Clinical Nurse Specialist - Neonatal ICU

Under general direction, to assess, plan, implement and evaluate the nursing care of patients and to function as an expert clinician, consultant, educator and researcher.

Santa Clara Valley Medical Center has one vacant Clinical Nurse Specialist position to support the Neonatal ICU Department. This is a full‑time (1.0) day shift position.

The Clinical Nurse Specialist requires the RN to be certified by the California BRN as a Clinical Nurse Specialist with clinical expertise in Neonatal ICU. At least five years of experience, evidence of expertise, and competency in the identified nursing specialty in a Joint Commission Certified Acute Care hospital is required. Board Certification in Neonatal ICU highly desired.

• Provides or may facilitate direct nursing care to patients or their families through selected client caseload.
• Performs ongoing evaluation of the nursing care of patients requiring continued follow‑up.
• Provides or guides nursing staff in the deliverance of expert nursing care.
• Develops and/or facilitates the development of comprehensive nursing interventions for specific clients based on expert assessment of the client's needs, goals and outcomes.
• Documents all care given on the patient's progress notes in the medical record.
• Collaborates with other members of the health care team to develop an integrated plan of care.
• Develops and implements discharge plans for referred patients; making referrals as appropriate.
• Provides patient/family supportive counseling and education when appropriate.
• Coordinates patient care between inpatient and outpatient departments.

• Serves as consultant to nursing staff, medical staff and other health care providers in area of specialization.
• Establishes standards for nursing practice in consultation with Nursing Administration.
• Collaborates with Nursing Administration to develop appropriate policies and procedures.
• Plans, facilitates, and participates in nursing and interdisciplinary rounds and conferences.
• Represents nursing during hospital/community conferences and committees.
• Serves as a consultant to hospital materials management and County Purchasing personnel regarding supplies and equipment.

• Serves as a resource person in area of expertise to community members, agencies and students of health profession.
• Assesses the need for and identifies, designs and implements classes, courses, and seminars to meet educational needs of staff as related to the care of target patients.
• Provides direct teaching to patients and families and/or coordinates instruction by others.
• Utilizes and evaluates various teaching strategies to meet the individual learning needs of patients and families during various phases of health care.

• Evaluates and disseminates pertinent research findings.
• Identifies, designs and conducts nursing research.
• Assists staff members in understanding and utilizing research findings in their practice.
• Utilizes research findings for patient care planning and implementation.

• Provides a monthly and annual summary of patient statistics and job activities to designated Nursing and Medical Administration.
• Establishes and evaluates yearly objectives.
• Participates as an active member on select nursing and health‑ and hospital‑wide committees.
• Pursues continuing education to expand knowledge and clinical expertise.
• Evaluates own practice and updates goals and competencies.

Graduate of an approved nursing program (preferably BSN), currently licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in California, and sufficient education and experience which demonstrate possession of the qualifications necessary to successfully perform the typical tasks noted above.

• At least five years of experience, evidence of expertise and competency in identified nursing specialty.
• Experience in assessing patient and family learning needs and developing teaching programs.
• Advanced educational preparation in identified nursing specialty or related area at the Master's level.
• Nationally recognized certification as an expert in identified nursing specialty preferred.