Clinical Nursing Consultant II -Lung Screening Program

About the position

The Clinical Nurse Consultant II is accountable for facilitating the delivery of patient care utilizing the Nursing Process and Relationship-Based Care model as the framework. The Clinical Nurse Consultant II provides patient care and consultation, coordinates the educational development of staff members and acts as a role model in clinical practice. The CNCII strives to improve patient outcomes by integrating Shared Leadership, Evidence Based Practice Relationship Based Care and standards of nursing excellence into clinical practice. Through therapeutic relationships with patients, families, self and colleagues, the Clinical Nurse Consultant II participates in monitoring, developing, and evaluating nursing practice while fulfilling unit and organizational goals.

Responsibilities

• Completes required orientation program and unit specific competencies.
• Develops, coordinates and /or mentors staff in patient care plan development and ongoing clinical assessment.
• Uses Clinical expertise to collaborate with nursing staff and health care team to improve outcomes.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for patients, coordinating care across multiple specialties, including primary care, pulmonary, oncology, thoracic surgery, and radiation oncology.
• Consults with and implements orders from physician by performing interventions as prescribed by the provider and documenting accurately in the electronic medical record.
• Assesses, engages and obtains clinical information from multidisciplinary team, patient and /or family to develop an appropriate patient education plan.
• Recognizes symptoms, establishes priorities and responds to patients changing needs.
• Participate in shared decision-making visits to educate patients about lung cancer screening, including benefits, risks, and next steps.
• Assess patient needs, manage referrals, and coordinate appointments for diagnostic tests, treatments, and follow-up care.
• Engages nursing and support personnel by delegating appropriate tasks per the Illinois State Nurse Practice Act and provides support and feedback.
• Demonstrates a commitment to UI Health's values through teamwork and effective communication in an effort to achieve quality outcomes, patient safety, customer satisfaction and a clean, safe and therapeutic environment.
• Plan, organize, and participate in community events to raise awareness about lung cancer screening, early detection, and smoking cessation resources.
• Build partnerships with local organizations, healthcare providers, and public health entities to promote early detection initiatives.
• Provide educational resources and support to patients, caregivers, and the community about the importance of lung health and screening.
• Advocates for patients, families, and their significant others, the community and nursing profession.
• Advocate for patients by helping them navigate barriers to care, including financial, social, and logistical challenges.
• Assists in the coordination and management of daily unit activities.
• Integrates theoretical knowledge, evidenced -based research, current standards of practice and clinical experience to provide 'quality' patient care as measured by established nursing quality standards and other governing/accredited health care bodies.
• Recognizes and supports Shared Leadership as the selected method of nursing governance.
• Participates in organizational, departmental and shared leadership activities; supports department and unit goals in daily behavior.
• Demonstrates accountability for job performance by seeking opportunities to enhance job skills and knowledge; maintaining conditions of employment (RN licensure, BLS and other required unit-specific certifications).
• Adheres to the UI Health Code of Conduct.
• Treats patients/families, staff, students and visitors with respect and dignity.
• Adheres to Nursing's time, overtime and attendance policies.
• Completes electronic learning modules and related programs as assigned by Medical Center Learning by established date.
• Utilizes established communication channels/chain of command to escalate or resolve patient care problems.
• Complies with University Health Services TB and fit testing requirements.
• Identifies recurring clinical practice and/or related unit problems and participates in problem solving and resolution.
• Collaborates with, supports and participates in departmental and organizational education initiatives through Clinical Practice and Professional Development.
• Collaborates with other nurses and physicians to identify, promote, and provide positive learning experiences for staff and students.
• Deliver evidence-based smoking cessation interventions and connect patients with resources.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop tailored smoking cessation plans that address individual needs and goals.
• Assess and analyzes education needs of colleagues, staff and students.
• Initiates, conducts and analyzes evidence-based practice research to improve patient care outcomes.
• Serves as preceptor, mentor, and resource to other nursing staff and students.
• Accesses Medical Center Intranet for relevant communication and to review and interpret changes in policy, procedure and other information pertinent to practice.
• Track and monitor patients through the screening and diagnostic process, ensuring timely follow-up on abnormal findings.
• Track follow-up screening adherence, identify gaps, and address barriers preventing patients from receiving necessary care.
• Manage lung cancer screening program databases, including data entry, tracking patient outcomes, and generating statistical reports.
• Conducts and supports other nursing and multidisciplinary research efforts on the unit and across UI Health.
• Participate in research projects aimed at improving lung cancer screening and early detection protocol.
• Takes responsibility for continued professional growth /development by identification of learning needs and initiates strategies to meet such needs.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Graduation from an accredited school of nursing.
• Eligibility for registration with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation.
• Two years of RN experience.
• Current AHA BLS/CPR and other required unit specific certifications.
• Effective communication skills (oral and written) that facilitate therapeutic relationships between patients, family, and health care providers.
• Intermediate computer skills with the ability to become proficient in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) with on-the-job training.

Nice-to-haves

• Previous Pulmonary or Oncology Nursing Experience.