"Clinical Nurse" designation---what does it mean in your facility?

[WindwardOahuRN, RN]

I was curious as to what the term "Clinical Nurse" (with I, II, III, IV, etc following it) means in your facility, if you have a Clinical Ladder in place. Not "Clinical Nurse Specialist" (CNS) which is an education level but facility-based clinical ladder designations.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Aw yes, the "clinical nurse". Actually, in some states, Clinical Nurse Specialist is not a protected title...unfortunately,

traumarus, APN, CNS

[criticalHP, MSN, RN]

sounds like something very similar to clinical ladder program. It usually goes by how many years experience one has, plus what they have accomplished within those years. My facility has a clinical ladder program. Everyone starts out at a III for experienced RN's, then you apply for a IV or V. There are criteria you must score to make your portfolio representative of your experiences, of course proper documentation or proof, if you will, is needed. After all the compiling you submit to a committee who then reviews your portfolio. Monetary rewards are awarded for level IV and V, with V being the most. In order to get this designation it must be maintained in order to keep it-not so easy to do. This very time consuming process has kept many of our wonderfully talented nurses from pursuing a level V--but it's worth it in the end (and I don't mean just money).It's a sense of accomplishment that is recognized by the hospital.

[ukstudent]

CN I = a new grad, less than 1 year experience

CN II = nurse with more than 1 year experience

CN III = nurse with more than 2 years experience, most nurses are CN III's

CN IV = nurses many years of experience and in very sepcialized areas.

No real clinical ladder in place.

[RNperdiem, RN]

We have the clinical ladder too. To get beyond CNII, you need to submit a portfolio to a committee.

The CN III and up are all required to join a committee, and are trained to be in charge, precept and take care of ECMO patients.

[akrn70]

Would any one be willing to share the optional activities that your facility uses to gain points toward earning the levels for your clinical ladders? We are in the process of revamping ours and I was just curious to know what other facilities are doing.

We have RN I - new grad that has finished the probation period (novice)

RN II - min of 2-3 years of acute care experience (competent)

RN III - >3 years acute care experience and 1 year in current specialty (proficient)

RN IV - >4 years acute care experience and 1 year in current specialty (expert)

[Chisca, RN]

We used to have a clinical ladder. Then the economy got tight and we all became "associates". The "associate" director of nursing makes a bit more than me but we are still all "associates".

[WindwardOahuRN, RN]

We used to have a clinical ladder. Then the economy got tight and we all became "associates". The "associate" director of nursing makes a bit more than me but we are still all "associates".

So, basically, it's a nothing.

'Nuff said.