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University of Iowa Health Care—recognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States—is Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center. Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe, quality health care and excellent service for our patients. Simply stated, our mission is: Changing Medicine.
Changing Lives. ® Are you a visionary nurse leader passionate about driving exceptional patient care, inspiring teamwork, and advancing evidence-based practice? The MCU ED has a leadership opportunity! The Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Iowa Health Care invites you to step into a pivotal role as our Clinical Practice Leader (CPL).
The Department of Emergency Medicine’s Nursing Clinical Practice Leader (CPL) is an expert clinician who leads clinical care delivery within a healthcare setting at the clinical microsystem level (i.e., small, interdependent group who works together to provide care for a specific group of patients, embedded in larger organization) such as an inpatient-unit, clinical service line, or ambulatory service focuses on improving patient outcomes, patient experience, reducing costs, and enhancing revenue through the assimilation and application of evidence-based information to design, implement, and evaluate patient care.
Be part of a team that makes a difference every day. Your leadership can shape the future of nursing for Emergency Medicine. Apply now and embark on a career where your expertise is valued, your growth is supported, and your impact is profound.
Emergency Department | University Campus: The Emergency Department (ED) at the University Campus (located at 200 Hawkins Dr.) is a 57-bed department. Pediatric ED space with 13 rooms, which includes 2 dedicated trauma/resuscitation rooms and a procedural room. Main ED space includes 3 trauma/resuscitation rooms, an expanded Team Triage space, and 6 results waiting chairs.
South Expansion space includes 12 enhanced multipurpose rooms and a calming room. Our ED is staffed by a multidisciplinary team which includes Registered Nurses, Clinical Technicians, Patient Care Technicians, Paramedics, Unit Assistants, Social Work, Psychiatry, Emergency Medicine providers, Pharmacy, and our research team. The University Campus ED was the recipient of an Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Lantern Award in 2025 for their collaboration and teamwork that makes a difference in the lives of patients, families, employees, and our community.
For more specific information about the Emergency Department click here . Apply today and be part of something extraordinary.
the Team? Dynamic, fast-paced environment that safely pushes your nursing skill set to the next level Collaborative, multidisciplinary work environment dedicated to safe, quality patient care as demonstrated by daily nurse lead rounds A unit committed to the UI Department of Nursing shared governance model to promote staff nurse leadership and autonomy as well as a generous professional recognition program Nurse Residency and Preceptor Programs for new and experienced RNs Opportunities to precept nursing students though our Dedicated Education Unit program Pioneer unit for compassionate, connected patient care The Role: As a Clinical Practice Leader in the Department of Emergency Medicine, you will: Lead with Purpose: Lead clinical care delivery for Emergency Medicine nursing staff.
Focusing on improving patient outcomes and nursing care through evidence-based practice and research. Assure competency of nursing staff in Emergency Medicine. Lead changes in nursing practice and patient care based on systematic evaluation and Iowa Model for evidence-based practice.
Develop, implement, integrate, and maintain evidence-based standards. Implement and proactively and productively manage change. Lead interdisciplinary collaboration and teamwork.
Provide specialized patient care Inspire Innovation: Facilitate evidence-based projects for Emergency Medicine nursing and incorporate findings from these projects into clinical practice. Facilitate quality and process improvements by leading and supporting a culture of evidence-based practice. Promote critical thinking and innovation in nursing practice and patient care.
Use evidence-based practice and research to enhance patient care Be the Expert: Provide advanced Emergency Medicine nursing specialty knowledge to healthcare staff, patients, students or residents. Communicate detailed, complex medical and technical information to a variety of audiences. Lead and provide unit-based staff education, orientation and development.
Assure competency of nursing staff at microsystem level. Share expert knowledge and skills with nurses and other members of the health care team through unit-based educational programs, including orientation, in-services and specialized training. Ensure Excellence: Utilize knowledge and skill of compliance standards for Emergency Medicine nursing staff.
Lead implementation and development of Emergency Medicine policies and procedures and share responsibility for Quality Improvement (QI) plan with nursing practice leaders (NPL) and other nursing colleagues. Maintain knowledge of all regulatory and compliance standards impacting the microsystem, nursing practice, and patient care. Ensure staff understanding and maintenance of CMS standards for Patient Rights ; other external standards; and UI Health Care policies, procedures, and standards of practice.
Ensure microsystem is TJC ready at all times. Lead and facilitate interdisciplinary quality and process improvements at the microsystem level. Utilize clinical expertise in developing patient care protocols and policies.
Care Delivery : Supervise care delivery of Emergency Medicine nursing staff, students or residents. Providing evaluative feedback and recommendations regarding performance, Develop, and manage the performance of staff and assure compliance with appropriate policies and procedures for the assigned area. Assess patient care delivered by nursing staff members and other members of the health care team.
Provide feedback to individuals; and evaluate feedback and recommendations to managers regarding staff member performance. Facilitate and support growth and development of individual staff members and team. Percent of Time : 100%
Monday-Friday, variable hours between 0700-1700. This position will include occasional off shifts. Location : Main Campus University P&S Pay Scale : Professional and Scientific Pay Structures | University Human Resources - The University of Iowa Benefits Highlights: Regular salaried position located in Iowa City, Iowa Fringe benefits package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life, and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans For more information about Why Iowa?, click here Education/License and Certifications or Equivalency Required: Master’s degree in Nursing required.
Specialty in Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL/CNS) designation preferred. Current license to practice nursing in Iowa is required. Required
Three (3) or more years of clinical nursing experience in Emergency Medicine required. Demonstrate knowledge and experience with: Staff education and development Outcomes based practice and quality improvement Leading change processes including implementation of evidence-based practice Demonstrate excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills Proficient in computer software applications. Professional job-related experience fostering or promoting a welcoming and respectful work/academic environment where people of all backgrounds and perspectives feel welcomed and appreciated; or demonstrated the ability to do so Desired
Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) – Certification by the Commission on Nurse Certification or certification relevant to clinical specialty. Demonstrate ability to understand and deliver care at the microsystem level while being part of a large, complex academic medical center. Role models professional and clinical practice.
Experience with nursing research. Strong critical thinking and analytical skills and ability to problem solve. Member/active participation in professional organization(s).
Application Process: In order to be considered, applicants must upload a cover letter and resume/CV (under submission relevant materials) that clearly addresses how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications for this position. Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. This position may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
Successful candidates will be asked to provide five (5) professional references. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Please contact John Hixson at john-hixson@uiowa.edu with any questions.
About the role
University of Iowa Health Care—recognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States—is Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center. The Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Iowa Health Care invites you to step into a pivotal role as our Clinical Practice Leader (CPL).