Clinical Practice Specialist, (RN Nurse Educator) Inpatient Surgical Services

When you come to the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center, you’re coming to more than simply a beautiful 37-acre, 218-bed suburban Baltimore, Maryland campus. You’re embarking on a professional journey that encourages opportunities, values a team atmosphere, and makes convenience and flexibility a priority. Joining our team of healthcare professionals means you’ll be contributing to a locally and nationally recognized institution. UM St. Joseph has been recognized by The Leapfrog Group as a grade ‘A’ hospital and by U.S. News & World Report as #3 in both the state and Baltimore Metro area, making UM St. Joseph the highest-ranking community hospital in Maryland. In addition, we’ve been consistently recognized as a top employer by Baltimore magazine. 

The Clinical Practice Specialist (CPS) is a dynamic clinical educator responsible for supporting evidence-based practice, professional development, and clinical competency across the Inpatient Surgical Services division—including the Cardiac Surgery Step-Down Unit, Inpatient Surgical Units, and Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit (CSU). The CPS serves as a collaborative leader, mentor, and resource, working closely with clinical staff, nursing leadership, and interdisciplinary partners to ensure high-quality, safe patient care.

Key Responsibilities:

Clinical Education & Rounding

• Conduct regular unit-based rounding to observe clinical practice, provide real-time coaching, and support staff education.

• Prioritize and deliver education based on unit needs, safety trends, and quality metrics.

Competency Validation & Tracking

• Lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of nursing orientation and annual competencies.

• Utilize online orientation and competency supporting platforms to ensure accurate tracking of clinical development and skill validation.

Orientation & Preceptor Support

• Collaborate with nurse managers and unit clinical leaders to coordinate and monitor orientation for new hires.

• Maintain consistent communication with orientees and preceptors, addressing progress, challenges, and development plans.

Instructional Delivery

• Design and facilitate targeted education such as simulations, skills labs, micro-learnings, and Lunch & Learns.

• Provide weekly educational updates to assigned nursing units and ensure access to relevant resources across the division.

Leadership Collaboration

• Participate in unit huddles, weekly 1:1 meetings with nurse managers, and CCE leadership meetings.

• Align educational efforts with divisional goals and strategic priorities.

Professional Practice Development

• Mentor Senior Clinical Nurses (SCNs), support shared governance councils, and promote professional growth.

• Serve as a clinical resource to reinforce evidence-based practice and policy adherence at the bedside.

System & Organizational Engagement

• Attend safety huddles, CCE meetings, PCS leadership meetings, and executive rounds.

• Actively contribute to organizational initiatives that advance clinical excellence and nurse development.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (required)
• Master’s Degree (required or to be initiated within 8 month of position)
• BLS (AHA / required)
• BLS Instructor (preferred or willing to obtain)
• Current license to practice professional nursing in the state.
• ACLS required for all cardiac and ICU’s (optional for other areas)
• PALS and NRP required if covering Maternal Child including the NICU
• 3-5 years nursing experience (required)
• 2-4 years in specialty area (preferred)

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

 Compensation

• Pay Range: $49.35-$74.05
• Other Compensation (if applicable):

Review the 2024-2025 UMMS Benefits Guide