Clinical Practice Specialist RN Resource Teams Full-time Days

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare • Winfield, IL

2d

About The Position

The Clinical Practice Specialist supports Northwestern Medicine’s West Region and System Resource Teams, including nursing and some nursing support roles. The role leads efforts to ensure quality clinical practice and front-line professional development, while adhering to the organization’s mission, vision, values, Code of Ethics, Corporate Compliance Program, policies, procedures, guidelines, and applicable regulatory and accreditation standards.

The specialist develops and implements education based on needs assessments, departmental and system goals, and new or expanded clinical programs. The role supports specialty certification, monitors clinical quality and safety data, facilitates improvement initiatives, mentors and coaches staff, and promotes evidence-based practice and research. It also contributes to shared leadership, fiscal stewardship, orientation, competency development, and staff retention.

The specialist provides unit-based and classroom education, conducts skills and competency assessments, remains visible to staff across shifts, and offers just-in-time bedside teaching. The role advocates for patients, families, and staff; collaborates with nursing, hospital, and physician leaders; and helps develop policies, improve processes, and advance nursing practice.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
• Master of Science in Nursing, or obtain one 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 seeking and maintaining specialty certification, including monitoring progress and completion.
• Review unit or division dashboards and quality data; identify improvement opportunities and develop action plans with relevant stakeholders and operational managers.
• Lead or facilitate inter-professional clinical process improvement teams.
• Plan, implement, and evaluate division-specific safety learning activities, including simulations, and review or update unit-based clinical policies and procedures.
• Provide input into staff evaluations regarding clinical competence; coach and mentor staff; identify and remediate knowledge or skill gaps; and participate in Staff RN Peer Review.
• Identify, mentor, and implement evidence-based practice projects, order sets, practice guidelines, and nursing or inter-professional clinical research projects.
• Help interpret research findings and develop strategies to incorporate results into evidence-based clinical practice guidelines.
• Attend unit-based staff, shared leadership, Clinical Nurse Leadership Council, and Unit Leadership meetings, and participate in off-unit committees or project teams as appropriate.
• Evaluate new products and recommend value-based purchasing decisions; recommend clinical efficiency improvements; use resources efficiently; and manage work and assignments on time.
• Lead annual review and revision of unit-based orientation content; participate in new employee orientation and monitor new-hire progress and check-ins.
• Develop and implement the unit’s annual competency and education plan, maintain completion records, and collaborate with the unit manager to monitor progress.
• Provide informal unit-based education and formal classroom instruction, including skills and competency assessments; incorporate relevant organizational safety, service, leadership, diversity, inclusion, and values resources.
• Maintain visibility across shifts and serve as a resource to off-shift staff; communicate effectively and provide just-in-time bedside teaching.
• Advocate for patients, families, nursing staff, and the healthcare community, and role-model clinical practice consistent with the Patients First philosophy.
• Assist in developing clinical policies and procedures and participate in department and hospital committees and task forces to improve patient care using evidence-based practice.
• Consult with nursing and hospital leadership to identify, evaluate, and solve clinical system and process issues.
• Collaborate with NM leadership teams to develop, implement, and evaluate quality improvement strategic plans, and collaborate with physicians to lead changes in clinical practice.
• Work with leaders in academic, political, and financial institutions to promote health care reform, and consult with nursing on strategies to advance nursing practice and leadership opportunities.
• Assume a leadership role in professional activities and organizations.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits, including tuition reimbursement, loan forgiveness, and 401(k) matching.
• A range of 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