Clinical Nurse Expert - Inpatient Spinal Cord Injury (shepherd)

Job Description

The Clinical Nurse Expert functions in the role of expert clinician, educator, consultant and researcher, managing and overseeing evidence based practices for brain, spinal and other neurologic disorders, working with other managers and directors assuring nursing practices are of quality to the center and to the program.

The Clinical Nurse Expert participates within hospital-wide and program committees to enhance best practices and works with the CNO, Nurse Managers, and Program Directors to support collaborative practices in nursing and therapy. The role manages nurse educators and PCT educators to support implementation of best practices. Additionally, this role serves as a lead nurse planner to fulfill ANCC Provider Unit requirements for continuing education.

• Ensure coordinated care for all patients in assigned unit.

• Assess educational needs, develop education/competency programs, to include orientation plans, that meet the needs of learner and develops knowledge and skills necessary to provide patient care.

• Recognize high risk concepts/skills and provide guidance and resources to ensure safe, effective nursing care.

• Communicate and coordinate clinical education needs to leadership.

• Coordinate any center-wide needs in conjunction with the Nursing Education Committee.

• Facilitate the development of educational materials (staff/patients, as applicable to assigned unit).

• Coordinate and implement classroom and clinical nursing orientation for assigned program.

• Coordinate student placement, orients students, and organizes preceptorships for nursing students, as applicable to assigned unit.

• Organize and/or facilitate program specific patient/family education activities, if required by assigned unit.

• Manage documentation and audits, provides action plans for areas needing improvement.

• Communicate within the Center and the community at large in a manner that promotes excellent customer service and the professional sharing of information.

• Participate in educational conferences and presentation for the discipline and the educational program.

• Perform literature reviews to ensure nursing practice conforms to most recent evidence.

• Serve on and contribute to committees, task forces or focus groups.

• Serve as either Accredited Provider Program Director or Nurse Planner to fulfill ANCC Provider Unit requirements for continuing education.

• Maintain certification(s) and professional growth.

• Practice proper safety techniques in accordance with Center and departmental policies and procedures. Responsible for the reporting of employee/patient/visitor injuries or accidents, or other safety issues to the supervisor and in the occurrence notification system.  

• Monitor and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, organizational standards, and policies and procedures related to area of responsibility. Identifies potential risk areas within area of responsibility and supports problem resolution process.

Required Minimum Education: 

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing; RN with Master’s Degree in Nurse Education (professional experience in the field of interest accepted).

Required Minimum Certification:

• Current BLS certification.

• Registered Nurse (RN)

Required Minimum Experience:

• 3-5 years of clinical experience in either Med/Surg or Rehab.

Required Minimum Skills:

• Exceptional verbal and nonverbal communication skills.

• Leadership and effective coaching skills.

• Exceptional time management and organizational skills.

• Completes orientation and initial assessment of competency successfully by determined due date.

• Completes mandatory education and annual competency assessment requirements by determined due date.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification

• Certification Rehabilitation Registered Nurse and/or Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse preferred.

• Nurse Educator experience preferred or other advance practice nurse certifications in neurology.

​Physical Demands:

• Uses body, tools, or special devices to safely, effectively, and efficiently to move, guide, or place patients. Involves some latitude for judgement with regard to precision attained and the selection of what adaptive device(s) to utilize.

• Ability to transfer and position patients, consistent with lifting up to 50 lbs.

Working Conditions:  

• Some potential for exposure to blood and body fluids.