Clinical Educator - NICU; day w/evening & night as needed

Clinical Educator - NICU

Under the general supervision of the nursing clinical director, provides staff/professional development expertise as an educator, consultant, facilitator, change agent and leader. Supports the development of bedside nursing staff and fosters empowerment through knowledge and delivery of evidence-based nursing practices and care. This occurs through the facilitation of the educational process through assessment, development, planning, implementation and evaluation of competency assessment, continuing education, and leadership development. Possesses the ability to convey and deliver information thoroughly and effectively using a variety of styles and techniques.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Participates and collaborates in the annual development of an education/learning needs assessment for the department of nursing.
2. Conducts learning needs assessment using a variety of strategic tools. Provides educational programs and curricula for nursing staff as identified from education/learning needs assessment. Programs/curricula may be unit-based education or department of nursing-based education. Track measurable outcomes related to improved patient outcomes as a result of knowledge gained from education.
3. Assists in the development, implementation, and validation of department of nursing competencies for varied roles: RN’s, NA’s, technicians, and unit secretary’s as applicable for each department.
4. Assists with house wide or department of nursing orientation of new equipment, updates to Joint Commission, National Patient Safety Goals (NPSG) requirements and other topics as necessary.
5. Teaches content as needed/or assigned within clinical expertise to facilitate orientation, staff development, and/or safe clinical practice.
6. Assists nursing staff in developing and designing programs of study specific to the patient population served.
7. Meets with preceptors and orientees on a regular basis to monitor orientation progress and assist in setting goals for orientee in collaboration with unit-based preceptor and nurse manager. Verifies orientation content is appropriate for achieving role independence.
8. Acts as a liaison between the new employee and hospital to facilitate the socialization process into the new unit and work culture.
9. Routinely meets with Nurse Managers to identify staff or unit educational needs. Develops/revises educational plan(s) accordingly to assure ongoing competency and validation of professional nursing practice.
10. Supports direct care delivery and consultations as needed and/or as requested by unit managers.
11. Assists with tracking staff education requirements and facilitate/mentor staff in meeting unit and department of nursing requirements.
12. Promotes evidence-based practice and nursing research and actively seeks opportunities for staff to participate in these activities on the unit/department/system.
13. Supports and promotes specialty certification of staff, and provides education as needed/
14. Performs other related duties as identified.
15. Maintains established policies and procedures, objectives, quality assessment, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
16. Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings, professional organizations and workshops.
17. