Clinical Nurse Education Specialist (CNES)Summary:The Clinical Nurse Education Specialist (CNES) is a master's- or doctoral-prepared nurse who functions as a clinical leader in nursing education, professional development, research, evidence-based practice, project management, mentoring, and coaching.
The CNES oversees nursing role development, competency management, orientation, and the translation of best evidence into nursing practice to support safe, high-quality patient care. This role serves as a vital liaison across the organization, communicating and navigating diverse perspectives in a respectful and effective manner to advocate for positive change, optimal care delivery, and an engaged nursing team.
The CNES is responsible for:
- Driving organizational change through effective communication and sound clinical judgment.
- Applying critical thinking and analytical skills to design and implement initiatives that improve nursing practice.
- Partnering effectively with clinical teams and the broader interprofessional team.
- Demonstrating a strong knowledge base within a clinical specialty and maintaining current professional knowledge and competency.
- Leveraging advanced education and training to lead nursing practice, support bedside nurses, and drive practice changes at the unit, service line, entity, and system levels.
- Applying evidence-based practices and process improvement and quality improvement methodologies to achieve optimal patient outcomes.
- Guiding interprofessional teams in advancing nursing practice and improving care delivery.
- Sharing knowledge and expertise through local, state, and/or national forums.
- Supporting the professional development of nurses and other healthcare professionals through clinical guidance, coaching, teaching, and mentoring.
- Promoting engagement through feedback, two-way communication, and shared decision-making.
- Supporting new hires and the ongoing development of clinical nurses to promote recruitment, professional growth, and retention.
Responsibilities- Lead nursing education, professional development, and competency management initiatives.
- Support orientation, role development, and ongoing clinical education for nursing staff.
- Translate current evidence into clinical practice to improve patient outcomes and the quality of care.
- Design, implement, and evaluate practice improvement initiatives using critical thinking, analytical skills, and quality improvement methodologies.
- Collaborate with clinical leaders and interprofessional teams to advance nursing practice and support organizational goals.
- Serve as a clinical resource, mentor, coach, and educator for nurses and other healthcare professionals.
- Facilitate effective communication, shared decision-making, and the adoption of evidence-based practices.
- Contribute to the development, engagement, recruitment, and retention of nursing staff.
Credentials- Registered Nurse - Pennsylvania (Required)
- Specialty Nursing Certification (ANCC-approved): Required within one year of hire if not already certified.
- Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) (Required)
Education or Equivalent Experience- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Required)
- Master of Arts or Master of Science (Required): Must be enrolled in the applicable graduate program at the time of hire and complete the degree within three years.
- Nursing Education Experience: Two or more years preferred.
- Staff Development Experience: Two or more years preferred.
We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our employee benefits programs help our employees get healthy and stay healthy. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region. Penn Medicine employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission. Together we will continue to make medical advances that help people live longer, healthier lives.
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