• The recognition process at the Entry level occurs at the unit or department. The director together with the clinician assesses the clinician’s practice, determines goals for continuing professional development and celebrates achievements.
• Clinicians at the Entry level are fairly new to the profession and are generally beginning their career at MGH. In orientation, they are welcomed into the organization and become acquainted with MGH and PCS’s values, practices and policies.
• At the time the clinician achieves Entry level of practice, the director acknowledges this accomplishment in writing; the clinician receives the original and a copy is placed in his/her personnel file.
• It is generally expected that the new clinician will, within 3 to 12 months of hire, demonstrate practice at the Entry level. The manager/director is responsible for ensuring that the clinician consistently meets entry level behaviors generally within 1 year from time of hire.

• The recognition process at the Clinician level occurs at the unit or department. The director together with the clinician assesses the clinician’s practice, determines goals for continuing professional development and celebrates achievements.
• With broad experience, clinicians develop a sound understanding about the care of a particular patient population, readily collaborate, and are resources to colleagues.
• The director is responsible for ensuring that the clinician consistently demonstrates clinician level of practice within 2 years from the time of hire.

Recognition at the Advanced Clinician and Clinical Scholar levels are 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 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 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 Advanced Clinician and Clinical Scholar level after six months of employment at MGH.

Review Process:

A fifteen-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. Board members may also consult with an expert from the clinician’s specialty to better assess clinical knowledge. Three of the 15 members lead a more in-depth portfolio review and interview the clinician. One of the three members is from the applicant’s discipline. The three members summarize the interview 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 one month of the application date. If the Board has decided to recognize the clinician, the clinician receives a congratulatory e-mail. If not recognized, the Board notifies the clinician by e-mail to be opened at the applicants’ discretion. The e-mail provides the name of the lead interviewer who can provide a more thorough understanding of the Review Board’s decision. The Board will also notify the 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 Advanced Clinician and Clinical Scholar level receive a 3% salary adjustment.