Clinical Nurse Specialist

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) collaborates with the Regional Vice President (RVP) to provide clinical direction and oversight, ensuring state and federal compliance across multiple locations. This role is pivotal in maintaining high standards of resident care, achieving regulatory compliance, and consistently implementing best practices in nursing care across all communities.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Clinical Oversight to include providing leadership to support nursing staff across assisted living and memory care communities.

• Quality monitoring through evaluation of resident care quality measures and KPI (key performance indicators) to ensure high care and services standards and regulatory compliance.

• Conduct regular assessments and site visits to provide feedback for improvement.

• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.

• Assist in preparing for and responding to regulatory inspections and surveys.

• Support development and implementation of plans of correction to include management of timelines and follow up survey readiness.

• Develop and deliver training on best practices, procedures, and regulations.

• Mentor nursing staff to enhance skills and professional growth.

• Support the orientation of new nursing staff and onboarding programs.

• Lead and support quality improvement projects to enhance care and services.

• Analyze clinical data to identify improvement areas.

• Partner with the RCD’s and ED’s to implement practices to improve resident outcomes.

• Collaborate with RVP’s and community team to address concerns and ensure satisfaction with care services.

• Promote a culture that respects residents’ rights and preferences.

• Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies.

• Oversee incident reporting and investigations to ensure timely follow up and compliance.

• Analyze trends and develop prevention strategies.

• Routinely audit to ensure accuracy in documentation and clinical activities.

• Prepare reports on clinical performance and compliance for senior management.

• Provide hands-on clinical support and assessments, with 75% of travel required.

• Act as a liaison between community teams and the RVP. • Educate community leadership and clinical teams.

• Support process development and implementation.

• Assist with staffing and labor analysis based on acuity.

• Prepare for and assist in surveys and plans of correction.

• Collaborate and resolve compliance risks.

• Act as interim RCD on occasion when needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Registered Nurse (RN) license. Must have an active and unencumbered multistate RN License.

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related field preferred

• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of nursing experience, with at least one year of experience as a Resident Care Director in Senior Living or equivalent.

• Strong knowledge of state and federal regulations governing assisted living facilities.

• Must be able to travel often and willing to travel immediately if unexpected issues arise within a community.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with staff, residents, families, and regulatory bodies.

• Proven leadership and team management abilities.

• Certification in gerontological nursing or quality improvement (e.g., CPHQ) is a plus