Job Requirements

We are seeking a Senior Clinical Nurse I (SCN I) to join our Ambulatory Services team at the University of Maryland Medical Center's Neurology Care Center. This is a hospital-based practice that provides an exciting opportunity for a nurse to provide high quality and efficient delivery of comprehensive social services needs and determinants. The Neurology Care Center provides tertiary evaluation and treatments for complex neurological conditions including Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, neuropathy, myasthenia gravis, ALS, dystonia, tremor, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, headaches and other neurologic disorders. Our neurologists are world/nationally renowned leaders in their subspecialties committed to providing the highest level of patient care. Our specialty care includes Maryland Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's & Movement Disorder Center, Neuromuscular Diseases, Epilepsy Center, Headache/Migraine, General Neurology, Stroke Center, Dystonia. Other specialized services provided include infusions, botulinum toxin injections, lumbar puncture, biopsies, EEG, EMG/NCS, autonomic testing, neuropsychological testing, and clinical trials.

The nurse will work collaboratively with the neurologists and nurse manager to plan and implement the delivery of compassionate and comprehensive care for the population served. The role is designed for experienced nurses who are advancing towards expertise of the UMMS Nursing Competency Model. The SCN I maintain practice readiness as defined by UMMS while serving as a clinical and leadership resource within their local clinical area. The SCN I demonstrate advanced clinical reasoning, proactive problem-solving, and established leadership behaviors including mentoring colleagues and participating in quality improvement initiatives. The SCN I provide direct patient care to complex patient populations while serving as a leader and mentor within the interdisciplinary team in alignment with UMMS Mission, Vision, and Values. Come join this exciting team of professionals!

Work Experience

Primary Responsibilities

Assessment & Care

• Conduct comprehensive nursing assessments with enhanced clinical reasoning to evaluate and determine appropriate next steps in the patient's plan of care.
• Adapt, coordinate, and implement individualized patient care based on dynamic patient needs.

Clinical Practice

• Provide safe, timely, and organized patient care through efficient workflow management and clinical reasoning. Identify anticipated barriers and challenges to executing shift routines and adapt care delivery accordingly.
• Serve as an expert resource for clinical decision-making on the unit.

Education, Communication & Collaboration

• Facilitate effective communication across disciplines, mediate conflicts when needed, and model assertive, respectful dialogue to support safe and coordinated care.
• Implements comprehensive handoff practices and patient education strategies, addressing complex care needs.

Medication Management

• Follows institutional policies, procedures, and best practices for safe medication handling, administration, disposal, and documentation.
• Serve as a unit resource for complex medication regimens and reconciliation processes.

Prevention, Safety & Quality

• Implements and maintains a safe, therapeutic care environment by adhering to hospital safety protocols, infection prevention and control standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Actively identifies and mitigates safety risks, and fosters a culture of safety through collaboration, vigilance, and timely reporting of incidents or near misses.

Professionalism

• Demonstrate accountability for professional practice by adhering to regulatory standards, institutional policies, and the ANA Code of Ethics.
• Model exemplary professional conduct and accountability. Engage in continuous learning (10 CEs annually) and professional development to maintain clinical competence.

Inquiry & Innovation

• Translate evidence into practice by leading unit-level project(s).
• Lead quality improvement projects that demonstrate measurable impact.

Leadership

• Mentor and support Clinical Nurse I and Clinical Nurse II colleagues through formal and informal teaching opportunities.

Education & Experience - Required

• Licensure as a Registered Nurse in the state of Maryland OR eligibility to practice due to Compact state agreements outlined through the Maryland Board of Nursing required.
• Graduation from an accredited nursing program with Associate Degree in Nursing and specialty certification OR Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
• Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification required. Will accept Red Cross BLS upon hire (new hires only).
• Minimum of 24 months of clinical nursing experience.
• Evidence of leadership potential through mentoring, committee participation, or quality improvement involvement.
• Minimum 0.5 Full Time Equivalent employment status required
• Specialty life support certification required based on clinical area assignment.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Demonstrates competence in Levels 1-3 of UMMS Nursing Competencies, per standard.
• Successfully completes all requirements of member organization/departmental orientation.
• Maintains knowledge of nursing principles, practices, and standards of care.
• Demonstrates advanced understanding of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and disease processes with ability to manage complex patient populations.
• Maintains current knowledge of evidence-based practice, patient safety guidelines, and infection control standards with ability to mentor others.
• Maintains knowledge of relevant policies, procedures, regulatory requirements (e.g., HIPAA, Joint Commission), and documentation standards with ability to mentor others.
• Demonstrates critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address complex clinical and operational challenges.
• Promote effective communication and teamwork across all disciplines in care area.
• Leads and participates in change initiatives that impact care area.
• Achieves and maintains individual competency requirements for nursing practice with ability to mentor others.
• Shows commitment to professional development through participation in professional organizations and continuing education.
• Demonstrates physical ability to meet job demands (e.g., lifting, prolonged standing, assisting with patient mobility).

Benefits