Clinical Scholar Level of Practice - Clinical Recognition Program - The Knight Nursing Center for Clinical & Professional Development - Patient Care Services

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Recognition at the Clinical Scholar level is voluntary and is initiated by the clinician. To begin the process, it is recommended that the clinician use the self-reflective guide to determine his/her appropriate level of practice. The clinician should then meet with his/her manager/director to gain endorsement. Endorsement is necessary to move forward in the recognition process. Next the clinician initiates an application by assembling a professional portfolio. The portfolio includes the manager’s/director’s endorsement, a cover letter, a resume, letters of support, and a clinical narrative that describes his/her practice.

A clinician may seek recognition at the Clinical Scholar level after six months of employment at MGH.

Review Process:

A twelve-member interdisciplinary Review Board that has representation from the six disciplines in Patient Care Services reviews the clinician’s portfolio. Review Board discussions are confidential. Three of the 12 members lead a more in-depth portfolio review and interview the clinician. One of the three members is from the applicant’s discipline. Members may also consult with an expert from the clinician’s specialty to better assess clinical knowledge. The three members summarize and bring recommendations to the full Review Board. The Board determines by consensus whether the clinician should or should not be recognized at the level for which he/she has applied.

Notification:

The Review Board notifies the clinician of their decision within three months of the application date. If the Board has decided to recognize the clinician, the clinician receives a congratulatory letter. If not recognized, the Board notifies the clinician in writing. The letter includes recommendations regarding the clinician’s practice and portfolio and provides the name of a contact person on the Review Board. The Board will also notifies the manager/director of their decision, but does not provide details about the decision-making process and/or recommendations made to the clinician.

Rewards:

Clinicians recognized at the Clinical Scholar level receive a salary adjustment according to program guidelines.