Nursing Practice & Policy Specialist

The California Nurses Association (CNA)/National Nurses United (NNU) seeks a committed Registered Nurse for the position of Nursing Practice and Policy Specialist. This role focuses on advancing nursing practice, collective patient advocacy, and healthcare policy while also contributing to education and regulatory efforts.

• Nursing Practice Leadership:
  Serve as a primary resource on nursing practice, patient advocacy, and professional standards;
  Conduct research, literature reviews, and analysis on nursing practice standards;
  Draft practice position statements and policy recommendations;
  Monitor and analyze trends affecting direct care RN;
  Support members in protecting and advancing the role of the direct care RN in their workplace and in the U.S. healthcare system.
• Regulatory and Policy Advocacy:
  Interpret and assess proposed regulations for their impact on nursing practice and healthcare;
  Provide expert testimony and public comments on nursing and healthcare issues;
  Represent CNA/NNU before relevant state agencies, boards, and commissions;
  Assist in developing responses to legislative and regulatory issues affecting nursing.
• Education and Training:
  Contribute to NNU’s educational initiatives;
  Develop and deliver continuing education programs for nurses on practice issues, patient advocacy, and healthcare policy with a focus on collective solutions;
  Create and facilitate workshops connecting nursing practice to broader social and economic issues;
  Use innovative teaching methods to empower nurses to apply knowledge in practice and advocacy.
• Interdepartmental
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Work closely with collective bargaining and all other divisions of the union to promote the organizational priorities of union leadership;
  Provide nursing practice expertise to support organizing and collective bargaining campaigns;
  Collaborate on developing policy positions and advocacy strategies.

• Current Registered Nurse License
• Clinical Nursing experience
• Advanced degree in Nursing, Public Health, or related field
• Demonstrated expertise in nursing practice issues and healthcare policy
• Strong research, analytical, and communication skills
• Experience in developing and delivering educational programs
• Ability to interpret complex regulations and their impact on nursing practice
• Capacity to work productively both remotely and in person at the Oakland, California union headquarters. Will also consider candidates available to work in person and remotely from other California union offices (Sacramento, Glendale, or others), or at one of the national union offices (Chicago, Silver Spring, Tampa, or others).
• Willingness to travel when needed
• Driver’s license

• Demonstrated effectiveness at advocating for high standards of protections for registered nurses in the workplace and patients in healthcare facilities through a labor organization
• Background in labor or other grassroots advocacy organization
• Familiarity with state and federal healthcare regulations
• Publication record in nursing or healthcare policy
• Experience in social justice or healthcare activism

• Passionate advocate for nursing practice and patient care
• Commitment to social justice and CNA/NNU’s mission
• Ability to translate complex issues for diverse audiences
• Strong ethical standards and professional judgment
• Collaborative team player with capacity for independent work

CNA/NNU offers a competitive salary range of $114,000-$148,000, commensurate with experience, and a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, retirement plans, and professional development support.

CNA/NNU is committed to Equal Opportunity and encourages applications from nurses of diverse backgrounds and experiences.

• Current resume highlighting relevant nursing and policy experience
• Detailed cover letter explaining your qualifications and vision for this role
• A recent sample of your written work on a nursing practice or healthcare policy issue, especially a published article
• A short description of a challenge facing U.S. nurses today and an outline for a 4‑hour workshop about this challenge and some potential solutions

Join us in advancing the nursing profession and advocating for quality patient care and social justice in healthcare.

CNA/NNU is committed to Equal Opportunity, and considering applicants of all ages, races, sexual orientations, national origins, ethnicities, and religions. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and experiences related to our core organizational values and objectives to apply.