Job Responsibilities
Staff orientation and inservice education, clinical consultation
with staff in inpatient, outpatient and homecare, case finding,
screening new injury SCI patients, patient education, sexuality
education and counseling for patients, serve on
hospital/department/center committees, chair education and CARF
committees, JCAHO and CARF preparation, clinical research.
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Job Requirements
Position requires a masters degree in nursing with a clinical
specialist track at a university level.
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Uppers
Flexibility of hours and days, constant variety, constantly new and fresh
challenges, significant autonomy, working with others, opportunities to create
new programs and develop innovations.
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Downers
Impossible to do this job in only 40 hours/week. I put in an
average of 60-70 hours each week, none of which is compensated as
overtime. Coming in on a weekend is not unusual. Some frustration
over having much staff responsibility, but with no line authority
(do not do evaluations, hire or fire). Topped out in salary range
and would have to give up doing the "fun" parts of the job to
advance further.
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Lifestyle
Flexibile work hours, ability to travel to conferences, etc. (but often at your
own expense), dress is street clothing with optional lab coat. Very diverse
workplace, strict enforcement of EEO regulations.
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Compensation
Current salary is $99,900 annually (topped out). Some
opportunities for cash bonuses for special projects completed. 5
weeks vacation, retirement, 70% of premium for health insurance
paid by employer, LTC insurance, tax-deferred anuity program.
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Advice to Jobseekers
Clinical nurse specialists are somewhat an endangered species.
Often you must "sell" the employer on the value of this position.
If you can find a project that needs doing, and make yourself
indispensible, this is often a way to assure a long term
position. Consulting and private practice opportunities also
exist for those interested.
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