NURSING PRACTICE SPECIALIST
2025F2 DEFINITION OF WORK This is professional consultative and supervisory work advising individuals and organizations in the interpretation of the Nurse Practice Act and in the investigation of official complaints made against persons licensed by the State Board of Nursing. Work involves establishing and revising procedures for the investigation and processing of complaints, investigating complaints, preparing investigative reports, attending State Nursing Board meetings and official hearings, assisting the Board's attorney in preparing the Board's case, as well as testifying at hearings and providing follow-up on Board actions. Work also includes interpretation of the Nurse Practice Act, developing and holding workshops on interpretations and procedures related to the Act, and preparing reports and statistical data on these activities. Supervision is exercised over a small professional staff and clerical support staff. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - LEVEL E: "Under administrative direction..." At this level, employees are free to plan, develop and organize all phases of the work necessary for its completion within program guidance. Generally, they can develop and utilize any procedures and methods which do not conflict with major policies. Supervision is generally exercised over them through staff conference-type discussions and a review of progress reports. Difficulty - LEVEL C: Considerable - Duties which require a high degree of concentration because of the many factors which must be considered and weighed before a decision can be reached. Usually positions that require planning, developing, and coordinating programs and directing fairly large groups of people fall into this category. Complexity - LEVEL E: Work is of a highly diverse and/or complex nature characterized by a broad range of activities and frequently changing conditions, situations and problems. Considerable analytical thought is necessary for interpreting a variety of factors, problems and alternatives for methods and procedures. Work requires the origination of ideas, techniques and programs for solving technical problems or complicated situations. Workers at this level exercise a high degree of responsibility for independent judgment and may participate in major program changes or policy decisions. Work may be reviewed by occasional conferences or reports to superiors. When guidelines exist at this level, they are normally characterized by regulations, policies or complex technical manuals. Consequences of Actions and Decisions - LEVEL D: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are significant as the work may be rarely if ever reviewed, making errors difficult to detect. Errors may cause major program failure or a high degree of confusion. Injuries to others due to errors are serious or incapacitating or both and costs due to errors are substantial. Contacts - LEVEL C: The purpose of the contact is to influence, motivate, conduct interviews, make formal presentations or counsel to achieve common understanding or solutions to problems when the information is sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are skeptical or uncooperative. Communication techniques and well developed communication skills become an important requirement at this level. Physical Demands - LEVEL A: The work is predominantly sedentary and requires minimal or negligible physical exertion. The employee is normally seated; however, the nature of the work allows for periods of standing or walking at will. Environmental Conditions - LEVEL A: The work environment involves normal everyday hazards or discomforts typical of offices, meeting and training rooms, or libraries. Comfortable levels of temperature, ventilation, lighting and sound are inherent in the work environment. Exposure to deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is only occasional. The likelihood of injury is remote. Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL D: Involves administrative supervision responsibility. As a first line supervisor", the primary responsibility involves scheduling, supervising and evaluating employees who perform the same or similar work. Responsible for recommending hiring and disciplinary actions to a higher level of authority. As a "project manager" may direct the activities of project leaders to develop plans and criteria and to evaluate progress and results for one or more projects. Distinguishing Features Differs from the Nursing Education Specialist class which is non-supervisory specialized professional work carrying out a program for the accreditation and assessment of schools of nursing and for approval of continuing education criteria. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Supervises investigators inquiring into alleged violations of the Nurse Practice Act. Establishes, reviews and revises procedures for the processing and investigation of complaints; conducts investigations on-site by reviewing records, interviewing and observation; prepares a written report on each investigation for Board review. Assists Board's attorney in preparing cases of alleged nurse malpractice for Board hearings; attends and may testify at hearings; follows up to determine if Board's actions are implemented; notifies other organizations regarding Board's actions affecting nurses. Plans and holds workshops on the interpretation of the Nurse Practice Act and on how to prevent malpractice problems; answers telephone and written queries regarding specific interpretations of the Nurse Practice Act. Develops practice standards for professional and practical nurses. Collects statistics and prepares reports on complaints, investigations, hearings and interpretations of Nurse Practice Act; reviews credentials of candidates for certification as Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners according to established procedures. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS Knowledge *Knowledge of professional nursing theory and practices. *Knowledge of the role of nurses in both health care and other settings. Knowledge of modern practices and techniques used in investigative work. Knowledge of the rules of legal evidence. Knowledge of the principles and techniques of supervision. Abilities *Ability to interpret the laws, rules, regulations and procedures regarding the Nurse Practice Act. *Ability to plan and conduct investigations independently, ascertain facts and obtain evidence. *Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. *Ability to supervise, instruct and review the work of other employees. *Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
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