Job Description

#Healthcare #Nursing #APRN #NICU #NursingLeadership

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) - Critical Care, Neonatal ICU

Position Highlights:

• Specialized Leadership Role: Opportunity to function as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in a dynamic Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
• Flexible FTE: Full-time position with options for 0.5 to 1.0 FTE (20 - 40 hours per week).
• Shift: Day Shift.
• Hiring Bonus: $10,000 Hiring Bonus available for eligible candidates who meet all conditions for payment.
• Impactful Work: Drive improvements in patient care, nursing practice, and systems within the NICU.

Position Summary:

Virtus Healthcare Staffing is seeking a dedicated and experienced Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) with expertise in Critical Care for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to join our esteemed partner medical facility in Everett, WA . This is a full-time, day shift position with flexible FTE options (0.5-1.0). The NICU CNS will serve as an expert clinician, educator, consultant, researcher, and leader, working to advance nursing practice, optimize patient outcomes for critically ill neonates, and support staff development within the NICU. This role requires a strong clinical background in NICU nursing, advanced education, and a passion for evidence-based practice and quality improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

The NICU Clinical Nurse Specialist influences patient care across three spheres: patient/family, nurses/nursing practice, and organization/systems. Responsibilities include:

• Expert Clinical Practice & Consultation:
  • Serve as an expert clinical resource and consultant to NICU nursing staff, physicians, and other healthcare team members on complex neonatal cases and evidence-based care strategies.
  • May provide direct, specialized care to critically ill neonates with complex health needs.
  • Develop, implement, and evaluate standards of care, practice guidelines, and clinical protocols for the NICU patient population.
• Education & Staff Development:
  • Assess the learning needs of NICU nursing staff and develop, implement, and evaluate educational programs, competencies, and professional development initiatives.
  • Mentor NICU nurses in critical thinking, clinical skills, and evidence-based practice.
  • Facilitate orientation and ongoing education for new and existing NICU staff.
  • Promote and support specialty certification among nursing staff.
• Research & Evidence-Based Practice:
  • Promote a culture of clinical inquiry and evidence-based practice within the NICU.
  • Lead and participate in evidence-based practice projects and quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing neonatal outcomes.
  • Facilitate the integration of research findings and best practices into daily clinical care.
• Leadership & Systems Improvement:
  • Collaborate with NICU leadership and interdisciplinary teams to identify opportunities for system improvements and lead initiatives to optimize patient care processes, safety, and efficiency.
  • Participate in the development and revision of NICU-specific policies and procedures.
  • Champion patient safety and quality initiatives within the unit and organization.
  • Represent NICU nursing on relevant committees and task forces.

Required Qualifications:

• Education (One of the following pathways):
  • Master's Degree from a clinical nurse specialist program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLNAC).
  • Ph.D. from a clinical nurse specialist program accredited by CCNE or NLNAC.
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from an accredited program.
  • Currently enrolled in a Master's, DNP, or Ph.D. clinical nurse specialist program accredited by CCNE or NLNAC (degree completion may be required within a specified timeframe post-hire).
  • Equivalent advanced nursing education and experience will be considered (e.g., Master's in Nursing or Doctoral degree in Nursing that did not major in the CNS role, such as Nursing Administration or Nursing Education, coupled with extensive relevant clinical leadership and specialty experience).
• Licensure: Current, unrestricted Washington State Registered Nurse (RN) License upon hire.
• Certification: Current National Provider BLS (Basic Life Support) certification from the American Heart Association upon hire.
• Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of registered nursing experience in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) setting.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) (e.g., CCNS, ACCNS-N or similar neonatal-focused CNS certification) upon hire.
• Current certification in Neonatal Critical Care Nursing (e.g., RNC-NIC, CCRN-Neonatal) upon hire.
• Two (2) or more years of clinical leadership responsibility (e.g., Charge Nurse, Preceptor, Educator, Committee Chair) within a NICU environment.
• Experience with program development, quality improvement methodologies, and research utilization.

Compensation & Benefits:

Our partner facility offers a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and the aforementioned $10,000 hiring bonus for eligible candidates.

To Apply:

If you are a passionate and experienced NICU nursing leader with the requisite advanced education and clinical expertise, and you are dedicated to advancing neonatal care, we encourage you to apply for this Clinical Nurse Specialist position in Everett, WA.

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