POSITION SUMMARY 

 The Certified Nurse Specialist (CNS) Critical Care Educator provides expertise in the Critical care Units (ICU/CCU) to facilitate the development and maintenance of quality, cost-effective health care programs and services. The CNS fosters the advancement of Critical Care nursing practice by using contemporary evidenced based research and practice and the current knowledge of advanced practice to guide and support direct care nursing staff, and is accountable for clinical outcomes for appropriate individuals and groups of patients. The CNS is also responsible for orientation of new staff to the Critical Care (ICU and CCU) units. In addition, the CNS is responsible for developing, teaching and evaluating education for the department staff, and assisting the director in establishing and maintaining unit-specific procedures. This position has exposure to body fluids, radiation and communicable disease.  The variety of patients served by these units includes pediatrics, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics, with the majority being adult and geriatric patients. The majority of work time is spent sitting/standing, and/or walking of short distances, with frequent pushing, pulling, and lifting of up to 100 lbs., and carrying of up to 25 lbs

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Arkansas RN License, APN License, National CNS certification, ACLS

DESCRIBE THE SPECIFIC EDUCATIONAL AND SKILL COMPETENCIES REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

This position requires a good working knowledge of clinical nursing practices as usually demonstrated by a minimum of four years of clinical nursing, at least two of those years being in an area of similar specialty to the unit.  Demonstrated teaching & leadership ability, and the ability to develop, deliver and evaluate training information are required. Completion of CPR is required. Masters in Nursing (CNS) required. A national certification in the specialty-area (or actively pursuing a national certification) is strongly encouraged.