The Clinical Nurse is an experienced practitioner of professional nursing who provides safe, compassionate, and culturally effective care to patients and families. They demonstrate competence in caring for patients with complex problems and high acuity in a designated clinical area. The nurse follows the nursing process, gathers assessment data, and collaborates with the patient, family, and multidisciplinary team to develop and revise the patient's plan of care. They coordinate care across the continuum and adhere to evidence-based practice and nursing standards to ensure excellent patient outcomes.Effective communication skills, both verbal and nonverbal, are essential for the Clinical Nurse. They document nursing interventions and outcomes, practice safe hand-off techniques, and promote patient and family self-advocacy. Collaboration is another key aspect of their role, as they actively participate in interdisciplinary care teams, incorporate evidence-based practice, and develop effective partnerships with ancillary staff. They prioritize patient and family well-being, maintain professional therapeutic relationships, and address any situations involving incivility or disrespect.The Clinical Nurse is committed to professional development and ongoing learning. They stay informed about optimal patient/family experiences, participate in shared decision-making environments, and demonstrate fiscal stewardship. They are proficient in healthcare informatics and use technology to manage patient care and outcome data. The nurse actively seeks opportunities for learning and complies with mandatory education and licensure requirements. They contribute to quality improvement initiatives and engage in nursing research activities to advance evidence-based practice. Additionally, the Clinical Nurse understands and supports the health of the community.To qualify for this role, the Clinical Nurse must hold a CPR certification and a registered nursing license or temporary practice permit in either Pennsylvania or New Jersey, depending on the assigned work location. They should have a nursing diploma, although a BSN is preferred. Prior experience in pediatrics or a specialty area is desirable, as well as active membership in a professional nursing organization. Computer competency, information literacy, and information management literacy are necessary skills for navigating electronic health record systems and accessing and evaluating clinical information.Overall, the Clinical Nurse plays a vital role in providing high-quality patient care, promoting a positive image of professional nursing, and actively contributing to the improvement of healthcare outcomes.
