Clinical Nurse Specialist-Vascular Access & Infusion

UW Health; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plans

Two weeks parental leave

Adoption assistance

Tuition benefits

Referral bonus

Job summary

UW Health’s University Hospital in Madison, WI is seeking a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) to lead vascular access and infusion practices for inpatients and ambulatory settings. This role requires advanced nursing credentials and a focus on evidence-based standards to improve patient outcomes.

The CNS will mentor staff, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and participate in shared governance to advance nursing practice across the organization.

Qualifications

• Master's or Doctorate in Nursing is required.
• RN licensure in Wisconsin or compact state; APRN licensure required.

Responsibilities

• Lead vascular access and infusion practice across UW Health for adults and pediatrics.
• Provide clinical expertise and consultation for the Vascular Access Team.
• Drive evidence-based practice and quality improvement in vascular access and infusion care.
• Educate, mentor, and serve as a clinical resource for nursing staff and partners.
• Collaborate with nursing leaders and interdisciplinary teams to close practice gaps.
• Influence clinical practice and participate in governance and quality initiatives.

Skills

Vascular access expertise

Clinical leadership

Education & mentorship

Education

Master's Degree in Nursing

Doctorate Degree in Nursing

Job description

Schedule

Join our team as a Clinical Nurse Specialist and bring your vascular access and infusion nursing practice expertise! This unique opportunity is a 100% FTE position scheduled to typically work Monday through Friday, day shift hours, however some off hours or weekends may be required. Hours may vary based on the operational needs of the department. Your primary work location will be University Hospital in Madison, WI with travel required as needed.

Be part of something remarkable

Join the #1 hospital in Wisconsin!

We are seeking a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) to:

• Lead evidence-based vascular access and infusion practice across UW Health, supporting adult and pediatric patients in both inpatient and ambulatory settings. Partner with clinical teams throughout the organization to advance safe, effective, and consistent care.
• Provide clinical expertise and consultation for the Vascular Access Team (VAT), supporting the assessment, selection, insertion, and maintenance of vascular access devices, including peripheral IVs, midlines, PICC lines, as well as small-bore feeding tube insertions. A minimum of one year experience in a RN vascular access role is highly preferred.
• Drive evidence-based practice and quality improvement initiatives related to vascular access and infusion therapy, identifying opportunities to improve clinical outcomes, standardize practice, reduce complications, and enhance patient safety.
• Educate, mentor, and serve as a clinical resource for nursing staff and interdisciplinary partners, providing guidance on vascular access device selection, infusion practices, clinical procedures, and the implementation of evidence-based standards and protocols.
• Collaborate with nursing leaders, clinical teams, and interdisciplinary partners to identify practice gaps, develop and implement interventions, evaluate outcomes, and support organization-wide initiatives that advance nursing practice.
• Influence clinical practice and organizational decision-making through clinical expertise, consultation, professional collaboration, and participation in shared governance, committees, and quality improvement initiatives that promote excellence in vascular access and infusion care.

Pay

Pay range is based on a full-time (100%) position.

Salary is prorated based on FTE.

Relocation assistance may be available for qualified applicants.

At UW Health, you will have:

• An excellent benefits package, including health and dental insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, two weeks paid parental leave and adoption assistance.
• Options for a variety of schedules and shifts that offer flexibility and allow for work-life balance
• Access to great resources through the UW Health Employee Wellbeing Department that supports your emotional, financial, and physical well-being.
• Acuity-based staffing ratios for optimal safety.
• A strong shared governance structure which assures every nurse has a voice.
• A place where nursing excellence is recognized and celebrated in our inpatient and outpatient settings through several award programs.
• Tuition benefits eligibility - UW Health invests in your professional growth as a nurse by helping pay for coursework associated with career advancement.
• The opportunity to earn a referral bonus for referring friends, former colleagues or others to apply for open, posted positions.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Nursing Required or
• Doctorate Degree in Nursing Required

Work Experience

• 3 years of relevant clinical nursing experience Required
• Previous experience as a clinical nurse specialist or other nurse leadership role Preferred
• Experience in an academic medical center Preferred

Licenses & Certifications

• Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of Wisconsin or holds a license issued by a jurisdiction that has adopted the nurse licensure compact Upon Hire Required
• Licensed as Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in the state of Wisconsin Upon Hire Required
• Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) certification in areas of specialty or population focus Upon Hire Required
• Basic Life Support CPR/BLS certification Upon Hire Required
• Certification in specialty area of practice Preferred

Our Commitment to Social Impact and Belonging

UW Health is committed to fostering a workplace that creates belonging for everyone and is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Our respect for people shines through patient care interactions and our daily work practices as we work to embrace the knowledge, unique perspectives and qualities each employee and faculty member brings to work each day. It is the policy of UW Health to provide equal opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

University Hospital

University Hospital in Madison is a Magnet®-designated facility that’s ranked Wisconsin’s #1 hospital and considered one of the nation's leading hospitals, teaching institutions and referral centers.