Clinical Nurse Specialist- PCU & ICU

The Ohio State University; Ohio; On-site; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center seeks a Clinical Nurse Specialist to advance patient care in the PCU and ICU. The CNS will integrate care across the continuum, mentor staff, and drive evidence-based practice across clinical teams.

The role focuses on improving patient outcomes, engagement, and safety with a rotating 40-hour schedule and a commitment to high-quality care in a leading academic health center.

Qualifications

• Graduate RN with Ohio APRN license and CNS certification.
• Master's degree in nursing; CNS certification required.
• DNP preferred.
• Clinical experience relevant to Ross Heart Hospital PCU/ICU.
• Experience as CNS preferred.

Responsibilities

• Direct patient care in PCU/ICU with advanced clinical management.
• Mentor and support clinical staff.
• Apply evidence-based practice to guide care across units.
• Contribute to organizational quality and cost-effectiveness.

Skills

CNS clinical expertise

Mentoring

Evidence-based practice

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Master's in Nursing

CNS Certification

DNP preferred

Tools

EMR systems

Job description

Job Title

Clinical Nurse Specialist- PCU & ICU

Department

Health System Shared Services | Clinical Nurse Specialists

Scope of Position

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center 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. 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, 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.

Direct Patient Care

CNS engages directly with patients, families, and populations 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.

Minimal Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited nursing program with current licensure as an RN and APRN in the State of Ohio.
• Candidates must hold a master’s degree in nursing and be certified as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS).
• Preferred Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Specialty certification
• 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)

Additional Information

This CNS position would support Ross PCU and ICU clinical areas. Must have clinical experience relevant to the department's specialty.

Location

Ross Heart Hospital (0353)

Position Type

Regular

Scheduled Hours

40

Shift

Rotating Shift

Other Requirements

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

Equal Opportunity Employer

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

Employer Information

At Ohio State, you’ll find work that inspires you. We offer roles and growth opportunities in countless fields and specialties — including a job that’s right for you.

Ohio State benefits give you options to take care of what matters most to you — and opportunities to make adjustments as your life and needs change, including:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
• State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.

As Buckeyes, we accomplish more together. No matter your role, you’ll be part of creating what people need now: pathways to education, research and health care.

Working at Ohio State means you’re part of a team with a strong sense of community and an unwavering commitment to excellence — and, of course, incomparable Buckeye spirit.

We bring out the best in people, help each other succeed and learn together. By joining Ohio State, you become part of a top-20 public university with one of America’s leading academic health centers.