OverviewLeads the advancement of professional nursing practice and quality by developing, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based clinical programs, standards, and performance improvement initiatives. Collaborates with physicians, nursing, and interprofessional teams to ensure coordinated, multidisciplinary, patient-centered care. Serves as a resource and mentor, integrating best evidence into education and competency development, using systems thinking and practice evaluation to support continuous learning. Promotes shared decision making and a culture of inquiry, innovation, and excellence to improve patient outcomes and the work environment.
This role supports Acute Adult Nursing Departments, including ICU and step-down units.
ResponsibilitiesClinical Practice Leadership and Governance- Demonstrates superior clinical competency and serves as a role model for nursing practice.
- Sets standards for nursing practice
- Develops, evaluates, and implements policies and procedures grounded in best evidence.
- Leads quality and performance improvement initiatives with interdisciplinary partners
- Utilizes EHR reports and outcome metrics to drive results.
- Identifies barriers to practice and collaborates with leaders to integrate needed improvements into team workflows and performance plans.
- Ensures compliance with regulatory and accrediting standards so assigned areas remain survey ready at all times.
- Builds collaborative relationships across departments and represents nursing practice with internal and external stakeholders.
Advanced Clinical Consultation and Care Coordination- Insures the delivery of high-quality, patient- and family-centered nursing care across the continuum.
- Provides expert consultation for complex clinical situations
- Participates in patient care rounds and facilitates interdisciplinary coordination.
- Operationalizes the nursing philosophy of care
- Translates research and evidence into daily practice at the point of care.
- Develops and promotes practices that are clinically effective and cost effective.
- Evaluates care processes and outcomes; initiates actions based on data to improve safety, quality, and patient experience.
Professional Development, Education, and Mentorship- Collaborates to assess clinical learning needs and plans educational programming for new and evolving models of care.
- Creates educational offerings and provides real-time coaching at the bedside to develop and sustain clinical and professional excellence.
- Strengthens precepting and mentorship programs
- Fosters mentoring relationships for new and experienced staff.
- Collaborates with nursing leaders and educators to design curricula and evaluate department programs; integrates specialty content into unit-based orientation.
- Provides guidance to nursing staff and students
Evidence-Based Practice, Research, and Dissemination- Champions nursing research, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement from concept through implementation.
- Ensures projects affirm scientific merit, protect human subjects, and align with strategic goals, key performance indicators, patient experience, and sustainability objectives.
- Monitors fidelity and outcomes of practice change to promote long term sustainability and spread.
- Mentors colleagues on EBP implementation and scholarship.
Qualifications- Graduate of an accredited school of nursing; Master's degree in Nursing (MSN) with a focus in Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Clinical Leader, Nursing Management, or Nursing Education. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a clinical focus accepted in lieu of MSN. Master's in Health Care Administration (MHA) or other healthcare related degrees accepted.
- 3-5 years clinical nursing experience within the relevant clinical service line, with proven understanding of nursing research and evidence-based practice.
- Valid Iowa RN license
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Team Leadership: Able to lead multidisciplinary teams and direct others.
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Demonstrates critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Evidence-Based Practice Change: Significant experience in evidence-based practice change.
- Process Improvement: Proven success in process improvement.
- Technology: Proficient in Microsoft Office.
- Equipment: Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform essential functions of the position.
- Adaptability: Flexibility in responding to changing needs of the organization.
- Program Development: Experience in development, implementation, and evaluation of clinical programs.
- Education: Experience teaching nursing concepts in the classroom setting or on a patient care unit.
- Data and Analytics: Experience in analyses and evaluation of EHR reports.
