Master's degree in Nursing or related field (MSN) required.
3-5 years of recent clinical experience in cardiovascular critical care (CVICU required).
Experience in CVIMC or step-down cardiac care strongly preferred.
Previous experience in education, quality, or professional practice roles preferred.
Current RN license (State of Florida or compact state).
BLS and ACLS certification required. Specialty certification required (CCRN preferred; PCCN acceptable for CVIMC focus).
Responsibilities
Promote evidence-based practice in CVICU and CVIMC workflows.
Lead and support quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes.
Analyze clinical data to identify trends and improve care delivery.
Collaborate with leadership to implement best practices and clinical protocols.
Develop targeted education plans for nursing staff.
Provide onboarding support and competency validation for new hires.
Serve as a clinical resource for complex patient care situations.
Benefits
Opportunity to drive clinical excellence and quality improvement initiatives.
Access to comprehensive education and professional development opportunities.
Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and leadership.
Involvement in shared governance councils and service line initiatives.
Contribution to research and evidence-based practice initiatives.
Full Job Description
Employment Type: Full timeShift:
Description:
Position Summary The Clinical Practice Specialist (CPS) is an expert clinician responsible for advancing nursing practice, improving patient outcomes, and supporting evidence-based care across the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) and Cardiovascular Intermediate Care Unit (CVIMC). This role partners with nursing leadership, interdisciplinary teams, and frontline staff to drive clinical excellence, professional development, quality improvement, and practice standardization across the cardiovascular service line. The CPS serves as a clinical leader, educator, and change agent, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, regulatory standards, and best practices in high-acuity cardiovascular care.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Practice & Quality Improvement
Promotes evidence-based practice and ensures integration into CVICU and CVIMC workflows.
Analyzes clinical data and identifies trends to drive improvements in care delivery and patient safety.
Collaborates with unit leadership to implement and sustain best practices and clinical protocols.
Education & Professional Development
Assesses learning needs and develops targeted education plans for nursing staff in CVICU and CVIMC.
Provides onboarding support and competency validation for new hires, including orientation and skills development.
Facilitates ongoing education, simulation, and just-in-time training to maintain clinical excellence.
Supports certification efforts (e.g., CCRN, PCCN) and professional growth of nursing staff.
Clinical Expertise & Consultation
Serves as a clinical resource and expert in cardiovascular critical care and intermediate care.
Provides real-time consultation and support for complex patient care situations.
Rounds with interdisciplinary teams and contributes to clinical decision-making and care planning.
Supports adoption of advanced therapies and technologies (e.g., mechanical circulatory support, EndoTool, ECMO, where applicable).
Leadership & Collaboration
Partners with nurse managers, educators, physicians, and interdisciplinary teams to align practice with organizational priorities.
Participates in shared governance councils, committees, and service line initiatives.
Leads or contributes to policy, procedure, and clinical guideline development and revision.
Fosters a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
Regulatory & Compliance
Ensures clinical practice aligns with regulatory requirements (e.g., Joint Commission, CMS) and organizational policies.
Supports readiness efforts for surveys, audits, and accreditation processes.
Monitors compliance with clinical standards and implements corrective actions as needed.
Research & Evidence-Based Practice
Promotes a culture of inquiry and supports implementation of research and evidence-based initiatives.
Participates in or leads practice-based research projects and dissemination of findings.
Encourages staff engagement in EBP and quality initiatives.
Qualifications
Education
Master's degree in Nursing or related field (MSN) required.
Experience
Minimum 3-5 years of recent clinical experience in cardiovascular critical care (CVICU required)
Experience in CVIMC or step-down cardiac care strongly preferred
Previous experience in education, quality, or professional practice roles preferred
Licensure & Certification
Current RN license (State of Florida or compact state)
BLS and ACLS required
Specialty certification required (CCRN preferred; PCCN acceptable for CVIMC focus)
Core Competencies
Advanced cardiovascular clinical expertise
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Data-driven decision making and quality improvement
Education and staff development
Change management and leadership
Collaboration and relationship-building
Working Conditions
Primarily based in clinical units (CVICU and CVIMC)
Requires flexibility to support staff across shifts as needed
Participation in committees and projects across the organization
Impact of Role This position plays a critical role in enhancing patient outcomes, supporting frontline staff, and ensuring high-quality, standardized care across the cardiovascular continuum. The CPS directly contributes to improved clinical performance, staff engagement, and organizational excellence.
