Clinical Specialist

University of Arkansas • Little Rock, AR

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Specialist (CS) is a licensed registered nurse who works across 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 expertise to shape clinical practice and core competencies for nursing staff.

In collaboration with administrative leaders, the CS provides area leadership in staff orientation and development, skills and competency validation, evidence-based practice, shared governance, regulatory compliance, nurse-sensitive quality indicators, and performance improvement. The CS collaborates with multidisciplinary teams and serves as a leader, consultant, and change agent within the healthcare system. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are required.

The position promotes nursing excellence by overseeing clinical nursing practice for a care area, specialty, or patient population. The CS supports staff education, quality improvement, research, regulatory readiness, and organizational initiatives. This position is based inside a medical facility. Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Requirements

• Current registered nurse (RN) license.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
• Graduate of 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, RN IV-level at UAMS, or a similar leadership role.
• 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 and agencies.
• Excellent customer relations skills.
• Understanding of and adherence to confidentiality policies.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Provide education and orientation for new graduate and new-hire registered nurses; assess staff learning needs; support continuing education, annual skills fairs, and competency validation.
• Promote advanced education, specialty certification, and progression through the nursing clinical ladder.
• Support unit- and service-line-based shared governance councils, engage frontline staff in decisions, and participate in divisional and organizational committees.
• Evaluate patient experience, nursing-sensitive quality indicators, and outcomes; lead or participate in quality improvement initiatives, data-driven decision-making, and multidisciplinary work 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.
• Interpret regulatory compliance standards and prepare staff through chart tracers and environmental rounds; prepare staff for and support them during regulatory 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 as needed; communicate accurate and complete information and maintain confidentiality.
• Maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, management, and ancillary departments; follow patient- and family-centered care concepts and conduct guidelines.
• Assist internal and external stakeholders with customer service and 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 (undergraduate only).
• 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