Clinical Advancement Program

Nursing Clinical Advancement Program

Mount Sinai South Nassau Clinical Ladder or Clinical Advancement Program (CAP)

The Clinical Ladder or Clinical Advancement Program (CAP) provides a way to formally recognize professional clinical full-time and part-time nurses for their expertise and engagement in unit, department and organizational activities.

Through the program, nurses analyze their own practice and seek recognition for the level of practice at the bedside that they have achieved.

FOCUS AREAS RN I
Advanced Beginner
Minimum of 1yr experience
250 Points with at least 20 points from each focus area.

RN II
Competent–Proficient
Minimum of 2 yrs. experience
300 Points with at least 30 points from each focus area.

RN III
Proficient
Minimum of 3 yrs. experience
350 Points with at least 40 points from each focus area.


RN IV
Proficient–Expert
Minimum of 3-4 yrs. experience
400 Points with at least 50 points from each focus area.
RN V Clinical Nurse Leader
Expert
Minimum of 4-5 yrs. of RN experience
500 Points with at least 50 points from each focus area.
Definition of Clinical Practice Competent clinician focused on expanding knowledge & skills Proficient & skilled clinician recognized for knowledge & skills by their peers Well-developed clinical proficiency, recognized as a leader & role model in the unit practice environment Well-developed clinical expertise, recognized as an exemplary leader & role model in the clinical area & within MSSN
Focused clinical expertise. Recognized as an exemplary leader, educator & practitioner in the clinical domain; Recommended by DON for active contributions addressing MSSN’s strategic priorities beyond the unit. Consistently exceeds expectations
Structural Empowerment Encompasses organizational structures, professional development, community outreach, & promotion of a positive nursing image.



Minimum of 10 CE hrs. annually

Community Service Required
Minimum of 10 CE hrs. annually

Community Service Required
Minimum of 10 CE hrs. annually

Community Service Required
Minimum of 10 CE hrs. annually
Maintains Professional Certification Community Service Required
Minimum of 10 CE hrs. annually Maintains Professional Certification Demonstrates a pattern of continuous learning; Active community involvement portraying a positive image of nursing.
New Knowledge & Innovation
Integrates evidence-based practice and research into clinical and operational processes.
Active Participant in unit-based initiatives, council or committee work Active Participant in: council/committee work; PI & Quality Projects or Initiatives Active Participant in: councils, committees; PI & Quality Projects or Initiatives Demonstrated Leadership withina council, committee or project; Participates in PI. Research & Quality Projects or Initiatives Lead/Co-Leads a council, committee, task force or project that advances the strategic priorities of MSSN beyond the unit specific level; Actively participates in practice innovations, research & quality projects or strategic initiatives.
Exemplary Professional Practice Focuses on excellence, collaboration, quality, safety, and best practices to realize extraordinary results.



Exemplars demonstrating service excellence Exemplars demonstrating service excellence Exemplars demonstrating service excellence Exemplars demonstrating service excellence
Multiple Exemplars demonstrating a philosophy of service excellence, demonstrating the STAAR standards of performance in all interpersonal interactions.
Transformational Leadership
Clinical nurses embrace shared decision-making and opportunities to promote change in their work environments,
Emerging Clinical Leader & Charge Role;
Member of a Professional Organization
Developing Leader & Charge Role; Member of a Professional Organization Assumes Leader, Charge Role; Member of a Professional Organization Assumes Leader, Charge & Mentor Role; Member of a Professional Organization Consistently & proactively assumes Leader, Charge &/or Mentor Role; Influences patient care & the nursing practice environment on a departmental & organizational level; Member of a Professional Organization

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Clinical Advancement Program
Academic Affiliates
Educational Offerings