Clinical Nurse Specialist -System Improvement
What you'd do
The Minneapolis VA is an academic medical center and teaching hospital equipped with advanced technology, four major research centers, and multiple Regional and National Specialty Care Centers. Minnesota, known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," is consistently recognized for high quality of life, offering residents year-round outdoor recreation, cultural amenities, and strong community engagement
Major duties
The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards The Minneapolis VA Health Care System (MVAHCS) seeks a full time Clinical Nurse Specialist -System Improvement provider. This provider will serve as a clinical leader within the Nurse Executive Service Line. The CNS functions as the system lead for evidence-based practice, implementation science, and clinical quality improvement to optimize nursing practice and improve patient outcomes across the organization. Major duties include but are not limited to the following: Serves as the Nurse Executive Service Line lead for system-wide evidence-based practice (EBP), implementation science, and clinical practice improvement initiatives. Leads the design, implementation, dissemination, and evaluation of evidence-based interventions that improve nursing care delivery, patient safety, quality outcomes, and the patient experience. Functions as the clinical expert for nursing quality improvement initiatives with special emphasis on nurse-sensitive indicators, including falls, hospital-acquired pressure injuries, catheter-associated urinary tract infections(CAUTI), central line-associated bloodstream infections(CLABSI), restraint reduction, and other nursing-sensitive outcomes. Analyzes organizational, regional, and national quality and performance data to identify trends, prioritize improvement opportunities, and develop sustainable interventions that improve clinical outcomes. Utilizes implementation science frameworks and quality improvements methodologies to facilitate the adoption, integration, evaluation, and sustainment of evidence-based nursing practices across inpatient and outpatient settings. Partners with nursing leadership, frontline staff, physicians, and interdisciplinary teams to develop, implement, and evaluate standardized clinical practices that promote high reliability, patient safety, and regulatory compliance. Provides expert consultation to executive leadership, service lines, and clinical teams regarding evidence-based practice, clinical innovation, quality improvement, and nursing professional practice. Leads and supports organizational performance improvement initiatives by developing outcome measures, monitoring process and outcome metrics, and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions. Promotes a culture of inquiry by mentoring nurses and interdisciplinary staff in evidence-based practice, quality improvement, implementation science, and scholarly activities. Facilitates the translation of current research into clinical practice through the development of policies, clinical practice guidelines, standardized workflows, and nursing care standards. Leads system-wide initiatives to improve nursing documentation, clinical workflows, and performance measurement that support high-quality, patient-centered care. Exemplifies the ICARE core values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence in all aspects of professional practice. Work Schedule: Monday -Friday, 7:30am -4:00pm Telework: Ad-hoc telework as indicated by the agency and supervisor. Virtual/Remote: This is not a virtual/remote position. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
What you need to qualify
Advanced Practice Nurse (Clinical Nurse Specialist) Basic Requirements Education. A post-master's certificate or masters or doctoral degree as a clinical nurse specialist. (Applicants pending the completion of educational requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until the education requirements are met.) Must be a graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate accrediting agency and accredited by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) NOTE: Foreign Education. Graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing programs, the CNS degree equivalency must be validated through an Agency recognized degree equivalency evaluation agency, such as the International Consultants of Delaware (ICD). Candidates with equivalent CNS post-masters, masters, or doctorate level degrees who possess current, full, active and unrestricted registration and certification will meet the requirement of graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant appointment. Licensure and Certification. The following licensure and certification requirements are considered conditions of employment. License. All APN (CNSs) must possess and maintain an active, current, full and unrestricted license to practice as a CNS, or equivalent, in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia. Certification. All APN (CNSs) must maintain full and current board certification in an area of clinical specialty. Certification must be obtained through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), or another nationally recognized certifying body. NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and an APN (CNS) assignment that are also performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification. The following Scope, Education and Experience, and Dimension criteria must be met to qualify for Advanced Practice Nurse (Clinical Nurse Specialist) II: Exception to Licensure for Graduate Nurse Technicians. Candidates who otherwise meet the basic requirements, but do not possess the required licensure and/or certification, may be appointed at the entry step of the Nurse II, as a Graduate Nurse Technician Clinical Nurse Specialist on a temporary appointment up to any period not-to-exceed one year and a day under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B) Scope: Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others. Education and Experience Requirement: Meets basic education requirement for APN (CNS). Nurse II is considered the entry grade level for APN (CNSs); no experience is required. Dimension Requirement: APN (CNSs) at grade II are expected to meet the following dimension requirements: Clinical Practice. Delivers evidence-based health care, demonstrating proficiency in the ability to manage a patient panel, population, or program. Outcome Focus. Utilizes research and evidence-based practice to evaluate the patient care delivery system within a patient panel or program, presents findings and contributes to changes that enhance the quality and timeliness of veteran/patient care. Leadership. Works effectively as a leader within a team/unit/group and seeks interdisciplinary collaboration as appropriate to enhance patient care. Professional Development. Acquires knowledge and skills to develop expertise in area of practice. Professionalism/Collegiality. Demonstrates effective communication skills and professional behavior, promoting cooperation and teamwork. Participates in interdisciplinary teams and processes that positively impact patient outcomes. The following Scope, Education and Experience, and Dimension criteria must be met to qualify for Advanced Practice Nurse (Clinical Nurse Specialist) III: Scope: Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience, and creative approaches to management of complex client care. Education and Experience Requirement: Meets basic education requirement for an APN (CNS) AND One year of specialized APN (CNS) experience equivalent to the Nurse II grade level. Dimension Requirement. APN (CNSs) at grade III are expected to meet the following dimension requirements: Clinical Practice. Influences and models the delivery of evidence- based health care, demonstrating expertise in the ability to manage a patient panel, population, or program. Outcome Focus. Leads and implements changes that enhance the quality and timeliness of Veteran/patient care applying research and evidence in the delivery of healthcare for patient populations. Leadership. Initiates and leads interdisciplinary teams informed by structured approaches and processes to improve outcomes that positively impact care for a patient panel, population, or program. Professional Development. Acquires knowledge and skills, then disseminates acquired information within and/or outside the medical facility. Professionalism/Collegiality. Initiates and leads interdisciplinary teams developing systems that positively impact outcomes at the panel, population, or program level. Demonstrates effective communication skills and professional behavior, promoting cooperation and teamwork. Preferred Experience: 3-5 years as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in an acute care setting. National board certification (PMHCNS-BC, AGCNS-BC, ACNS-BC, GCNS-BC, ACCNS-AG, or CCNS) Experience with performance improvement as a system level, specifically nurse sensitive indicators (falls, HAPI, CAUTI). Experience leading interdisciplinary teams. Experience in quality improvement, patient safety, data analysis, implementation science. Expertise in evidence-based practice.
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