Clinical Nurse Specialist

Green Key Resources; California (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Green Key Resources is seeking an experienced Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist to elevate pediatric care at a Magnet-designated hospital in Southern California.

You will serve as a clinical expert, educator, and change agent across pediatric units, partnering with bedside nurses, physicians, and interdisciplinary teams to translate evidence into practice and contribute to shared governance.

Qualifications

• Current RN license in California (or eligibility).
• Master's in Nursing required; CNS certification and California CNS license or furnishing number required or obtainable.
• National certification in pediatric nursing (CPN, PCCN, or similar) strongly preferred.
• 3–5 years of pediatric clinical nursing experience; prior CNS or advanced practice experience preferred.
• Experience leading evidence‑based practice or quality improvement initiatives.
• Strong clinical judgment with teaching, coaching, and communication skills.
• A genuine passion for pediatric care and developing the nurses around you.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the clinical expert and consultant for pediatric nursing practice across assigned units.
• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of evidence‑based practice changes and clinical protocols.
• Mentor and educate bedside nurses, supporting clinical competency development.
• Round at the bedside with direct consultation on high‑acuity pediatric patients.
• Partner with quality and safety teams to drive performance improvement initiatives.
• Support Magnet designation through shared governance and research involvement.
• Collaborate with physicians on care pathways and guidelines.

Skills

Clinical leadership

Evidence‑based practice

Teaching and coaching

Communication

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Master's in Nursing

CNS certification

California CNS license

Job description

Bring your advanced pediatric expertise to a hospital recognized for nursing excellence. Our client, a Magnet-designated hospital in Southern California, is seeking an experienced Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) to elevate the quality, safety, and consistency of care for its youngest patients. This is an opportunity to join an organization where nursing excellence isn't just a badge on the wall, it's a lived culture of evidence-based practice, shared governance, and continuous improvement.

As Pediatric CNS, you'll serve as a clinical expert, educator, and change agent across pediatric units, partnering with bedside nurses, physicians, and interdisciplinary teams to translate evidence into practice. You'll be a visible resource at the bedside and a trusted voice in shaping pediatric care standards, all while enjoying the Southern California lifestyle: sunshine, beaches, and vibrant communities year-round.

What You'll Do

• Serve as the clinical expert and consultant for pediatric nursing practice across assigned units
• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of evidence‑based practice changes and clinical protocols
• Mentor and educate bedside nurses, supporting clinical competency development and professional growth
• Round regularly at the bedside, providing direct consultation on complex or high‑acuity pediatric patients
• Partner with quality and safety teams to identify trends, lead root‑cause analyses, and drive performance improvement initiatives
• Support and help sustain the hospital's Magnet designation through active participation in shared governance and nursing research
• Collaborate with physicians and interdisciplinary leaders on care pathways, order sets, and clinical guidelines
• Lead or contribute to nursing research and evidence‑based practice projects, encouraging a culture of inquiry

What You Bring

• Current RN license in California (or eligibility for licensure)
• Master's degree in Nursing required; CNS certification and California CNS license/furnishing number required or obtainable per state requirements
• National certification in pediatric nursing (CPN, PCCN, or similar) strongly preferred
• Minimum of 3-5 years of pediatric clinical nursing experience; prior CNS or advanced practice experience preferred
• Demonstrated experience leading evidence‑based practice or quality improvement initiatives
• Strong clinical judgment paired with excellent teaching, coaching, and communication skills
• A genuine passion for pediatric care and for developing the nurses around you

Why You'll Love It Here

• Join a Magnet‑designated organization, a distinction held by a small fraction of hospitals nationwide and a signal of true nursing excellence
• Work alongside a highly engaged pediatric nursing team backed by strong physician and leadership support
• Play a visible, influential role in shaping pediatric practice standards across the organization
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
• Enjoy Southern California living: year‑round sunshine, beaches, and easy access to major metro amenities and culture