Page 3 - UNC MC NPAS Guide for Managers 4.2021

NPAS Guide for Managers 2

Overview of the Nursing Clinical Ladder

The Nursing Professional Advancement System (NPAS) at UNC Medical Center promotes the advancement of
quality, leadership, education, and innovation within the nursing workforce by recognizing and rewarding the
expertise and professionalism of direct-care clinical nurses.
NPAS is a four-tiered, performance-based career advancement system based on Patricia Benner’s novice-to-expert
1
model .
Clinical Nurses (CN) I, II, III, and IV perform UNC Health core behaviors and engage in clinical, leadership,
education, and research activities as outlined in the job standards and behaviors. Additionally, the CN IV
participates in operational, fiscal, and human resource management. The CN III and IV roles are leadership roles
within the nursing unit and wider care environment.

• Clinical Nurse I Standards and Behaviors
• Clinical Nurse II Standards and Behaviors
• Clinical Nurse III Standards and Behaviors
• Clinical Nurse IV Standards and Behaviors
In addition to completing the iNFOR application and interview process, internal candidates for CN III and CN IV
must obtain verification that their performance meets the standards and behaviors of the role for which they are
applying by submitting a professional portfolio to the NPAS Committee.

Promotion Requirements for CN III and CN IV

All clinical nurses who meet the role-specific Standards and Behaviors, as well as the following criteria, are eligible
for advancement:
• A professional certification relevant to the practice area and on the American Nurses Credential Center
(ANCC) Magnet approved list.
o To view the approved list, click here and download the document, National Certifications
Currently Included in the DDCT.
o Current professional certification is required for internal applicants to CN III or CN IV positions.
o Current professional certification is preferred for external applicants to CN III or CN IV positions.
If selected, external applicants without an acceptable certification upon hire must obtain one
within their probationary period. The hiring manager is responsible for ensuring the certification
is obtained.
• Availability to work as permanent employee > 24 hours per week
o A manager may require a higher number of hours as needed for the position.
• Must not be in corrective action
• Most recent performance review score of 3.0 (Valued Contributor) or higher
• Completion of portfolio and verification by NPAS committee
• BSN is required for CN IV application

1 Benner, P. E. (1984). From novice to expert: Excellence and power in clinical nursing practice. Addison-Wesley
Pub. Co., Nursing Division.

UNC Medical Center Nursing Professional Advancement Committee 3.2021