Nursing Practice Specialist

Purpose The Nursing Practice and Policy Specialist carries out the Ohio Nurses Association’s nursing practice and policy initiatives. The position applies nursing expertise to research practice issues, develop resources, support members, and contribute to policies that advance safe patient care and nurses’ and health professionals’ interests. Working with ONA leadership and staff, the Specialist turns member concerns and evidence into practical recommendations, educational materials, and program activities. Essential Functions: Nursing Practice Respond to member inquiries about nursing practice, professional standards, scope of practice, and patient safety; research questions and refer issues requiring legal or regulatory interpretation to the appropriate resource. Research emerging practice concerns, including staffing, workplace violence, moral distress, and barriers to safe care; identify implications for nurses, health professionals, and patients. Develop and update practice resources, guidance documents, presentations, and member education materials using current evidence and professional standards. Support the Council on Practice and other assigned committees by preparing materials, coordinating meetings, documenting recommendations, and following up on assigned actions. Gather member feedback and review practice concerns to identify recurring issues and recommend resources or organizational responses. Nursing Policy Monitor regulatory changes and professional policy developments that affect nursing and health professional practice and patient care. Analyze practice implications and prepare summaries, recommendations, draft position statements, and testimony for leadership review. Work with government affairs staff to provide nursing expertise for policy initiatives and communicate the practical effects of proposed changes. Assist with developing and revising ONA nursing practice position statements; maintain supporting evidence and track reviews and updates. Prepare approved policy information for members and staff in clear, accessible language. Collaboration and Program Support Coordinate with labor representatives, communications staff, and other departments to connect nursing practice expertise with member needs and ONA initiatives. Contribute practice and policy content to member communications, events, and educational activities. Maintain accurate project records, track deadlines, and provide progress updates, findings, and recommendations to the supervisor. Participate in assigned meetings and represent ONA within approved priorities and positions. Protect confidential member and organizational information and follow ONA policies for information handling. Perform other duties related to the position as assigned. Continuing Education- Provider Unit Serving as a content expert as appropriate, will author/update independent studies, record webinars, deliver live presentations. Maintain thorough knowledge of Ohio Revised Code and Administrative Code 4723 and author/present Category A content. Continuing Education- OBN Approver Unit Orient as a Nurse Peer Reviewer to assist in the processes of the approver unit within six (6) months of employment. Serve as a Peer Reviewer for both Individual Applications and Approved Provider Applications as needed. Consultations to Members, the Community, and Interested Parties Provides ongoing staff services to members and non-members related to nursing practice and continuing education. Participates in Ohio Nurses Association committees as assigned. Assists ONA staff in the development of CE programs as directed by supervisor. Communications Works with the Director of Communications at the direction of your supervisor on communication strategies related to nursing practice and continuing education using all forms of media. Submits periodic reports summarizing program activity to supervisor as requested. Ensures that all marketing and public relations communications intended for public release are reviewed by the CE department designee. Maintains confidentiality of reports as required by federal and state law or accreditation requirements. Contributes to the Ohio Nurse quarterly. Contributes to the Ohio Nurse and Health Professionals Review. Relationship Building Serves as ONA representative to other organizations as assigned by the direct supervisor or designee. Identifies opportunities to partner with these organizations. May be assigned to attend OBN meetings. Other Duties Participates in staff meetings and other required meetings and seminars. Attends and assists in the coordination and preparation of the biennial convention. Takes ownership of assigned responsibilities and work product. Submits time electronically on a weekly basis. Submits credit card statements, if necessary, by the deadlines established. Respects computer and laptop service requests and responds timely when action is required. Provides information on the intranet calendar when out of the office. Maintains documents in a format that makes them readily accessible to other staff in accordance with office policy. Travels throughout Ohio and make frequent visits to the Ohio Statehouse. Occasional national travel or overnight trips. The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload. Typical Physical Requirements Regularly uses a telephone and e-mail system for communication. The person in this position frequently communicates with coworkers and organization contacts who have inquiries. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. The person in this position frequently operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer. Sedentary work – Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequency or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Involves sitting most of the time. Employment Standards Knowledge of: Overall mission of the Ohio Nurses Association and AFT Nursing Practice: General and Ohio specific Continuing Education Educational Design Adult Learning Skill in: Reviewing, editing and writing documents. Microsoft Office – Power Point, Excel, Word, Outlook. Simple Web development programs Telecommunications i.e. Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Zoom Webinar, Online Application Software Strict attention to detail. Making presentations. Communicating clearly and concisely. Leading and facilitating meetings. Public speaking. Ability to: Identify new opportunities and act on them to enhance results. Represent the organization in a positive and professional way. Demonstrate a helpful, accepting attitude towards members and others. Relate to and establish rapport with all types of people. Prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Work with individuals and groups. Handle stressful situations. Additional knowledge, skills and abilities may be required to perform additional tasks specific to work or special assignments. Required Education and Experience Any combination of education and experience, which would likely produce the necessary knowledge and abilities, is qualifying. Unrestricted Ohio RN license 4-5 years of nursing experience. Familiarity with Ohio nursing regulation and healthcare policy processes. Current Ohio driver’s license. Work Environment The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of such office environments. Observance of all safety rules and guidelines is imperative and alw