Advanced Clinical Nurse Specialist

At Duke Health, we are dedicated to providing compassionate care that positively impacts the lives of patients, their families, and the broader community.

About Duke University Hospital

Embrace your passion for healthcare at Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, recognized as one of the premier hospitals in the United States and the leading hospital in North Carolina, according to U.S. News and World Report. Duke University Hospital is the largest facility within Duke Health, featuring 1,048 patient beds, 65 operating rooms, and extensive diagnostic and therapeutic services, including a regional emergency/trauma center and an endo-surgery center.

HIRING INCENTIVES

- $7,500 Commitment Bonus (distributed in two equal payments of $3,750 each on the 6-month and 12-month work anniversaries)

- $8,000 relocation budget for candidates moving 50 or more miles to be closer to Duke

Job Location

Infusion Centers throughout the Duke University Health System

Position Overview

The Infusion Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) at Duke Health collaborates with healthcare team members to enhance patient care in the non-oncology ambulatory infusion environment. This role serves as an expert resource and consultant to nursing staff, providing evidence-based clinical expertise to patients. The Infusion CNS embodies the roles of clinician, educator, investigator, consultant, role model, and leader, making clinical decisions based on a synthesis of current research, principles, and outcomes to address complex challenges. They are a dynamic role model for nursing staff and play a crucial part in a larger interdisciplinary team focused on excellence in patient care, research, education, and leadership.

Key Responsibilities

1. Direct Patient Care

• Conduct thorough and accurate patient assessments.
• Synthesize assessment data, advanced knowledge, and experience, utilizing critical thinking and clinical judgment for clinical issues suitable for CNS intervention.
• Implement evidence-based clinical practice guidelines tailored to individual patient needs.
• Support the development, execution, and evaluation of practice standards, guidelines, policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Select and implement evidence-based clinical interventions to achieve defined patient and system outcomes.
• Prescribe nursing therapeutics, interventions, diagnostic measures, and treatments in accordance with professional standards and regulations.
• Evaluate nursing practice outcomes for safety, effectiveness, and patient-centered care.
• Differentiate between individual patient care modifications and those requiring system-level changes.
• Coordinate patient care utilizing system and community resources to ensure successful health transitions and optimal outcomes.

1. Education and Mentorship

• Assess the educational needs of nursing staff and implement appropriate training opportunities.
• Participate in the education of nurses and other healthcare providers, including pre-professional and continuing education.
• Contribute to the advancement of the nursing profession by sharing expert knowledge through presentations and publications.
• Mentor healthcare professionals in applying evidence-based care principles.
• Utilize advanced communication skills to foster effective clinical teams.
• Lead conflict management and negotiation efforts to resolve healthcare system challenges.
• Identify patient and family education needs and priorities.
• Guide patients and families in navigating the healthcare system.
• Develop and evaluate patient education resources and programs tailored to individual needs.
• Provide education to individuals and communities to promote understanding and optimal functioning across the wellness-illness continuum.

1. Collaboration

• Assist staff in creating innovative, cost-effective care programs or protocols.
• Evaluate the quality and effectiveness of interdisciplinary communication and collaboration.
• Establish collaborative relationships across departments to enhance patient safety and clinical excellence.
• Facilitate communication within and between agencies.
• Provide leadership in fostering collaborative relationships to meet clinical needs.
• Work collegially with medical staff and other healthcare team members to enhance health outcomes.

1. Leadership in Systems

• Facilitate the delivery of competent care by staff through education and quality monitoring.
• Model advanced professional nursing through conduct, communication, and ethical decision-making.
• Conduct system-level assessments to identify factors influencing nursing practice and outcomes.
• Determine interventions that promote safety for patients, families, and communities.
• Implement strategies to encourage the adoption of evidence-based practices.
• Lead efforts to maintain a supportive and healthy work environment.
• Promote interdisciplinary collaboration to improve care through outcome-focused programs and clinical research.

1. Quality Improvement and Research

• Analyze research findings for their application to clinical practice.
• Integrate evidence into the management of health and wellness for patients and communities.
• Apply principles of evidence-based practice and quality improvement to patient care.
• Assess barriers to the adoption of evidence-based practices.
• Design programs for effective implementation of research findings in clinical settings.
• Encourage a climate of clinical inquiry across various spheres of influence.
• Foster an interdisciplinary approach to quality improvement and research.
• Participate in establishing quality improvement agendas at various organizational levels.
• Utilize quality monitoring data to assess clinical program effectiveness.
• Develop initiatives based on quality assessments.
• Lead the design and evaluation of process improvement initiatives.
• Participate in research activities.

1. Ethical Decision-Making and Advocacy

• Engage in self-evaluation processes to seek feedback on practice.
• Promote professional accountability in self and others.
• Facilitate the resolution of ethical conflicts.
• Support patient and family understanding of healthcare options to promote informed decision-making.

Job Eligibility Requirements

Education

• Graduate of an accredited MSN or DNP Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist program.

License

• Current unrestricted RN license recognized by the NCBON with authorization to practice as a Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Certification

• Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult-Gerontology (AGCNS-BC or ACCNS-AG).
• Note: NPs and PAs are not eligible; this position is exclusively for CNS educated/certified individuals.

Experience

• A minimum of 3 years of RN clinical experience is required.
• Infusion experience is preferred.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Knowledge of professional nursing theory and clinical practice standards.
• Able to independently seek resources and collaborate to solve complex problems.
• Effective communication skills with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
• Able to perform health assessments and document activities accurately.
• Proficient in using computer systems and learning new software.
• Able to provide leadership in clinical expertise and organizational goals.
• Able to withstand prolonged standing and walking, with the ability to lift at least fifty pounds.
• Able to remain focused and organized in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to work collaboratively with all levels of personnel.

Job Hours

1.0 FTE position, Monday-Friday, 8am - 5pm and additional hours as necessary to fulfill responsibilities.

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunities without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aims to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success relies on the robust exchange of ideas, best achieved when diverse perspectives and experiences are valued. It is essential that all community members feel secure and welcome, that contributions are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community share the responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain roles at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions requiring specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provisions for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

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