CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST - CENTER FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND LEARNING

University of Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Washington seeks a Clinical Nurse Specialist to enhance patient care in Behavioral Health. This 90% FTE role involves educating nursing staff, implementing best practices, and supporting clinical initiatives at UW Medical Center. Join a leading healthcare institution dedicated to improving the community's health.

Benefits

Generous benefits package

Work/life programs

Qualifications

• Current Washington state RN license required.
• At least 3 years of clinical experience in an acute care setting.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with staff to identify learning needs and delivers education on behavioral health.
• Provides bedside support to RNs; drives practice changes and ensures adherence to guidelines.
• Supports initiatives for Magnet designation and promotes evidence-based practices.

Skills

Clinical expertise in behavioral health

Leadership

Collaboration

Education

Master’s Degree in Nursing

Job description

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CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST - CENTER FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND LEARNING

CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST - CENTER FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND LEARNING

Req #: 247036

Department: UW MEDICAL CENTER - MONTLAKE - BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Job Location: UW Medical Center - Montlake, UW Medical Center - Northwest

Posting Date: 06/25/2025

Closing Info: Open Until Filled

Other Compensation:

Shift: First Shift

Benefits: As a UW Medicine employee you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For detailed information on the benefits for this position, click here .

UW Medical Center–Montlake has an outstanding opportunity, 90% FTE for a Clinical Nurse Specialist to join us in the Acute Care Behavioral Health (BH) and Learning building.

The BH CNS provides leadership for the delivery of exemplary patient care throughout the UWMC-ML campus and shares their expertise throughout the Medical Center. The BH CNS contributes to the advancement of nursing practice and continuous improvement of patient care through involvement in clinical care, education, research, organizational support, collaboration and professional advancement.

WORK SCHEDULE

40 hours per week

Monday - Friday

Day shift

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

The Clinical Nurse Specialist is a highly visible position, serving as an expert clinical resource for RNs and other healthcare staff

The Clinical Nurse Specialist will work with key stakeholders, shaping the way we approach workplace safety, behavioral restraints, and behavioral health best practices

The Clinical Nurse Specialist will promote an exemplary level of nursing practice, not just for UW Medicine but for behavioral healthcare as a whole.

REQUIREMENTS

Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Washington

Master’s Degree in Nursing or related field; or equivalent education/experience

At least 3 years of clinical and leadership experience in an acute care medical center


Learn more about the Center for Behavioral Health and Learning here.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Collaborates with managers, RN3s, CNSs, and Educators to identify staff learning needs and plan, facilitate, and deliver education on BH topics, such as workplace violence prevention, restraint use and safety, and suicide prevention.

Provides expertise and support to nurses caring for patients at the bedside, helps drive practice changes throughout the organization, and ensures the use of national guidelines, best practices and evidence-based care to achieve the best possible patient outcomes

Collaborates with CNSs, CNEs and nurse managers as well as RN3s to lead/promote/maintain an exemplary level of nursing practice within Behavioral Health services to achieve excellent patient outcomes. Supports nursing leadership throughout the medical center and in meeting Patient Care Services, Patients are First and UWMC Pillar goals.

Supports all aspects of behavioral health-related clinical efforts aimed at Magnet designation or re-designation

Research and Innovation

Remains current regarding evidence-based practice changes, research, and literature specific to Behavioral Health.

Facilitates adoption of evidence into practice by bringing evidence-based information to the clinical setting and supporting staff-led Quality Improvement and Research initiatives

ABOUT UW MEDICAL CENTER-NORTHWEST
UW Medical Center is an acute care hospital located in Seattle with two campuses: Montlake and Northwest. As the No. 1 hospital in Seattle and Washington State since 2012 (U.S. News & World Report) and nationally ranked in six specialties, UW Medical Center prides itself on compassionate patient care as well as its pioneering medical advances.

The UW Medical Center–Northwest campus offers emergency and inpatient and outpatient medical, surgical, and therapeutic care. It is located in north Seattle on a beautiful, easy-to-access 44-acre campus that includes the neighboring Northwest Outpatient Medical Center and Specialty Care Meridian Pavilion.

Teamwork. Community. Opportunity. Become part of our team. Join our mission to make life healthier for everyone in our community.

ABOUT UW MEDICINE – WHERE YOUR IMPACT GOES FURTHER
UW Medicine is Washington’s only health system that includes a top-rated medical school and an internationally recognized research center. UW Medicine’s mission is to improve the health of the public by advancing medical knowledge, providing outstanding primary and specialty care to the people of the region, and preparing tomorrow’s physicians, scientists and other health professionals.

All across UW Medicine, our employees collaborate to perform the highest quality work with integrity and compassion and to create a respectful, welcoming environment where every patient, family, student and colleague is valued and honored. Nearly 29,000 healthcare professionals, researchers, and educators work in the UW Medicine family of organizations that includes: Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center - Montlake, UW Medical Center - Northwest, Valley Medical Center, UW Medicine Primary Care, UW Physicians, UW School of Medicine, and Airlift Northwest.

Become part of our team. Join our mission to make life healthier for everyone in our community.

Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [e-mail] .

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law .