Clinical Specialist

University of Arkansas System • Little Rock, AR

12d • Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Specialist (CS) is a licensed registered nurse who works within the spheres of influence of patient, nurse, and system. The role requires advanced knowledge of nursing practice and the ability to apply standards within a nursing specialty. Working independently, the CS provides theory- and evidence-based knowledge to shape clinical practice and core competencies for nursing staff. In collaboration with administrative leaders, the CS provides area leadership in orientation, professional development, skills and competency validation, evidence-based practice, shared governance, regulatory compliance, nurse-sensitive quality indicators, and performance improvement. The CS collaborates with the multidisciplinary team and serves as a leader, consultant, and change agent within the healthcare system.

The CS oversees clinical nursing practice for a care area, specialty, or patient population and promotes nursing excellence. The role includes staff education and development, quality improvement, evidence-based practice, research, regulatory readiness, and organizational and system leadership. The CS also provides professional customer service to internal and external stakeholders and performs other duties as assigned.

This is a regular day-shift position at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. The work environment is inside a medical facility. Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Requirements

• Current RN license.
• BSN required.
• Graduation from an accredited nursing program.
• At least 4 years of clinical experience in the specialty or patient population of the care area, unit, or service line.
• At least 2 years of experience in a unit leadership role, such as Charge Nurse, Team Lead, Resource RN, or RN IV-level at UAMS, or similar leadership experience.
• Obtain national nursing certification in the specialty within 2 years of hire.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions and communicate effectively with others.
• Ability to document services provided.
• Understanding of regulatory and compliance organizations or agencies.
• Excellent customer relations skills.
• Understanding of and adherence to confidentiality policies.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s in Nursing.
• Experience in an academic medical setting.
• National nursing certification in the specialty area for the position.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.

Responsibilities

• Provide new-graduate and new-hire RN education and orientation, assess staff learning needs, provide continuing education, conduct annual skills fairs, and validate competencies.
• Promote advanced education, national specialty certification, and progression through the nursing clinical ladder.
• Support unit and service-line shared governance councils, engage frontline staff in decision-making, and participate in divisional and organizational committees.
• Evaluate patient experience and nursing-sensitive quality indicators and outcomes; lead and participate in quality improvement initiatives, data-driven decision-making, and multidisciplinary efforts to promote high-quality care.
• Evaluate current practice and implement emerging practices for the patient population; review and revise policies; translate theory into practice.
• Engage in nursing-led research studies.
• Support regulatory readiness by understanding compliance standards, facilitating staff readiness through chart tracers and environmental rounds, preparing staff for regulatory surveys, and supporting staff during surveys.
• Participate in or lead system-level projects and initiatives; represent the department, unit, or patient population on organizational committees.
• Partner with Nursing Informatics to optimize the electronic health record and with value analysis to evaluate medical equipment and supplies.
• Interact with and assist the public professionally and courteously; communicate accurate and complete information, maintain confidentiality, build positive working relationships, follow patient- and family-centered care principles and conduct guidelines, and assist stakeholders with customer service.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans for qualifying staff and family.
• Holiday, vacation, and sick leave.
• Education discount for staff and dependents for undergraduate study.
• Retirement contribution matched by UAMS up to 10%.
• Basic life insurance up to $50,000.
• Career training and educational opportunities.
• Merchant discounts.
• Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus when using the UAMS pharmacy.

What This Job Offers

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