environment and patient care issues to develop appropriate programs and change processes to improve clinical nursing practice.LEADERSHIP: Assists in establishing and maintaining a therapeutic and safe environment that facilitates and supports the framework for professional nursing practice based upon evidence-based practice, in order to achieve quality patient outcomes.LEADERSHIP: Promotes Pathway to Excellence standards through daily practice.PROFESSIONALISM: Maintains knowledge of current trends and developments in the field of clinical specialty through a variety of professional activities including but not limited to, research and study of literature and attending related seminars and conferences. Pursues continuous scholarly growth by engaging in innovative program work, research, papers/presentations at regional or national conferences, publications and additional graduate work.BUSINESS SKILLS: Functions as a facilitator and innovator for state-of the-art nursing care with direct involvement in implementing and evaluating new techniques and equipment for safety, cost-effectiveness, and benefits related to nursing practice. Provides cost /benefit analysis for any clinical program, equipment or change in practice when necessary.

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