Clinical Practice Specialists focus on either nursing or behavioral health practice and serve as leaders in advancing clinical excellence. They improve patient outcomes and care delivery through evidence-based practice, consultation, education, and research. Working collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams, they influence practice across the care continuum and help establish and uphold organizational standards.
The Clinical Practice Specialist is a leader in advancing practice and excellence, both within the nursing or behavioral health profession and within the context of collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, to improve patient outcomes and systems of care. The position improves practice and patient outcomes across the care continuum through implementation of evidence-based care, consultation, research, education and establishing organizational standards.
Department Name: Perioperative Services (Pre-op, PACU, and Post-Op)
Job Status: full time, 40 hours per week, eligible for benefits
Shift: typically four, 10-hour shifts per week, days of the week vary
This position will provide system-wide support at Colorado Springs, Anschutz, South Campus and North Campus
This position is eligible for relocation assistance, if relocating from 100 miles or greater.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Evidence-Based Practice & Research
Designs and implements evidence-based, cost-effective interventions, advancing nursing or behavioral health practice and supporting patient and family empowerment.
Promotes evidence-based knowledge in policies, procedures, and education strategies tailored to patient/family needs and readiness to learn.
Provides expert consultation and coaching for patients with complex needs; delivers direct care within scope when needed.
Leads, mentors, and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams on identifying, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based practices and research.
Conducts or partners in research to address gaps in knowledge, evaluates impact using scientific methods, and disseminates findings through presentations and publications. - Quality Improvement
Assesses the care environment to identify improvement opportunities, integrating patient safety principles and identifying/resolving safety issues.
Collaborates on and leads initiatives promoting a non-punitive culture for reporting errors and near misses; supports safety recognition programs.
Leads or participates in systematic quality and safety efforts using root cause analysis, process evaluation, and outcome measurement.
Mentors others in planning and implementing change, anticipating intended and unintended outcomes, while managing resources responsibly. - Systems Leadership
Builds partnerships across teams and systems using leadership, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills; serves as a change agent aligned with organizational goals.
Develops and consults on population-specific programs that reflect patient and family needs, strengths, and cultural values.
Advocates for nursing/behavioral health contributions and equitable care in healthcare policy, organizational decision-making, and community initiatives.
Contributes to the broader healthcare knowledge base through professional engagement, publications, and leadership in organizations.
Facilitates professional development through education, coaching, and reflective practice, supporting clinical growth among staff and students.
Participates in the evaluation of equipment, supplies, and policies impacting practice; provides specialty consultation and supports nurses practicing to the full scope of their role.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Master of Science in Nursing
Experience: 5 years clinical and pediatric experience. Previous perianesthesia experience strongly preferred (Pre-op, PACU, and Post-op)
Certification(s):
* Advanced Life Support (ACLS, PALS) AND/OR other Certification(s) for specific roles may be required within 6 months of hire
* Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers from the American Heart Association
* ANCC or Magnet approved clinical specialty or quality/safety focus certification required.
* Membership in a professional nursing, behavioral health or health care organization.
Licensure(s): Current Registered Nurse (RN)
Salary Information
Pay is dependent on applicant's relevant experience.
Annual Salary Range (Based on 40 hours worked per week): $105,046.99 to $157,570.49
Benefits Information
Here, you matter. As a Children's Hospital Colorado team member, you will receive a competitive pay and benefits package designed to take care of your needs that includes base pay, incentives, paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, company provided life and disability insurance, paid parental leave, 403b employer match (retirement savings), a robust wellness program, and access to professional development tools, including an education benefit to help you advance your career.
As part of our Total Rewards package, Children's Colorado offers an annual employee bonus program that rewards eligible team members based on organizational performance. If organizational goals are met for the year, the bonus is paid out the following April.
Children's Colorado delivers annual base pay increases to eligible team members based on their performance over the previous year.
EEO Statement
It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or any other status protected by law or regulation. Be aware that none of the questions are intended to imply illegal preferences or discrimination based on non-job-related information. The position is expected to stay open until the posted close date. Please submit your application as soon as possible as the posting is subject to close at any time once a sufficient pool of qualified applicants is obtained.
Colorado Residents: In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Children's Hospital Colorado
$105,046.99 to $157,570.49
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, 403(b), relocation assistance
May 21, 2026