What is the Clinical Advancement Program (CAP)?
CAP recognizes and rewards healthcare professionals for enhanced clinical and professional practice that aids in achieving optimal patient, unit/department, and organizational outcomes.
CAP is based on the theoretical framework of Dr. Patricia Benner’s From Novice to Expert, using the Dreyfus Model of Skill Acquisition. The focus of CAP is on Patient and Family Centered Care to provide optimal patient outcomes and to achieve our mission. The five essential values (Education, Professionalism, Resources, Collaboration, & Holistic Care) of our clinical practice at Upstate, and the forces of each value, contribute to the success of achieving our focus. This program is coordinated through the CAP Committee and the Professional Development System Council.
CAP is a voluntary program. Eligible staff need to apply for entrance into the program. There are several programs to choose from: CAP, N-CAP, U-CAP, and (coming soon) LPN-CAP!
Program Overviews
CAP (Clinical direct care)
Who is eligible for CAP?
State employed nurses, advanced practice registered nurse, nurse practitioner, or physician assistants who spend the majority (≥51%) of their time providing direct patient care. Direct patient care responsibilities are defined as patient centered activities by unit-based staff in the presence of the patient and activities that occur away from the patient that are patient related.
- Professional & organizational growth
- Role model professional collaboration & education advancement
- Each level receives a professional development allowance
- Level 3 - $200; Level 4 - $400; Level 5 - $600; Level 6 - $800; Level 7 - $1000
- Badge extender with level
What professional elements are required at each level?
NOVICE: CAP Level 3 |
Successful graduation from the Upstate Nurse Residency Program Completed professional development plan |
BEGINNER: CAP Level 4 |
2 years’ experience with 1 at Upstate Participates in organizational goals (Attend and participate in meetings, rounds, huddle, & training and can identify unit goals) |
COMPETENT: CAP Level 5 |
3 years’ experience with 2 at Upstate BSN degree or specialty certification Active in achieving organizational goals |
PROFICIENT: CAP Level 6 |
5 years’ experience with 2 at Upstate BSN degree and specialty certification OR MSN Lead in achieving organizational goals (Leads meetings, rounds, huddles, & training; provides and analyzes data/feedback; can identify unit goals and create/lead improvement plans) |
EXPERT: CAP Level 7 |
5 years’ experience with 3 at Upstate BSN degree and specialty certification OR MSN Lead beyond the organization to achieve local and national health goals |
N-CAP (Non-direct care)
Who is eligible for N-CAP?
State employed nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, or physician assistants who hold non-clinical roles. Non-clinical roles are defined as those who are not providing direct patient care.
- Professional & organizational growth
- Role model professional collaboration & education advancement
- Each level receives a professional development allowance
- Level 4 - $400; Level 5 - $600; Level 6 - $800; Level 7 - $1000
- Badge extender with level
- Name in nursing publication & marketing materials
What professional elements are required at each level?
BEGINNER: NCAP Level 4 |
2 years’ experience with 1 at Upstate Participates in organizational goals |
COMPETENT: NCAP Level 5 |
3 years’ experience with 2 at Upstate BSN degree or specialty certification Active in achieving organizational goals |
PROFICIENT: NCAP Level 6 |
5 years’ experience with 2 at Upstate BSN degree and specialty certification OR MSN Lead in achieving organizational goals Active in community volunteerism and community professional development opportunities |
EXPERT: NCAP Level 7 |
5 years’ experience with 3 at Upstate BSN degree and specialty certification OR MSN Lead beyond the organization to achieve local and national health goals Lead in community volunteerism and community professional development opportunities |
U-CAP (Unlicensed staff)
Who is eligible for U-CAP?
Unlicensed staff including Nursing Assistant 2 (HCT), Unit Support Technician (UST), Mental Health Therapy Aid (MHT), Medical Office Assistant (MOA), Anesthesia Associate, Anesthesia Specialist, Sterile supply tech 1 & 2, Sterile Processing Facilitator, Surgical Technologist, and Operating Room Assistant (SL2).
- UCAP badge extender
- Professional development allowance:
- Level 1: $100; Level 2: $200
- Upstate apparel item
What professional elements are required at each level?
COMPETENT: UCAP Level 1 |
1 year (full-time or equivalent) experience in unlicensed nursing department role at Upstate Participates in professional growth and development plan with one goal |
PROFICIENT: UCAP Level 2 |
2 years (full-time or equivalent) experience in unlicensed nursing department role at Upstate Active in setting 2+ goals in professional development plan |
Application Cycle
Application into the program is based on the applicants satisfactory 6-month or annual performance review. See below for the application cycle to best submit an application
Open Cycle 1 |
New & Renewal Applications Due
Interview/ Renewal Review
Acceptance
(Following Year)
Funds Expire
Open Cycle 2 |
New & Renewal Applications Due
Interview/ Renewal Review
Acceptance
(Following Year)
Funds Expire
Recognition
The Nursing Department is pleased to recognize its Clinical Advancement Program designated professionals. They are awarded a CAP badge extender and have an annual allowance to be used towards professional development activities (attending conferences, buying textbooks or exam preparation books, purchasing professional development activities for themselves or their unit).
Examples of purchases: heart models for new orientation in the Heart and Vascular Lab, materials for a skin/skills fair for a unit, or professional development activities for a unit.
CAP Awardees
Clinical Advancement Program (CAP) designated nurses make a significant impact towards achieving our mission. These nurses are role models and leaders in providing patient and family centered care using our nursing values (Professionalism, Education, Collaboration, Resources, and Holistic Care).
Through the professional development allowance these nurses are persistent on working to achieve unit and organization goals. Allowances are used to advance education, attend local and national conferences, provide resources for education, and more.
View Previous CAP Designated Staff
Utilizing CAP Funds
The Nursing Department is pleased to recognize its Clinical Advancement Program designated professionals. They are awarded a CAP badge extender and have an annual allowance to be used toward professional developmental activities which might include attending conferences and classes, buying books and joining professional organizations.
Guidelines for Utilizing CAP Funds
Prior to utilizing your professional development allowance, we recommend that you review these guidelines to ensure there is no delay in processing your request. Call or email in advance for advisement on the best plan to utilize your CAP funds.
Request Form
If you are requesting use of your professional development allowance, a request form must be submitted along with any supporting documentation.
Send requests to Siobhan Keough and Samantha Edinger
Interoffice mail: UH Room 1212, Email: [email protected];[email protected]