The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is a licensed advanced practice registered nurse that has graduate preparation (master’s or doctorate) in nursing as a clinical nurse specialist.  The CNS functions in the role of expert clinician, educator, leader, consultant and researcher.  In collaboration with the healthcare team, CNS monitors the clinical care of patients and provides clinical support to improve patient care and outcomes.  With in-depth knowledge and skills, advanced judgment and clinical experience in a nursing specialty, the CNS sphere of influence includes the care of the patient/family, practice of nursing and providing solutions for complex systems and processes.  The CNS serves as a role model, patient advocate, change agent, and leader to enhance patient care.  This position practices within the scope of the Tennessee Nursing Practice Act and in accordance with ETCH policy.

REPORTS TO

• Nursing Director, Neonatal and Critical Transport Services

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Supervisory Responsibilities: NO

Minimum Education:Master’s of Science in Nursing Degree Required with emphasis in Clinical Nurse Specialty (Doctoral Degree [DNP or PhD] preferred)

Degree: Nursing

License/Certification Required:

• TN or Compact RN Licensure Required
• Active Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) license preferred
• Board certification in area of specialty required
• NRP, STABLE, BLS required

Minimum Work Experience:

• 3 years full time or equivalent clinical experience with at least one-year equivalent experience working in a regional or community NICU.
• 5 years minimum increasingly responsible experience which demonstrates proficiency in the skills and knowledge required to perform the job.
• Extensive advanced knowledge of nursing principles, practice, and systems.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates superior clinical nursing skills and is a recognized leader in remarkable neonatal patient care.
• Must have excellent communication skills and have skill in relating to all levels of staff.
• Readily speaks of research processes and encourages same within the nursing community.
• Plan and organize neonatal nursing care.
• Train and supervise non-professional staff.
• Establish and maintain effective interpersonal relations with other staff members.
• Maintain the confidentiality of patient/client information.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct Patient Care

• Conduct comprehensive wellness and illness assessments including development of a differential diagnosis.
• Provide interventions to prevent or treat illness including identification and treatment of symptoms, functional problems, risk behaviors.
• Use advanced communication skills to address complex situations and conversations.
• Intervene to educate, mentor and coach the family, and caregiver(s) to establish a patient centered plan of care and navigate complex healthcare systems.
• Develop and educate staff to provide evidence-based nursing care.
• Lead discovery of innovations in patient care.

• Utilize evidence-based practices to guide nursing practice and support patients and their families.
• Develop population profiles and conduct clinical inquiries to determine the need to change practice.
• Utilize advanced clinical knowledge and communication skills through role modeling and consultation, to enhance interdisciplinary communication among healthcare providers to support nursing practice and improve patient outcomes.
• Responsible for mentoring new staff and developing team building skills.
• Create and develop evidence-based policies, procedures, protocols, and best practice models/guidelines using advanced clinical and specialty knowledge.
• Assist nurses and the interprofessional team to evaluate and change practice standards and ensure nursing practice is evidence-based.

• Lead systematic quality improvement and safety initiatives based on gap assessments and data analysis.
• Drive translation of best evidence into practice and facilitates integration of multiple programs and disciplines across the healthcare system to ensure positive patient outcomes.
• Collect and analyze data while utilizing collaborative systems thinking to achieve quality, cost-effective patient care and outcomes.
• Provide leadership to multidisciplinary teams to enhance the facilitation of case management of high-risk neonatal patients.
• Advocate for the improvement of health care through participation in professional, private, and governmental agencies.
• Create healthy communities and work to enhance a culture of health beyond the healthcare system.
• Utilize expert leadership skills to influence policymakers and advocate for equitable healthcare.
• Participate as member and leader in state/national and specialty nursing/healthcare organizations including NACNS.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS-Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

• Heavy lifting, pushing, and pulling is required up to 50 lbs occasionally, 20-30 lbs frequently, and 10lbs constantly to move objects of up to 150 lbs. Sudden emergency situations have the potential for exposure to lifting or moving of up to 150 lbs. Frequent bending, walking, sitting squatting, reaching, and standing are required. Keyboard/computer use and/or repetitive motions may be required.