Clinical Nurse Specialist NICU Exempt

1. Assists in designing and implementing patient care delivery systems internal to NICU and/or including other HPMC departments.
2. Leads and participates in systematic quality improvement and safety initiatives. Responsible for leading and coordinating the NICU Quality Program inclusive of but not limited to: NICU department-specific PDCA projects, MCH department-specific PDCA projects (relevant to the newborn population), HPMC organization-wide quality indicators relevant to the NICU department, and California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative (CPQCC).
3. Demonstrates effective change management skills while leading and facilitating change in response to organization and/or department needs.
4. Cultivates a practice environment in which mutual respect, communication, and collaboration contributes to safe, quality outcomes.
5. Uses leadership, team building, negotiation, collaboration, and conflict resolution skills to build partnerships within the department as well as across the organization.
6. Leads and participates in the process of selecting, integrating, managing, and evaluating technology and products to promote safety, quality, efficiency, and optimal health outcomes.
7. Demonstrate stewardship of human and fiscal resources in decision-making.
8. Advocates for ethical principles in protecting the dignity, uniqueness and safety of all.

RESEARCH:

1. Utilizes new information and/or research findings in developing and updating the content of programs and leading NICU nursing practice.
2. Leads the development, coordination, and maintenance of all clinical policies, procedures, and protocols.

CONSULTATION:

1. . Provides expert clinical assessment, planning, and consultation for high-risk neonates.
2. Functions as a clinical expert and resource person for staff members on complex patients and/or when clinical consultation is requested.
3. Attends daily rounds with NICU multidisciplinary team and actively engages in care planning and evaluation discussion.
4. Leads and facilitates coordinated care and transitions in collaboration with the patient and multidisciplinary team.
5. Ensures the implementation of a coordinated and effective discharge planning program.
6. Attends weekly discharge rounds with NICU multidisciplinary team and actively engages in the patient care and discharge planning discussion.

CLINICAL PRACTICE:

1. Conducts comprehensive health assessments including psychosocial, functional, physical and environmental factors.
2. Synthesizes assessment findings using advanced knowledge, expertise, critical thinking, and clinical judgment.
3. Supports the NICU team in implementing customized evidence-based nursing interventions and multidisciplinary plans of care.
4. Designs and employs patient education strategies that consider readiness to learn, individual preferences, and other social determinants of health.
5. Provides education and coaching to patients with complex learning needs and atypical responses.
6. Uses advanced communication skills in complex situations and difficult conversations.
7. Oversees implementation and adherence to NICU best practice bundles. i.e Thermoregulation, Golden Hour Admission, Infection Control, Neuroprotection, Feeding Protocols, etc.
8. Coordinates high-risk infant follow-up and neonatal transport compliance.
9. Provides guidance during high-risk events, procedures, and codes. Supports staff with debriefings, Just Culture, and emotional resilience.

EDUCATION:

1. Assessment: Collaborates with MCH Nursing Director, NICU Manager, NICU Medical Director NPMC Education Department, and NICU staff to assess learning and development needs of nursing staff including the evaluation of staff clinical skill and knowledge.
2. Plan: Designs all department orientation and education plans tailored to the education needs of the learner(s). The plan should include but not be limited to: • Clinical practice protocols, policies, and bundles, • NICU safety principles and plan, • Infection prevention, • Medication storage, administration, and monitoring, • Coordination with other HPMC departments. i.e. lab, radiology, MCH departments, • Use of current and new medical supplies and equipment. • Maintenance and care of the NICU environment. i.e. EVS, hazardous materials, waste streams, etc., • Preparedness for clinical or environmental emergencies, • Documentation and information management strategies, • Learning opportunities in the local or national community
3. Implementation: Coordinates and/or delivers all instruction and staff development plans using materials, tools, and adult learning strategies that are consistent with HPMC Education Dept. Maintains instruction materials, education tools, and files on all NICU education programs.
4. Evaluate: Assess the effectiveness of the education program by using appropriate evaluation strategies and tools.

Values/Professional Requirements: Professional actions and behaviors reflect commitment to the HPMC mission, values, and policies.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education (Indicate minimum education or degree required.)

• Master Degree in Nursing (MSN)

Preferred Education (Indicate preferred education or degree required.)

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Minimum Work Experience and Qualifications (Indicate minimum years of job experience, skills or abilities required for the job.)

• Three years full time clinical experience in neonatal nursing in a NICU that is equivalent to a Regional or Community NICU.

Preferred Work Experience and Qualifications (Indicate preferred years of job experience, skills or abilities required for the job.)

• Current STABLE Instructor certificate preferred

Required Licensure, Certification, Registration or Designation (List any licensure or certification required and specify name of agency.)

• Licensed by the State Board of Registered Nursing as a CNS, pursuant to Article 9, of Chapter 6, of Division 2, of the California Business and Professions Code.
• Current certification in Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing from a nationally accredited organization. i.e. NCC or the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) or certified by AACN as a Neonatal CNS.
• Instructor status by the NRP of the AAP and the AHA (required within 60 days of employment)
• Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association (AHA)
• Los Angeles County Fire Card (required within 30 days of hire)
• Assault Response Competency (ARC) (required within 30 days of hire)