Job Summary: The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is a licensed registered nurse that has graduate preparation (master's or doctorate) in nursing as a clinical nurse specialist. CNSs are one of four categories of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) as identified by the APRN Consensus Model, National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), State Boards of Nursing, American Nurses Association (ANA) and International Council of Nurses (ICN). The role of a CNS provides leadership and clinical expertise within the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) spheres of impact by utilizing unique and advanced level competencies. The CNS is an expert in comprehensive nursing care, supports and develops registered nurses at the point of care and serves as a leader in redesigning systems to improve access, quality, and safety in a cost-effective manner. The CNS improves patient care by putting the best evidence and innovations into practice while solving challenging patient care issues and monitoring patient outcomes for clinical effectiveness (www.nacns.org).The Loma Linda University Children's Hospital (LLUCH) CNS Cardiac ICU demonstrates advanced level of knowledge in pediatric cardiac critical care. Collaborates with health care team to develop and support superior health care and delivery of cutting-edge comprehensive care. Functions as a resource and clinical expert in pediatric cardiac critical care. Incorporating evidenced-based practice into clinical practice and nursing interventions within specialty area. Functions within the expectations of an accomplished professional advanced practice nurse and meets nursing excellence standards to maintain Magnet Recognition as outlined by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Participates in and/or chairs clinical practice /quality meetings as requested and leads out in creating/developing, revising and implementing departmental and organizational wide clinical practice policies, guidelines/pathways and clinical skills related to area of specialty. Performs other duties as needed.

Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited Clinical Nurse Specialist program required. Master's degree in nursing required; Doctoral Degree (DNP or PhD) preferred.   Three years of experience in a Pediatric ICU or Pediatric Cardiac ICU nursing required.

Knowledge and Skills: Demonstrates advanced knowledge of pediatric cardiac intensive care nursing. Ability to apply theoretical concepts to clinical practice and continually expands knowledge base and clinical skills with a focus in area of specialty in the pediatric cardiac intensive care setting and population served. Advanced knowledge of healthcare regulations and accreditation required. Always exhibits professional behavior and works calmly and responds courteously when under pressure. Able to: speak, read and write legibly in English (and Spanish preferred) with professional quality; use computer, printer and software programs necessary to the position, e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, electronic medical record, electronic event reporting program; troubleshoot and calibrate patient care equipment; perform technical patient care activities; relate and communicate positively, effectively and professionally with others; be assertive and consistent in following and/or enforcing policies; lead, supervise, teach and collaborate; accept direction; think critically; work independently with minimal supervision; perform basic math functions; manage multiple assignments effectively; organize and prioritize workload; problem solve; recall information with accuracy; pay close attention to detail; distinguish colors and smells as necessary for patient care; discern temperature variances through touch; hear sufficiently for general conversation in person and on the telephone; identify and distinguish various sounds associated with the work place; see adequately to read computer screens, medical records and written documents necessary to position.

Licensures and Certifications: Active California licensure as a Registered Nurse required. Current unrestricted California licensure as an advanced practice registered nurse Clinical Nurse Specialist certification required. National certification as a CNS in area of specialty or population foci preferred. Basic Life Support (BLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications issued by the American Heart Association required. Pediatric Critical Care Nursing (CCRN-Pediatric) certification preferred.