PREREQUISITES:
1. Masters in Nursing
2. RN, licensed to practice in WA State, BLS.
3. CNS or ARNP with specialty focus.
4. Minimum of three years experience in specialty.
5. Able to use word processing, graphic and database computer programs, email and scheduling software.
6. Evidence of excellent communication and education skills.
7. Able to communicate effectively in oral and written form in the English language.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Knowledge of adult learning principles and change process.
2. Experience in a nursing leadership role and staff consultation.
3. Experience with evidence-based practice and standards development.
4. Ability to communicate and work effectively with the physical and emotional development of all ages served.
5. Able to handle multiple demands and competing priorities.
6. Experience with RN residencies desirable.
7. Ability to collaborate and work in a multidisciplinary team environment.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Generic Job Functions: See Generic Job Description for Clinical Partner
B. Unique Job Functions
1. CNS spheres of influence include patient/family, nurses/nursing, and systems/organizations.
Patient/Family
· Provide care for the patients and families in the area of specialty, on a selected basis
· Demonstrate continuing clinical competence in area of specialty through certification maintenance, continuing education, and performance of clinical skills
Nurses/Nursing
· Assess, plan, implement, evaluate and revise clinical education in specialty field.
· Work collaboratively with department members, Patient Care Services’ Managers, and Professional Development Specialists to maintain staff clinical competency.
· Provide clinical consultation for complex patients to the staff in area of specialty.
· Oversee unit-specific orientation program for new staff.
· Conduct specialty residency programs, as indicated.
· Collaborate with unit manager and Professional Development Specialists to facilitate learning experiences for students.
· Monitor and enhance clinical care given to patients on specialty units.
· Provide leadership for development of evidence-based policy, procedure, and protocol.
· Participate with unit manager in developing operational budget and cost-benefit analysis for clinical programs.
· Initiate and/or participate in research projects and implement findings.
· Promote national practice standards from professionally recognized organizations and specialty organizations.
Systems/Organizations
· Apply evidence-based practice to enhance and broaden the scope of clinical practice and assist with implementation of practice changes.
· Coordinate selection and evaluation of new projects and devices in specialty area.
· Collaborate with physician colleagues on select patients and patient populations.
· Participate in quality management programs in specialty area.
· Initiate own leadership in promoting system-wide changes related to specialty area.
· Serve on appropriate committees and advisory boards at VMC and in community.
· Participate in the development of new programs to improve patient care.
- Specific Performance Responsibilities for Stroke Coordinator Role
Expert Clinical Practice
· Daily rounds on all stroke patients to monitor care, systems, and process issues
· Respond to all stroke alerts while on duty
· Recommend and evaluate processes to improve systems and patient care across the continuum of care
· Collaborate with nursing staff in assessing the patient/family nursing needs/assist in development of multidisciplinary plan of care for complex high-risk patients. Evaluate the effectiveness of nursing care provided and provide performance feedback
Education
· Coordinate mandatory and supplemental education for stroke team members and staff in units involved in stroke care
· Coordinate expansion/enhancement of patient and family education materials
· Collaborate with physicians and health education to provide stroke education in the community
Consultation
· Review length of stay data; assist with discharge planning issues
· Provide consultation to healthcare team members regarding management of stroke patients
· Participate in regional programs and initiatives in relation to stroke care
· Identify community resources for the stroke patient and make referrals as appropriate
Research
· Support or conduct research relating to stroke care
· Conduct systematic review of the literature to identify best practices and evidence based practice
· Collaborate with MDs and Quality Improvement to collect, analyze, and act on data
