Clinical Advancement Program

Nursing Clinical Advancement Program

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

Mount Sinai South Nassau’s (MSSN) 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. The program is based on progression through Patricia Benner’s Novice to Expert framework. CAP benefits patients, nurses, and our organization by supporting advancement of clinical RNs.

Clinical Advancement Program Goals

  1. To promote/reward/retain RNs in direct patient care.
  2. To promote/reward professionalism and excellence in clinical practice.
  3. To promote/reward continued growth in knowledge and skills.
  4. To promote/reward service/volunteerism that improves the health status of the community.
  5. To foster a culture of nursing excellence and scholarly inquiry at MSSN

The Clinical Ladder consists of 4 levels of professional nursing practice and expertise based on the ANCC Magnet Model components. Required practice points must be assembled in 4 focus areas:

  1. Structural Empowerment (Professional Development & Community Service)
  2. Exemplary Professional Practice (Service Excellence, Quality, & Ethics)
  3. New Knowledge & Innovation
  4. Transformational Leadership

Level Definition of Clinical Practice
RN I 
Advanced Beginner 
Minimum of 1yr experience
Competent clinician focused on expanding knowledge & skills.
RN II  
Competent–Proficient  
Minimum of 2 yrs. experience
Proficient & skilled clinician recognized for knowledge & skills by their peers.
RN III 
Proficient 
Minimum of 3 yrs. experience

Well-developed clinical proficiency, recognized as a leader & role model in the unit practice environment.
RN IV  
Proficient–Expert
Minimum of 3-4 yrs. experience


Well-developed clinical expertise, recognized as an exemplary leader & role model in the clinical area & within MSSN.
RN V 
Clinical Nurse Leader Expert
Minimum of 3-5 yrs. of RN experience
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.

Learn More

Clinical Advancement Program
Academic Affiliates
Educational Offerings