Clinical Practice Leader (CPL) -Emergency Medicine (University Campus)

UIOWA•Iowa City, IA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Iowa Health Care Department of Emergency Medicine is hiring a Nursing Clinical Practice Leader (CPL) for its University Campus Emergency Department. The CPL is an expert clinician who leads care delivery at the clinical microsystem level, applying evidence-based information to design, implement, and evaluate patient care. The role focuses on improving patient outcomes and experience, reducing costs, and enhancing revenue. The CPL leads clinical practice for Emergency Medicine nursing staff; supports competency, education, orientation, and professional development; promotes evidence-based practice, research, quality improvement, and process improvement; and facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration. The leader also helps develop and implement policies, procedures, protocols, and standards, supports regulatory readiness, and supervises and evaluates care delivery by nursing staff, students, or residents. The University Campus ED is a 57-bed department with dedicated pediatric, trauma/resuscitation, procedural, triage, results-waiting, multipurpose, and calming-room spaces. Its multidisciplinary team includes nurses, clinical and patient care technicians, paramedics, unit assistants, social work, psychiatry, Emergency Medicine providers, pharmacy, and research staff. The department received the Emergency Nurses Association Lantern Award in 2025. This is a 100% position based at the University Campus in Iowa City. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with variable hours between 0700 and 1700 and occasional off shifts.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Nursing.
Current license to practice nursing in Iowa.
At least three years of clinical nursing experience in Emergency Medicine.
Knowledge and experience in staff education and development.
Knowledge and experience in outcomes-based practice and quality improvement.
Knowledge and experience leading change processes, including implementation of evidence-based practice.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Proficiency in computer software applications.
Professional job-related experience fostering or promoting a welcoming and respectful work or academic environment where people of all backgrounds and perspectives feel welcomed and appreciated, or demonstrated ability to do so.

Nice To Haves

Clinical Nurse Leader or Clinical Nurse Specialist designation.
Clinical Nurse Leader certification by the Commission on Nurse Certification, or certification relevant to the clinical specialty.
Ability to understand and deliver care at the microsystem level within a large, complex academic medical center.
Experience role-modeling professional and clinical practice.
Experience with nursing research.
Strong critical-thinking and analytical skills and ability to problem-solve.
Membership or active participation in professional organizations.

Responsibilities

Lead clinical care delivery for Emergency Medicine nursing staff, focusing on patient outcomes and nursing care through evidence-based practice and research.
Assure nursing staff competency and lead changes in nursing practice and patient care based on systematic evaluation and the Iowa Model for evidence-based practice.
Develop, implement, integrate, and maintain evidence-based standards, and proactively manage change.
Lead interdisciplinary collaboration and teamwork and provide specialized patient care.
Facilitate evidence-based projects and incorporate findings into clinical practice.
Facilitate quality and process improvements and promote critical thinking and innovation in nursing practice.
Provide advanced Emergency Medicine nursing specialty knowledge to healthcare staff, patients, students, and residents.
Communicate complex medical and technical information to varied audiences.
Lead unit-based staff education, orientation, development, in-services, and specialized training.
Ensure compliance with Emergency Medicine nursing standards, regulatory requirements, CMS Patient Rights standards, external standards, and UI Health Care policies and procedures.
Lead development and implementation of Emergency Medicine policies and procedures and share responsibility for the Quality Improvement plan with nursing practice leaders and colleagues.
Ensure the microsystem is ready for The Joint Commission (TJC) review.
Develop patient care protocols and policies using clinical expertise.
Supervise care delivery by nursing staff, students, or residents; assess care and provide evaluative feedback and performance recommendations.
Develop and manage staff performance and ensure compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
Support the growth and development of individual staff members and the team.