Nursing Practice Specialist

GENERAL OVERVIEW:

Radiology Nursing is seeking a Nurse Practice Specialist to join our team. Radiology Nursing encompasses three different specialties in the department of Radiology: Interventional Radiology Nursing, Diagnostic Radiology Nursing, and Pediatric Radiology Nursing. Radiology Nursing is committed to delivering high quality patient care in our various areas caring for both inpatient and outpatients. Our nurses are highly skilled critical care nurses that work in a high-tech environment. The Nurse Practice Specialist supports Radiology Nursing in Boston- Main Campus and Waltham- MGH West.

The Nurse Practice Specialist is a master's prepared nurse who promotes competent, compassionate and professional nursing care for patients in the department. The role includes direct patient care, teaching, research, evidence-based practice and quality improvement. The Nurse Practice Specialist develops, implements, and evaluates educational programs based on assessed learning needs of the patients, families, and staff, promotes positive patient care outcomes, and demonstrates accountability for ongoing personal and professional development. The Nurse Practice Specialist assists staff in achieving desired outcomes through direct and in-direct care activities, provides operating efficiencies, and ensures compliance with hospital and regulatory policies and standards of practice.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Clinical Practice:

1.1 Demonstrates excellence in nursing practice.

1.2 Supports independent nursing practice of professional nurses through collaborative, consultative, and role modeling activities.

1.3 Analyzes clinical and non-clinical variables to anticipate patient care needs and predict responses.

1.4 Identifies current trends in healthcare and their implications for nursing practice.

1.5 Promotes the progression of patients along the clinical wellness continuum while assisting patients and families and in comprehension of current health promoting behaviors.

1.6 Applies new technology, nursing theories, evidence-based research findings and experiential knowledge to improve nursing practice.

1.7 Responds to change in clinical practice by planning, designing, implementing, and evaluating guidelines, protocols and standards in collaboration with the nurse director and others.

1.8 Identifies ethical issues in nursing practice and guides staff and other providers in application of ethical concepts to patient care issues.

1.9 Applies innovative approaches to solve complex problems.

1.10 Unit specific: Maintains current certification in procedural sedation privileges under the guidance of MGH DACC.

1.11 Actively participates in daily patient care by working synergistically with front line staff.

2. Education:

2.1 Works collaboratively with Nurse Director and Imaging Education Office to develop, implement, and evaluate interventional, diagnostic, and pediatric specific nursing-based orientation programs.

2.2 Develops, implements, and evaluates educational programs based upon assessed learning needs of patients, families, and staff.

2.3 Collaborates with Blum Patient and Family Learning Center and other resources to ensure standardization within the institution.

2.4 Supports, participates, and designs educational programs for staff at the divisional and departmental level.

2.5 Coaches staff in analyzing and assessing their level of practice through clinical discussions and other professional forums.

2.6 Facilitates the acquisition of advanced clinical skills in staff nurses and clinical support staff through role modeling, practice, and consultation in the clinical setting.

2.7 Collaborates with the Radiology Interdisciplinary Simulation Team to develop, implement, and debrief weekly simulations for radiology staff.

2.8 Obtains ALS and BLS Instructor Certification to assist in routinely certifying staff to maintain competency and compliance for procedural sedation administration.

3. Consultation:

3.1 Provides expert consultation to patients, families, nurses, and other health providers to promote positive patient outcomes.

3.2 Initiates, facilitates, and develops interdisciplinary collaboration.

3.3 Provides consultation at the divisional, program, administrative, and community level(s).

3.4 Analyzes and evaluates the effectiveness of the consultative process.

4. Research/Research Utilization:

4.1 Participates in research activities that will positively affect patient care and patient care outcomes.

4.2 Uses nursing theories and research findings to plan, design, and nursing practice to generate researchable clinical problems.

4.3 Initiates or participates in quality assurance and performance improvement activities for evaluation of structure, process, and outcome criteria as it relates to clinical practice.

4.4 Participates in and supports research.

4.5 Utilizes scientific method in collecting data on clinical practice issues.

5. Professional Leadership:

5.1 Participates as an active member of the leadership team in goal setting and strategic planning at the unit, director, executive director, and vice chairman level.

5.2 Forms collaborative relationships with other departments within and outside the MGH community to promote excellence in clinical practice.

5.3 Leads or participates in departmental and/or hospital committees.

6. Clinical Leadership:

6.1 Leads or participates in performance improvement activities at the organizational and departmental levels.

6.2 Collaborates with the nurse director in identifying and evaluating the learning needs of staff.

6.3 Collaborates with the nurse director in the development and implementation of the professional development needs of staff (i.e. precepting, resource role).

6.4 Integrates systems thinking, ethical reasoning, and problem solving in identifying interventions that facilitate quality, cost effective patient care outcomes.

6.5 Develops and implements a unit-based plan of orientation for the newly hired CNS/NPS in collaboration with the nursing director.

6.6 Collaborates with departmental management and the policy and procedure subcommittee to assist with the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and standards of care necessary for the coordination and delivery of excellent patient-focused care.

7. Professional Development:

7.1 Engages in self-performance appraisal on an annual basis, identifying areas of strength as well as opportunities for professional and practice development.

7.2 Identifies individual learning needs and goals and develops a plan to meet them.

7.3 Maintains clinical knowledge and skills based upon current nursing and health care practices.

7.4 Participates in monthly mid-level departmental meetings as well as monthly MGH CNS/NPS meetings that address professional development and foster peer support and networking.

7.5 Maintains membership in one or more professional nursing organization(s).

7.6 Promotes the role of the nurse practice specialist through professional organization involvement, presentations, and publications.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

-Fluent in verbal and written language skill

-Cultural competence and language skills for patient population is desired

-PowerPoint and Microsoft Word proficient

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

Master's Degree required

Required: Current licensure as a registered nurse in the state of Massachusett

Preferred: Current CNS certification granted by a Board recognized certifying organization

Required: 3-5 years of critical care nursing experience

Preferred: 3-5 years of procedural nursing experience

EEO Statement

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

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