Clinical Nurse Specialist

CHI St. Vincent, a regional health network serving Arkansas, is part of CommonSpirit Health. We have served Arkansas since 1888 with a history of many firsts. Together with more than 4500 coworkers, 1000 medical staff and 500 volunteers we consistently receive praise for care advancements. CommonSpirit Health was formed by the alignment of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) and Dignity Health in 2019. With our combined resources CommonSpirit is committed to building healthy communities advocating for those who are poor and vulnerable and innovating how and where healing can happen both inside our hospitals and out in the community. CHI St. Vincent provides you with the same level of care you provide to others. We care about our team member well-being and offer benefits that complement and support your work/life balance.

As a Clinical Nurse Specialist, you will serve as the principal clinical and educational resource for our cardiovascular inpatient population. You will bridge the gap between evidence-based research and bedside practice, fostering a culture of professional growth, mentorship, and high-quality patient care. You will work closely with nursing leadership, physicians, and multidisciplinary teams to elevate standards of care and drive positive patient outcomes.

Every day you will collaborate on comprehensive screenings, conduct critical risk assessments, provide vital preventative health education, and expertly coordinate care for diverse patient populations, leveraging technology to streamline processes. You'll ensure patients feel informed and at ease, patiently guiding them through instructions and addressing their concerns.

To be successful in this role, you will combine robust clinical knowledge and technological proficiency with genuine compassion, strong communication skills, and an adaptable approach to learning and patient-centered care.

• Clinical Expertise: Act as a role model and mentor for nursing staff, rounding to identify patient problems and directing changes to nursing plans of care.
• Educational Leadership: Assess educational needs, develop and implement competency programs, and incorporate current research into daily practice.
• Consultation & Collaboration: Partner with unit leadership and medical staff to develop standards of care, clinical protocols, and policies.
• Advocacy & Research: Lead efforts in implementing evidence-based practices, seek opportunities for nursing research, and represent the organization at the local, state, and national levels.
• Patient Care: Provide high-level clinical guidance and occasional direct patient care for complex cardiovascular cases.

Education & Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN).
• Master’s degree in Nursing, Business, Healthcare Administration, or a related healthcare field.
  • (Note: If your Bachelor's is not a BSN, you must hold an MSN).
• 3–5 years of cardiovascular clinical experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of documented experience in cardiovascular patient populations.

Preferred:

• 1 year of experience in a formal CNS role.

Licensure & Certifications: 

• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Arkansas.
• Current BLS (Basic Life Support) certification.
• Current ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification.