Clinical Advancement Program (C.A.P.)

The Clinical Advancement Program (CAP), formerly known as the Clinical Ladder Advancement Program, at Loma Linda University Health recognizes and rewards nurses as they take the initiative to increase professional and personal development.

 As the clinical nurse continues to learn, grow, and develop professionally, this assures the highest quality of care for our patients and their families. Excellence in nursing is a dynamic process that is based on both the art and science of nursing in the context of caring.

 As we continue the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ in an environment that promotes our values, I would like to personally welcome you to the Loma Linda University Health Clinical Advancement Program. Your commitment to this program is to be commended.

Sincerely,

Helen Staples-Evans, DNP, MS, RN, NE-BC
Sr. VP LLUH Hospitals, Patient Care Services
Chief Nursing Officer- Loma Linda University Medical Center

Note: Starting January 1, 2022, only the latest version of the CAP document/application will be accepted.

C.A.P. consists of 3 levels, based on the Benner’s Novice to Expert stages of Nursing Proficiency. Click the appropriate link below for definitions and eligibility requirements for each level.

• Clinical Nurse B (CN-B) 
• Clinical Nurse C (CN-C)
• Clinical Nurse D (CN-D)
  • A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN).
    • Please provide a copy of your degree submitted in your portfolio.
  • A professional nursing certification (Must be a certification on the approved certification list).
    • List of approved cert
  • A minimum of 125 points from the point tally sheet.
    • Points are only valid if collected within the last 2 years of the application submission date unless otherwise indicated in appendices)
  • A minimum of 3 years of nursing experience per the job description.
    • Nursing years of experience at another hospital/healthcare organization will be accepted.
  • An approved QI/PI or EBP/Research Project, including the PROJECT PROPOSAL FORM.
    • All CN-D applicants must meet with your unit leadership to discuss the project and receive unit leadership (Manager and/or Director) and AVP approval prior to submitting the PROJECT PROPOSAL FORM to the Magnet department for review and final approval.
    • Exception to submitting a Project Proposal Form:
      • As an EBP fellow, you are NOT required to submit a project proposal form. Project must still be approved by the EBP team and unit leadership (Manager, Director, and AVP)
    • A project must receive final approval prior to project implementation or completion. A completed project without going through either step listed above will not be eligible.

  • Note: Virtual CAP info sessions, in which CN-D applicants and nurse leaders can attend to ask and clarify questions about the CN-D requirements and process, will be available soon. More to come!

Supporting Documents Available:

• CAP Document — the document in its entirety
• Check off list — use this as a reference of what to include in your portfolio
• Approved National Certifications (if applicable) — Only nursing-specific national certifications on this list will be accepted for CN-C or CN-D points.
• Tally Sheets — CN-C, CN-D, CN-D renewal
  • App B-Unit/Org Representation Tracking Form
  • App D-Preceptor Tracking Form
  • App F-Shift Coordinator Form
  • App H-Debriefer Tracking Form
  • App I-Presentation Tracking Form
  • App J-Quality Improvement Framework
  • App L-M-N Evaluations 
• Project Proposal Form (required for CN-D applicants)
• Clinical Nurse D Interview schedule and process tips
  • Example CND Portfolio #1 Redacted
  • Example CND Portfolio #2 Redacted

For any questions or clarifications on C.A.P., please visit our CAP FAQ page or contact Magnet@llu.edu