Clinical Nurse Specialist - Neonatal ICU

County of Santa Clara; California (MO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of Santa Clara is seeking a full-time Clinical Nurse Specialist for the Neonatal ICU at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. This role includes assessing nursing care, guiding nursing staff, and serving as a consultant, educator, and researcher within the unit.

Ideal candidates will have a BSN and RN license in California, with at least 5 years of experience. The position offers opportunities for collaboration, education, and research, ensuring high-quality patient care.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an approved nursing program (preferably BSN).
• Registered Nurse (RN) licensed in California.
• Certified as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Neonatal ICU.
• At least five years of experience in a Joint Commission Certified Acute Care hospital.

Responsibilities

• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate nursing care for patients.
• Guide nursing staff in expert care delivery.
• Develop discharge plans for patients.
• Evaluate own practice and update goals.

Skills

Clinical expertise in Neonatal ICU

Patient education

Collaboration with healthcare teams

Research application

Mentoring nursing staff

Education

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Master's level education in nursing specialty

Job description

Job Summary

Under general direction, assess, plan, implement, and evaluate the nursing care of patients, and serve as an expert clinician, consultant, educator, and researcher in the Neonatal ICU.

Location & Schedule

Full‑time (1.0) day shift at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center.

Clinician Responsibilities

• Provide or facilitate direct nursing care to patients or their families through selected client caseloads.
• Perform ongoing evaluation of nursing care of patients requiring continued follow‑up.
• Guide nursing staff in the delivery of expert nursing care.
• Develop and facilitate comprehensive nursing interventions based on expert assessment of client needs, goals, and outcomes.
• Document all care given on the patient's progress notes in the medical record.
• Collaborate with other members of the health care team to develop an integrated plan of care.
• Develop and implement discharge plans for referred patients and make referrals as appropriate.
• Provide patient/family supportive counseling and education when appropriate.
• Coordinate patient care between inpatient and outpatient departments.

Consultant Responsibilities

• Serve as a consultant to nursing staff, medical staff, and other health care providers in the area of specialization.
• Establish standards for nursing practice in consultation with Nursing Administration.
• Collaborate with Nursing Administration to develop appropriate policies and procedures.
• Plan, facilitate, and participate in nursing and interdisciplinary rounds and conferences.
• Represent nursing at hospital and community conferences and committees.
• Consult with hospital materials management and County Purchasing personnel regarding supplies and equipment.

Educator Responsibilities

• Serve as a resource person in the area of expertise to community members, agencies, and students of health professions.
• Assess the need for and identify, design, and implement classes, courses, and seminars to meet educational needs of staff related to care of target patients.
• Provide direct teaching to patients and families and coordinate instruction by others.
• Utilize and evaluate various teaching strategies to meet the individual learning needs of patients and families during various phases of health care.

Researcher Responsibilities

• Evaluate and disseminate pertinent research findings.
• Identify, design, and conduct nursing research.
• Assist staff members in understanding and utilizing research findings in their practice.
• Apply research findings to patient care planning and implementation.

General Responsibilities

• Provide a monthly and annual summary of patient statistics and job activities to designated Nursing and Medical Administration.
• Establish and evaluate yearly objectives.
• Participate as an active member on select nursing and health‑and‑hospital‑wide committees.
• Pursue continuing education to expand knowledge and clinical expertise.
• Evaluate own practice and update goals and competencies.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an approved nursing program (preferably BSN).
• Registered Nurse (RN) licensed in California.
• Certified as a Clinical Nurse Specialist by the California BRN with clinical expertise in Neonatal ICU.
• At least five years of experience, evidence of expertise, and competency in the identified nursing specialty in a Joint Commission Certified Acute Care hospital.
• Board certification in Neonatal ICU highly desired.
• Advanced educational preparation in the identified nursing specialty or related area at the Master's level.
• Nationally recognized certification as an expert in the identified nursing specialty preferred.

Employment Standards

Graduate of an approved nursing program (preferably BSN), currently licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in California, and possess the education and experience necessary for the responsibilities listed above.