Job Description

Work Schedule:

Join our team as a Clinical Nurse Specialist! This unique opportunity is a 100% FTE position scheduled to typically work Monday through Friday, day shift hours, however some off hours or weekends may be required. Hours may vary based on the operational needs of the department. You will work at University Hospital located in Madison, WI.

Be part of something remarkable
Join the #1 hospital in Wisconsin!

Advance your professional nursing career at the #1 hospital in the state of Wisconsin!

Join our team as a CNS or NS:

• Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): An APRN with advanced education and specialized clinical expertise who integrates care across direct patient care, nursing practice, and organizational/system levels.
  

We are seeking a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) to:

• Lead evidence-based practice and quality improvement initiatives for a new 16-bed Medical Intermediate Care Unit, helping shape care delivery and improve outcomes in a growing, high-acuity program opening in 2027.
• Serve as the clinical expert for adult intermediate care patients, mentoring nurses, advancing nursing practice, and supporting the integration of evidence-based care for patients requiring enhanced monitoring and complex medical management.
• Partner with interdisciplinary teams to optimize care for patients with sepsis, respiratory failure, cardiac conditions, infectious diseases, acute organ dysfunction, and other complex medical diagnoses requiring intermediate-level care.
• Drive practice innovation by identifying gaps in care delivery, implementing new technologies and best practices, removing barriers to care, and leading research and quality improvement initiatives.
• Support a dynamic care environment that bridges intensive and general care, providing expertise for patients requiring advanced respiratory support, specialized infusions, and frequent clinical assessment.
• Collaborate with nursing leadership, physicians, educators, and interdisciplinary teams to advance professional nursing practice, improve patient outcomes, and help establish a new model of intermediate care at UW Health.

At UW Health, you will have:

• An excellent benefits package, including health and dental insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, two-week paid parental leave and adoption assistance.
• Options for a variety of schedules and shifts that offer flexibility and allow for work-life balance
• Access to great resources through the UW Health Employee Wellbeing Department that supports your emotional, financial, and physical well-being.
• Acuity based staffing ratios for optimal safety
• A strong shared governance structure which assures every nurse has a voice.
• A place where nursing excellence is recognized and celebrated in our inpatient and outpatient settings through several award programs
• Tuition benefits eligibility - UW Health invests in your professional growth as a nurse by helping pay for coursework associated with career advancement
• The opportunity to earn a referral bonus for referring friends, former colleagues or others to apply for open, posted positions

Pay

• Pay range is based on a full-time (100%) position.

• Salary is prorated based on FTE.

• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified applicants.
  

*Please note that qualifications have recently been updated.

Clinical Nurse Specialist Qualifications

Education

Master’s Degree or doctoral degree in Nursing Required

Work Experience

3 years of relevant clinical nursing experience Required

Previous experience as a clinical nurse specialist or other nurse leadership role Preferred

Experience in an academic medical center Preferred

Licenses & Certifications

Licensed as Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in the state of Wisconsin Required

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) certification in areas of specialty or population focus Required

Basic Life Support CPR/BLS certification Required

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification Required

Certification in specialty area of practice Preferred

University Hospital in Madison is a Magnet®-designated facility that’s ranked Wisconsin’s #1 hospital and considered one of the nation's leading hospitals, teaching institutions and referral centers.

Clinical Nurse Specialist Job Description

UW Hospital and Clinics benefits