Clinical Nurse Specialist

Schedule: Days Overview The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit provides advanced clinical leadership and expertise to support evidence-based care, optimize neonatal outcomes, and enhance nursing practice in a high-acuity Level IV NICU. This role focuses on improving nurse-sensitive indicators, facilitating transitions of care, and advancing neonatal clinical standards. The CNS applies specialized knowledge in neonatal physiology, complex congenital conditions, and critical care management across three spheres of influence: Patient/Family: Advocates for safe, high-quality care for critically ill neonates and their families.

Nurses/Nursing Practice: Serves as a mentor, educator, and resource for NICU nurses, supporting professional development and competency. Organization/System: Leads quality improvement initiatives, develops evidence-based protocols, and collaborates on strategic goals. The CNS functions as a subject matter expert in neonatal nursing education, curriculum development, and clinical operations.

This role partners with NICU leadership to implement projects that drive excellence in patient care and staff engagement. Minimum Qualifications/Work Experience 5+ years of recent relevant specialty area of practice experience required. Education/Licensure/Certification CNS Advanced Practice Registered Nurse prepared by a master’s, doctoral, or post-graduate certificate level CNS program required.

Current professional California Registered Nurse and Clinical Nurse Specialist Licensure required. BLS and PALS from the American Heart Association required. Clinical Nurse Specialist national board certification in relevant specialty area of practice required.

NRP required for NICCU. Current CNS certification in Neonatal or Pediatric specialty (ANCC or AACN). #J-18808-Ljbffr