Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

The Ohio State University

5d•Onsite

About The Position

THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY WEXNER MEDICAL CENTER (University Hospital, Ross Heart Hospital, Dodd Rehabilitation, and the James Cancer Hospital) is committed to improving health in Ohio and across the world through innovation in research, education, and patient care. The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) team plays a vital role in delivering high-quality, evidence-based care and support services. Their work is focused on achieving positive patient outcomes, enhancing patient engagement in their own care, and reducing hospital length of stay. The CNS provides expert guidance and support to the care team to ensure consistent, safe, and effective care in designated clinical areas. They are integral to advancing staff engagement, enhancing the patient experience, improving quality and safety, and promoting cost-effective practices. Patients and their families benefit from clinical professional practice model rooted in collaboration, mutual respect, and personalized care. The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) has a unique role in integrating care across the continuum and influencing three key spheres: the patient, clinical practice, and the healthcare system. These three spheres of influence form the organizing framework for CNS core competencies. While they are interconnected and often overlap, each maintains a distinct focus. A CNS may concentrate on one or more of these spheres; however, clinical expertise remains central and serves as the foundation for effective practice in the other three spheres. The CNS provides expert care in the treatment of health and illness states, disease management, health promotion, and illness and risk prevention—serving individuals, families, groups, and communities. CNS engages directly with patients, families, and care teams to promote health and improve quality of life. This care is delivered through a holistic lens, emphasizing advanced clinical management of health, illness, and disease across diverse settings. CNS advances clinical practice by ensuring that care teams apply evidence-based practices to meet the complex and evolving needs of patients and populations. The CNS plays a key role in mentoring and supporting clinical staff. At the organizational level, the CNS articulates the value of evidenced-based practice in strategic decision-making, influences system-level changes to improve quality and cost-effectiveness, and advocates for innovations that enhance patient outcomes and care delivery processes.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited school of registered clinical with current licensure as an RN and APRN-CNS license in the State of Ohio.
Hold a master’s degree in nursing.
Certified as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS).
Clinical experience relevant to the assigned unit(s) or department specialty, as defined by the scope of service.

Nice To Haves

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is preferred.
Specialty certification is preferred.
Previous experience as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is also preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides expert guidance and support to the care team to ensure consistent, safe, and effective care in designated clinical areas.
Advances staff engagement, enhances the patient experience, improves quality and safety, and promotes cost-effective practices.
Integrates care across the continuum and influences three key spheres: the patient, clinical practice, and the healthcare system.
Provides expert care in the treatment of health and illness states, disease management, health promotion, and illness and risk prevention—serving individuals, families, groups, and communities.
Engages directly with patients, families, and care teams to promote health and improve quality of life.
Advances clinical practice by ensuring that care teams apply evidence-based practices to meet the complex and evolving needs of patients and populations.
Mentors and supports clinical staff.
Articulates the value of evidenced-based practice in strategic decision-making.
Influences system-level changes to improve quality and cost-effectiveness.
Advocates for innovations that enhance patient outcomes and care delivery processes.
Maintains current Ohio RN and APRN licensure.
Meets mandatory educational and health requirements.
Maintains and seeks new knowledge related to patient care issues, quality improvement, and cost reduction, as well as current policies, procedures, and protocols.
Executes the Standard Care Agreement with the designated collaborating physician(s) and maintains the SCA in a current state.
Meets credentialing requirements as a Licensed Healthcare Provider (LHCP) and maintains CNS core privileges.