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Clinical Nurse Specialist (#RH1150)
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$66.33-$80.62 Hourly / $11,497.20-$13,974.13 Monthly / $137,966.40-$167,689.60 Yearly




DEFINITION

Under general direction, determines staff needs for specialized clinical education; plans and implements clinical instruction to meet clinical education requirements; assists in establishing and maintaining standards of patient care within specialized nursing units; and does other or related work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

An incumbent in this class functions in an advisory and teaching capacity, providing technical expertise and assistance in developing and maintaining standards of care within areas of clinical expertise by planning and implementing specialized clinical instruction programs for nursing staff, and by participating in the development of policies and procedures.  An incumbent works closely with physicians and interprets and relays treatment plans to nursing staff.

TYPICAL DUTIES

  • Determines need for clinical education in area of specialty; provides clinical education programs through presentations, community education, and/or in-service sessions; provides orientation for new nursing personnel; organizes and directs nursing rounds and teaching of nursing staff; plans, organizes, implements, and participates in outreach educational programs for community hospitals.
  • Acts as liaison between the nursing division and medical staff, outside agencies, and affiliated universities; attends meetings; participates on committees; participates in professional organizations to maintain level of expertise in clinical specialty; may speak before community groups regarding area of clinical specialty.
  • Consults with patient care team members to coordinate the intra-area delivery of nursing care, including planning patient care prior to admission and after discharge or transfer to another nursing care area. 
  • Participates in development of policies and procedures within area of specialty; keeps records; reviews current literature, conducts research, attends seminars and maintains membership in professional organizations; uses performance improvement model to improve advanced clinical practice and care; writes reports; prepares handbooks and other informative literature.
  • Coordinates and participates in the delivery of patient care in a specialized nursing unit; assesses and intervenes in complex health care problems within clinical specialty area; selects, uses and/or evaluates technology, products, and devices appropriate to specialty area; manages populations of clients with disease states and non-disease based etiologies to improve and promote health care outcomes.
  • Provides clinical expertise and performs consultative functions in multiple health care settings; makes recommendations in area of clinical specialty to health care professionals, patients, and health care organizations; uses evidence-based clinical practice to develop methods to improve patient care and patient care outcomes.
  • Provides clinical leadership; demonstrates and implements mastery in related clinical theories, professional development, and changes affecting the profession and the community.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Master’s degree in nursing which meets the State of California Clinical Nurse Specialist requirements.

Experience: Two years full time experience as a registered nurse. 

Special Requirement: Nursing experience required in area of clinical nurse specialization, depending on the area of assignment. 

Licenses & Certificates: 
1) Valid certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist issued by the State of California, and; 
2) Current registration as a nurse in the State of California, and; 
3)Possession of a valid California driver’s license.

KNOWLEDGE

Modern methods, theories, techniques, and procedures used in professional nursing and areas of clinical specialties; teaching techniques, instructional materials and training aides; accepted standards for professional staff development; the use, administration, and effects of medicines and narcotics; hospital rules, regulations, and procedures; safety and infection control procedures; applicable federal and state laws as related to patient care; requirements of hospital licensing and regulatory agencies; personal computer systems and general office computer software.

ABILITY

Perform and demonstrate advanced nursing techniques; develop teaching plans and instruct staff; provide and promote a positive learning environment; motivate and teach staff, patients, and patients’ families in assisting in their own care and health maintenance; give oral and written directions of technical and professional nature; interpret policies and procedures; deal with patients and their families empathetically and respectfully; gather and analyze data; operate computers and related software and apply computer applications to departmental functions; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with hospital staff and outside agencies; maintain accurate records and prepare reports; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; speak before groups; coordinate the work of several specialty related groups.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Mobility–Constant walking; frequent operation of a data entry device; standing for long periods of time; pushing/pulling, bending and squatting; occasional sitting for long periods of time; running, climbing stairs and climbing; Lifting–Frequent restraining lifting/turning of heavy objects or people; Visual–Constant need for overall vision, color and depth perception, hand/eye coordination, and field of vision/peripheral vision; frequent reading and close up work; Dexterity–Frequent holding, reaching, grasping, repetitive motion and writing; Hearing/Talking–Constant hearing of normal speech; frequent hearing and talking on telephone or radio; occasional hearing of faint sounds and talking over public address; Emotional/Psychological–Constant concentration and public contact; occasional exposure to hazardous materials, frequent exposure to emergency situations, including trauma, grief and death, decision making; Special Requirements–Working overtime, weekends, nights and holidays; working alone and overtime; Environmental–Occasional exposure to assault behavior by clients; occasional exposure to noise, cold/heat, hazardous materials, dirt, dust, smoke, fumes and poor ventilation.

San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

CLASS: RH1150; EST: 6/13/1984; REV: 6/11/2008;