Clinical Practice Specialist Registered Nurse CDH Peds/PICU/Peds Outpatient Full-time Days

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare • Winfield, IL

4d

About The Position

The Clinical Practice Specialist supports Northwestern Medicine’s mission, vision, and values and leads efforts to ensure high-quality clinical practice and professional development at the front line. This position serves the Peds/PICU/Peds Outpatient departments at CDH. The specialist develops education and competency programs, supports quality and safety initiatives, mentors staff, promotes evidence-based practice and research, and collaborates with operational and nursing leaders to improve patient care. The role also contributes to staff orientation and retention, participates in shared leadership and committees, and serves as a clinical resource and patient advocate.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
• Master of Science in Nursing, or obtain it within four years of assuming the role.
• Registered Nursing license issued by the State of Illinois.
• Certification in a related clinical area, or obtain it when eligible.
• 3–5 years of experience in the specific clinical area.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement staff education opportunities based on needs assessments, departmental and system goals, and new or expanded clinical programs.
• Support staff in pursuing and maintaining specialty certification by monitoring progress and completion.
• Review unit and division dashboards through LDOC, identify quality and practice improvement opportunities, and develop actions with key stakeholders.
• Monitor and trend quality report data with the operational manager, and develop action plans for clinical quality and safety issues.
• Lead or facilitate interprofessional teams focused on unit, division, and house-wide clinical process improvement.
• Plan, implement, and evaluate division-specific safety learning activities, including simulations.
• Review and update unit-based clinical policies and procedures.
• Provide input into staff evaluations related to clinical competence, quality, and practice; coach and mentor staff during unit rounds; identify and remediate knowledge or skill gaps; and participate in the Staff RN Peer Review process.
• Identify, mentor, and implement evidence-based practice projects, including order sets and practice guidelines; identify, mentor, or participate in clinical research; and help interpret and implement research findings into practice guidelines.
• Attend unit-based staff meetings, shared leadership meetings (POC), Clinical Nurse Leadership Council meetings, and Unit Leadership (LDOC) meetings; participate in off-unit committees and project teams as appropriate.
• Evaluate new products and make recommendations to the value-based purchasing committee; recommend clinical efficiency improvements with the operational manager; use resources efficiently; and complete assigned work on time.
• Lead annual review and revision of unit-based orientation content; participate in new employee and unit orientation; monitor new-hire goals and check-ins; and develop, implement, and track the unit’s annual competency and education plan with internal and external resources.
• Provide informal unit-based education and formal classroom instruction and skills assessments, including competency assessments; incorporate NM Toolkit, NMI Diversity and Inclusion Resources, and NM Values in Action as appropriate.
• Maintain visibility across shifts and serve as a resource to off-shift staff; communicate effectively, model critical thinking and problem-solving, and provide just-in-time bedside teaching.
• Advocate for patients, families, nursing staff, and other healthcare community members, and model clinical practice reflecting the Patients First philosophy.
• Assume leadership roles in professional activities and organizations; assist in developing policies and procedures that establish nursing practice standards.
• Participate in department and hospital committees and task forces to improve patient care using evidence-based practice guidelines.
• Consult with nursing and hospital leadership to identify, evaluate, and solve clinical system and process issues; collaborate with NM leadership teams on quality improvement strategic plans and with physicians on clinical practice changes.
• Collaborate with leaders in academic, political, and financial institutions to promote health care reform, and consult with the department of nursing on strategies to advance nursing practice and leadership opportunities.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits, including tuition reimbursement, loan forgiveness, and 401(k) matching.
• Benefits intended to support physical, emotional, and financial well-being and provide protection for unexpected life events.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level