SOUTHERN DISTRICT HEALTH BOARD JOB DESCRIPTION
Clinical Nurse Specialist
POSITION PURPOSE
The Clinical Nurse Specialist works across the organisation within a clinical specialty, acting
in the roles of practitioner, educator, consultant, researcher, change agent and leader in the
pursuit of clinical excellence and improved health outcomes.
The Clinical Nurse Specialist role models quality nursing practice, and facilitates evidence
based practice standards, policy and guidelines, fosters education and research,
and contributes to the strategic direction of the CPG and organisation.
The Clinical Nurse Specialist has a key focus on the provision of specialist nursing care
through improving and enhancing nursing practice. The Clinical Nurse Specialist practices
at a level which requires substantial theoretical knowledge in a selected clinical area of
nursing practice and expert utilisation of this knowledge in implementing independent and
interdependent nursing interventions.
MAIN OBJECTIVES
The Clinical Nurse Specialist practices both autonomously and in collaboration with the
multi-disciplinary team to assess, treat and manage client’s health care needs.
RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to:
Charge Nurse Manager
Professionally Responsible to:
Executive Director Nursing and Midwifery
Supervision of:
None
Internal Relationships:
Clinical Charge Nurses
Clinical Leaders
All Nursing and Midwifery Staff
Allied Health Staff
Nurse Educators
Medical Staff
Clinical Support Staff
Infection Control
Occupational Health & Safety
External Relationships:
Relevant associated groups, local and regional
Healthcare providers
Healthcare consumers
National Speciality groups
LOCATION
Southern District Health Board region.
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SOUTHERN DISTRICT HEALTH BOARD JOB DESCRIPTION
Clinical Nurse Specialist
TREATY OF WAITANGI
The Southern District Health Board is committed to its obligations under the Treaty of
Waitangi. As an employee you are required to give effect to the principles of the Treaty of
Waitangi - Partnership, Participation and Protection.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Southern District Health Board is committed to achieving the highest level of health and
safety for its staff. All employees are expected to take initiative and identify, report and
resolve issues that may cause harm to themselves or others in the organization. As an
employee of Southern District Health Board, the health and safety of clients and colleagues, as
well as your own, are your responsibility. You are expected to work safely at all times, and to
actively participate in health and safety programs in your area. It is expected that you will
report all accidents or potential hazards to your manager.
Actively contributes to a healthy environment.
Is able to prevent or minimise hazards.
Collaborates with the team and experts to ensure a safe environment for practice and care.
Applies Southern DHB emergency procedures.
QUALITY AND RISK
Southern District Health Board is committed to the concept of quality improvement. As an
employee you are required to actively participate in quality improvement and risk
management, both at a professional level and service level. You are also required to
participate in CQI and risk programmes as an integral part of your position.
KEY TASKS/ACCOUNTABILITIES
1.
Quality Clinical Practice
1.1
Promotes and role models expert
nursing care, especially to those with
complex needs.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Maintains a significant presence in the
clinical area as a resource, role model,
coach and advocate.
Establishes and promotes effective
models of care with patients and their
families/whanau that ensure continuity
of provider and care.
Guides and supports others in the
speciality in their assessment, clinical
decision
making,
implementation,
evaluation and documentation of care.
Facilitates/initiates
inter
service
collaboration to improve patient care.
Provides input into / leads the
development of care co-ordination
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SOUTHERN DISTRICT HEALTH BOARD JOB DESCRIPTION
Clinical Nurse Specialist
initiatives,
systems.
1.2
Works with nursing staff to
continuously
improve
nursing
practice and patient outcomes.
including
information
Compliance with agreed nursing quality
standards, policies, procedures and
guidelines are regularly monitored,
results are evaluated, acted on and fed
back regularly to the team, CPG manager
and CNO.
Process and outcome measures are
utilised to evaluate effectiveness of
practice and health outcomes.
There is evidence of continuous
improvement and staff are involved in
quality improvement processes.
Gains support for changes to nursing
practice that are based on:
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1.3
Articulates the ethical, cultural and
statutory requirements of practice
and initiates / responds to changes
from the internal and external
environment.
quality improvement activity reports
patient / consumer feedback
contractual / legislative changes
treatment changes
current evidence based best practice
Provides input into, and helps interpret
requirements of new legislation /
guidelines.
Addresses ethical dilemmas in
supportive, collaborative manner.
a
Attends and provides input into and
feedback from relevant committees.
Nursing specialty submissions are made
in the development of relevant
organisational and national policies.
1.4
Actively manages risk.
2.
Leadership
2.1
Works collaboratively to achieve the
organisation, nursing and specialty
vision and values, and promotes
quality patient outcomes.
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Conducts investigations to monitor or
assess the quality of nursing practice in
the clinical setting. Collaborates on any
changes required.
Participates in the development and
implementation of the Quality Plan and
ongoing service improvement initiatives.
Works closely with team members from
a wide range of clinical disciplines,
helping to create a productive
responsive customer focused team that
is able to deliver cost effective quality
SOUTHERN DISTRICT HEALTH BOARD JOB DESCRIPTION
Clinical Nurse Specialist
care.
Represents
perspective.
the
specialty
nursing
Satisfaction survey results indicate that
staff are encouraged and supported in
their work as it relates to the area of
speciality practice.
Fosters and participates in peer review
processes, case review and reflective
practice.
