Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

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Job Title:

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Scope of Position

THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY WEXNER MEDICAL CENTER (University Hospital, Ross Heart Hospital, Dodd Rehabilitation, and the James Cancer Hospital) is committed to improving health in Ohio and across the world through innovation in research, education, and patient care.

The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) team plays a vital role in delivering high-quality, evidence-based care and support services. Their work is focused on achieving positive patient outcomes, enhancing patient engagement in their own care, and reducing hospital length of stay.

The CNS provides expert guidance and support to the care team to ensure consistent, safe, and effective care in designated clinical areas. They are integral to advancing staff engagement, enhancing the patient experience, improving quality and safety, and promoting cost-effective practices.

Patients and their families benefit from clinical professional practice model rooted in collaboration, mutual respect, and personalized care.

Position Summary

The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) has a unique role in integrating care across the continuum and influencing three key spheres: the patient, clinical practice, and the healthcare system. These three spheres of influence form the organizing framework for CNS core competencies. While they are interconnected and often overlap, each maintains a distinct focus.

A CNS may concentrate on one or more of these spheres; however, clinical expertise remains central and serves as the foundation for effective practice in the other three spheres.

The CNS provides expert care in the treatment of health and illness states, disease management, health promotion, and illness and risk prevention—serving individuals, families, groups, and communities.

Patient Direct Care

CNS engages directly with patients, families, and care teams to promote health and improve quality of life. This care is delivered through a holistic lens, emphasizing advanced clinical management of health, illness, and disease across diverse settings.

Clinical Practice

CNS advances clinical practice by ensuring that care teams apply evidence-based practices to meet the complex and evolving needs of patients and populations. The CNS plays a key role in mentoring and supporting clinical staff.

Organizations and Systems

At the organizational level, the CNS articulates the value of evidenced-based practice in strategic decision-making, influences system-level changes to improve quality and cost-effectiveness, and advocates for innovations that enhance patient outcomes and care delivery processes.

Minimum Qualifications

For Hire: Graduate of an accredited school of registered clinical with current licensure as an RN and APRN-CNS license in the State of Ohio. Candidates must hold a master’s degree in nursing and be certified as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is preferred. Specialty certification is preferred. Candidates should have clinical experience relevant to the assigned unit(s) or department specialty, as defined by the scope of service. Previous experience as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is also preferred.

Ongoing: Maintains current Ohio RN and APRN licensure. Meet mandatory educational and health requirements. Maintains and seeks new knowledge related to patient care issues, quality improvement, and cost reduction, as well as current policies, procedures, and protocols. Executes the Standard Care Agreement with the designated collaborating physician(s) and maintains the SCA in a current state. Meets credentialing requirements as a Licensed Healthcare Provider (LHCP) and maintains CNS core privileges.

Additional Information:

Will work with a team of four CNSs dedicated to improving quality outcomes and promoting evidence-based practice across multiple Medical-Surgical units with integrated PCU beds.

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The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.