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

University of Iowa•Iowa City, IA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Iowa Health Care Department of Emergency Medicine is seeking a Clinical Practice Leader (CPL) for its University Campus Emergency Department. The CPL is an expert clinician who leads nursing 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 Emergency Medicine nursing staff, assures staff competency, provides specialized patient care, and advances evidence-based practice and research. The CPL leads changes in nursing practice using systematic evaluation and the Iowa Model for evidence-based practice; develops, implements, integrates, and maintains evidence-based standards; facilitates quality and process improvements; and promotes interdisciplinary collaboration. The role provides advanced Emergency Medicine nursing expertise to staff, patients, students, and residents, and leads unit-based education, orientation, and development. The CPL maintains knowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements, helps ensure staff understanding of CMS Patient Rights standards and other applicable standards and policies, and keeps the microsystem prepared for The Joint Commission (TJC). The role also shares responsibility for the Quality Improvement plan with nursing practice leaders and colleagues, develops patient-care protocols and policies, supervises care delivered by nursing staff, students, or residents, provides performance feedback, and supports individual and team development. The University Campus Emergency Department is a 57-bed department at 200 Hawkins Dr. Its spaces include a 13-room Pediatric ED with two trauma/resuscitation rooms and a procedural room; a main ED with three trauma/resuscitation rooms, Team Triage space, and six results-waiting chairs; and a South Expansion with 12 enhanced multipurpose rooms and a calming room. The multidisciplinary team includes registered nurses, clinical technicians, patient care technicians, paramedics, unit assistants, social work, psychiatry, Emergency Medicine providers, pharmacy, and a research team. The department received an Emergency Nurses Association Lantern Award in 2025. This is a regular salaried position located in Iowa City, Iowa. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with variable hours between 0700 and 1700 and occasional off shifts. The position is listed at 100% time.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Nursing.
Current license to practice nursing in Iowa.
Three or more years of clinical nursing experience in Emergency Medicine.
Knowledge and experience with staff education and development.
Knowledge and experience with 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 (CNL) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) 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.
Ability to role-model 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 and assure their competency.
Improve patient outcomes and nursing care through evidence-based practice and research.
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.
Implement and proactively manage change.
Lead interdisciplinary collaboration and teamwork.
Provide specialized patient care.
Facilitate evidence-based projects for Emergency Medicine nursing and incorporate findings into clinical practice.
Lead and support a culture of evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and process improvement.
Promote critical thinking and innovation in nursing practice and patient care.
Provide advanced Emergency Medicine nursing specialty knowledge to healthcare staff, patients, students, and residents, communicating complex medical and technical information to varied audiences.
Lead unit-based staff education, orientation, and development, including in-services and specialized training.
Maintain knowledge of regulatory and compliance standards that affect the microsystem, nursing practice, and patient care.
Ensure staff understanding and maintenance of CMS Patient Rights standards, other external standards, and UI Health Care policies, procedures, and standards of practice.
Ensure the microsystem is prepared for The Joint Commission at all times.
Lead and facilitate interdisciplinary quality and process improvements at the microsystem level.
Use clinical expertise to develop patient-care protocols and policies.
Supervise care delivery by Emergency Medicine nursing staff, students, or residents.
Assess patient care delivered by nursing staff and other members of the healthcare team.
Provide performance feedback and recommendations to managers regarding staff members.
Facilitate and support the growth and development of individual staff members and the team.
Share responsibility for the Quality Improvement plan with nursing practice leaders and other nursing colleagues.
Manage staff performance and assure compliance with applicable policies and procedures for the assigned area.