Career Center

The Clinical Ethicist is responsible for all clinical aspects of the Ethics program focused on ethical issues related to the delivery of care in collaboration with multiple disciplines within health system. Maintains a collaborative practice with the Medical Director of Palliative Care. Exercises independent judgment in the assessment, diagnosis and initiation of selected protocols/procedures. Provides educational support for patients/significant others, health team members and the community and coordinates QA/QI studies to measure outcomes of care.

Essential Functions for this position:

• Functions in the role of advanced practitioner to coordinate all ethical issues related to patient care. Coordinates ethics consultations and documents interventions as appropriate and consistent with policies. Demonstrates traditional and nontraditional approaches to ethics.
• Ensures that operations are in compliance with professional standards, applicable laws, accreditation, compliance/regulatory requirements and that organizational goals are being followed. Practices in accordance with the Michigan Public Health Code.
• Demonstrates a high standard of moral and ethical behavior. Formulates decisions and actions based on ethical principles.
• Advocates for privacy, confidentiality and security of patient, staff and organization data.
• Develops future programs around ethics education and awareness. Provides input into the strategic planning, implementation and evaluation of service/program.
• Assists in the development of policies regarding ethical issues.
• Assesses the patient’s / significant other’s, health care team’s educational needs and develops, implements, evaluates and revises teaching strategies/educational programs related to bioethics, institutional policies and end of life issues.
• Delivers care in a manner that is culturally sensitive and preserves patient autonomy, dignity and rights. Acts as a patient advocate, crossing multidisciplinary lines to meet patient needs.
• Mentors students, residents, and fellows participating in the ethics rotation at Spectrum Health. Organizes monthly conference for medicine house staff.
• Prepares and provides formal and informal education for physicians, nurses, support and ancillary staff.
• Communicates, collaborates, networks with and acts as a consultant in the area of ethics to other members of the health care team within and outside Spectrum Health
• Participates on the Ethics committee as member and consultant on bioethical issues. Provides education sessions to new and continuing members. Reports consultation activities to the committee on a regular basis. Supports subcommittees by presence, coaching and teaching. Annually facilitates a review of the committee charter and goals.
• Measures the outcomes of care and evaluate services with regards to ethics education, policy development, and consultation.
• Makes recommendations to improve the quality of patient care provided and utilizes the scientific method to research clinical problems.
• Collects, analyzes, and interprets data patterns and trends related to Ethics activities. Identifies and reports on Quality Improvement initiatives related to Ethics.
• Ensures that processes and services are continuously monitored for quality, cost effectiveness, and efficiency. Engages in process and quality improvement activities. Makes and implements recommendations to improve operational efficiency and to implement new services for areas of responsibility.
• Maintains knowledge of current trends and developments in the field by reading appropriate books, journals and other literature and attending related conferences, seminars and other related activities. Provides pertinent material to the ethics committee for on-going education as needed and as requested. Participates in national Ethics conferences.
• Performs such individual assignments as management may direct. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships within the organization. Provides information to senior levels of management on the implication of policies and procedures being formulated and recommends specific action.

Master's Degree or doctoral degree in ethics or a related discipline such as law, medicine, nursing, philosophy, theology, social work or related field.

10 years of relevant experience applied ethics, preferably in a healthcare setting with documented experience in consultation, teaching, and policy development.

3 years of relevant experience directing or managing an ethics program,