Clinical Practice Specialist – NICU (Full Time, Days)

The Clinical Practice Specialist works with physicians to establish a collegial and interdisciplinary patient care environment. The Clinical Practice Specialist will be responsible for facilitating and managing Patient Care Services division special projects as assigned. The Clinical Practice Specialist will be responsible for directing the clinical nursing practice in the NICU, coordinating and assessing NICU education development and clinical competency of the nursing staff in the NICU; and ensuring continued competency through educational programs for both the newly hired and experienced nursing staff.

The Clinical Practice Specialist will be consulting with staff on complex neonatal critical care nursing issues and will have oversight of comprehensive patient and/or primary caretaker education activities and ensuring implementation of a coordinated and effective discharge planning program. The following responsibilities are included: oversight of the High-Risk Infant Follow Up Clinic, the Neonatal Resuscitation Program, oversight of clinical nursing practice and patient care delivery, development of personnel, compliance with regulatory and professional standards, fostering of interdisciplinary, collaborative relationships and is accountable for bringing innovative ideas from and to the bedside.

The Clinical Practice Specialist works collaboratively with Advance Practice Nurses, Learning and Leadership Team members, and nursing leaders to develop and validate the clinical competency of staff. The Clinical Practice Specialist works with physicians in order to establish a collegial and interdisciplinary patient care environment. The Clinical Practice Specialist is an independent consultant on clinical care issues for patients, families, staff, physicians and other departments. The Clinical Practice Specialist will be responsible for facilitating and managing Patient Care Services division special projects as assigned.

Education

Master’s and/or doctoral degree in nursing.

Licensure and

Certification

Current California RN License required. Certification in Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing from a nationally recognized accrediting organization within 1 year of hire. Current AHA or equivalent BLS and NRP certification required. Current Clinical Nurse Specialist certification is preferred.

Experience

Working knowledge of health care practices, patient care equipment and products required. Minimum of 3 years’ clinical experience in neonatal nursing care, at least one of which has been in a facility with a NICU that is equivalent to a Regional or Community NICU. 3-5 years of education, Clinical Nurse Leader, or Clinical Nurse Specialist experience with increasing scope of responsibility preferred. Preference to have current NRP Instructor status at time of hire. If not, will begin the process to become an NRP instructor within 4 months of hire.

Skills

Excellent oral and written communication skills required. Possesses instructional ability, leadership ability, and high professional standards. Must be well organized, be able to set priorities, work independently and is an effective team member. Word Processing skills required. Statistical/data management skills preferred. Must demonstrate and maintain current knowledge and skill in providing patient care based on age-related needs. Demonstrates current knowledge and skill in providing appropriate care for patient in the following age groups: Neonatal and Pediatric.

Standards of Performance: Demonstrate performance by adhering to established policies and procedures and exhibiting the defined characteristics associated with attendance and punctuality. Attendance is an essential function of the job.

Physical

Skills

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Effort: Performs all physical duties of the job.

Other: Knowledge of regulatory processes and Standards of Practice required (BRN, ANA, TJC, CCS and Title 22). Completion of annual organizational requirements for employment (TB testing, Safety Training, Corporate Compliance, HIPAA etc.).