3.
Education
3.1
Assists in providing for the
educational needs of staff within the
specialised area of practice.
Collaborates with Clinical Charge Nurses
/ Clinical Service Managers and
Educators in the development of
education programmes related to the
area of speciality knowledge and skill, for
new nurses, doctors and allied health
staff.
Participates in the nursing educational
plan for the speciality.
Participates in nursing forums where
relevant to area of practice
Develops professional networks.
Participates in collaborative educational
networks to meet service needs.
Colleagues are informed of relevant
nursing professional trends and issues.
3.2
Participates in the development,
implementation and evaluation of
programmes to meet the identified
learning needs of the staff about the
area of speciality practice.
Shares specialist knowledge and skills in
formal and informal education activities
and ensures that nurses are supported in
their development of culturally safe
practice.
Assists in evaluating educational
programmes offered, that focus on the
area of speciality practice, to ensure
content is evidence based and reflective
of current thinking.
3.3
Provides educational support for
healthcare providers and healthcare
consumers.
Teaching sessions are provided for
health care providers e.g. general
practitioners, practice nurses, staff in
rural areas etc, as relevant to area of
speciality.
Market knowledge to ensure healthcare
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SOUTHERN DISTRICT HEALTH BOARD JOB DESCRIPTION
Clinical Nurse Specialist
providers are aware of the resource you
can provide to enhance their care
provision.
Education programmes are developed
for patients and / or healthcare
consumers to assist them to achieve
their best clinical outcomes. This may
include health promotion / wellness
activities.
Ensure healthcare consumers are
informed about the service you provide,
hence facilitating their access to the
speciality support they require.
Patient information pamphlets are
developed / updated as required, to
promote the sharing of current evidencebased information.
3.4
Demonstrates own knowledge and
skill relevant to area of speciality
practice and advanced nursing
practice position.
Education plan is in place and pursued.
Develops and maintains a professional
portfolio, utilising NZ Nursing Council’s
Standards for Advanced Nursing Practice.
Completing Post Graduate Diploma (or
equivalent) or plan in place to achieve
postgraduate qualification within a
defined timeframe.
4.
Research
4.1
Promotes quality nursing care
through research-based practice.
Relevant nursing and related research is
read, critiqued and discussed as a means
of supporting the development of quality
nursing practice.
Presents research which challenges
practice at local and national forums.
Participates in conferences relevant to
area of speciality, as agreed with Clinical
Service Manager.
Information from such forums is
communicated to staff within Southern
DHB, to maximise the benefit for the
organisation.
4.2
Role models the application of
evidence based best practice
principles in own practice, and assists
others in research related activities.
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Demonstrates ability to interpret and
implement research findings relevant to
area of speciality practice.
Provides
research
based
clinical
management options for complex clinical
SOUTHERN DISTRICT HEALTH BOARD JOB DESCRIPTION
Clinical Nurse Specialist
situations / issues.
There is evidence of staff participation in
research related activities where
appropriate and authorised.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualifications
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Appropriate registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand.
Current NZ practising certificate
First degree relevant to nursing practice, or eligibility for Direct Entry Masters
Post graduate tertiary qualification relevant to area of practice or demonstrated
and accepted equivalent
Advanced learning and contemporary knowledge in area of specialist practice.
Assessed portfolio that demonstrates the attributes defined by New Zealand
Nursing Council Advanced Nursing Practice Competencies
Experience
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Experience and credibility with the health care team as a professional resource in
speciality area
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Networking effectively in area of specialty.
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Established clinical standing within and beyond nursing
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Demonstrated ability to articulate evidence based nursing advice to
Multidisciplinary Team.
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Minimum of 3 years practice within the defined scope of clinical speciality
Skills
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Exercise independent nursing judgement, apply advanced assessment skills, initiate
appropriate clinical interventions, evaluate outcomes, advise others and provide
sound rationale for actions in area of speciality.
Work independently and in the interdisciplinary team, using practice based on
evidence and international best practice, in area of speciality.
Initiate health promotion activities to encourage productive health behaviours and
foster the strengths and potential of patients.
Be a professional leader and role model, with proven ability to inspire, motivate
and develop others, in area of speciality.
Plan work to meet agreed deadlines, seek advice and include others appropriately
Ability to participate effectively in clinical supervision and clinical review processes.
Demonstrated ability to apply the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi into practice.
Demonstrated experience in all aspects of developing, implementing and
evaluating policies and standards pertinent to clinical nursing care within speciality
area
Demonstrated conceptual, analytical and strategic thinking skills.
Excellent change management skills and the ability to lead others through change.
Ability to effectively articulate and support a rational nursing position and
perspective when working with personnel / teams from other disciplines.
Ability to work with complex team structures in negotiation, counselling and
maintenance of co-operative working relationships.
SOUTHERN DISTRICT HEALTH BOARD JOB DESCRIPTION
Clinical Nurse Specialist
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Comprehensive understanding of continuous quality improvement concepts and
methodologies and evidence of successful application of these in the practice
settings.
Demonstrated ability to work across the continuum of care.
Knowledge
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Current issues for nursing and health in NZ in an international context.
Current government policies, codes, guidelines, and legislation impacting on area
of speciality.
Current nursing professional standards and codes.
Southern DHB current vision, goals and objectives.
Local community, its key issues and customers.
Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and biculturalism