Clinical Nurse Specialist

The Ohio State University; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center seeks a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) to advance patient outcomes and evidence-based practice. The CNS will integrate care across units, mentor staff, and influence system-level decisions to improve quality and cost-effectiveness.

Responsibilities include direct patient care expertise, clinical practice advancement, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary care team. Regular hours with clinical duties on Medical-Surgical units and PCU beds.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing with current Ohio RN license and APRN-CNS credentials.
• Master's degree in nursing required; CNS certification; Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert CNS care across designated medical-surgical units and PCU beds.
• Mentor and support clinical staff; promote evidence-based practice.
• Collaborate with physicians and care teams to improve quality and reduce costs.
• Contribute to organizational strategy and system-level care improvements.

Skills

RN licensure

APRN-CNS license

Master's degree in nursing

CNS certification

DNP preferred

Clinical CNS experience

Education

Master's degree in nursing

CNS certification

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) preferred

Job description

Job Title:Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)Department:Health System Shared Services | Clinical Nurse Specialists

Scope of Position

THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY WEXNER MEDICAL CENTER (University Hospital, Ross Heart Hospital, Dodd Rehabilitation, and the James Cancer Hospital) is committed to improving health in Ohio and across the world through innovation in research, education, and patient care.

The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) team plays a vital role in delivering high-quality, evidence-based care and support services. Their work is focused on achieving positive patient outcomes, enhancing patient engagement in their own care, and reducing hospital length of stay.

The CNS provides expert guidance and support to the care team to ensure consistent, safe, and effective care in designated clinical areas. They are integral to advancing staff engagement, enhancing the patient experience, and improving quality and safety, and promoting cost-effective practices.

Patients and their families benefit from clinical professional practice model rooted in collaboration, mutual respect, and personalized care.

Position Summary

The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) has a unique role in integrating care across the continuum and influencing three key spheres: the patient, clinical practice, and the healthcare system. These three spheres of influence form the organizing framework for CNS core competencies. While they are interconnected and often overlap, each maintains a distinct focus.

A CNS may concentrate on one or more of these spheres; however, clinical expertise remains central and serves as the foundation for effective practice in the other three spheres.

The CNS provides expert care in the treatment of health and illness states, disease management, health promotion, and illness and risk prevention—serving individuals, families, groups, and communities.

Patient Direct Care

CNS engages directly with patients, families, and care teams to promote health and improve quality of life. This care is delivered through a holistic lens, emphasizing advanced clinical management of health, illness, and disease across diverse settings.

Clinical Practice

CNS advances clinical practice by ensuring that care teams apply evidence-based practices to meet the complex and evolving needs of patients and populations. The CNS plays a key role in mentoring and supporting clinical staff.

Organizations and Systems

At the organizational level, the CNS articulates the value of evidenced-based practice in strategic decision-making, influences system-level changes to improve quality and cost-effectiveness, and advocates for innovations that enhance patient outcomes and care delivery processes.

Minimum Qualifications

For Hire: Graduate of an accredited school of registered clinical with current licensure as an RN and APRN-CNS license in the State of Ohio. Candidates must hold a master’s degree in nursing and be certified as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is preferred. Specialty certification is preferred. Candidates should have clinical experience relevant to the assigned unit(s) or department specialty, as defined by the scope of service. Previous experience as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is also preferred.

Ongoing: Maintains current Ohio RN and APRN licensure. Meet mandatory educational and health requirements. Maintains and seeks new knowledge related to patient care issues, quality improvement, and cost reduction, as well as current policies, procedures, and protocols. Executes the Standard Care Agreement with the designated collaborating physician(s) and maintains the SCA in a current state. Meets credentialing requirements as a Licensed Healthcare Provider (LHCP) and maintains CNS core privileges.

Additional Information:

Will work with a team of four CNSs dedicated to improving quality outcomes and promoting evidence-based practice across multiple Medical-Surgical units with integrated PCU beds.

Location:University Hospital - Doan Hall (0089)Position Type:RegularScheduled Hours:40Shift:First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.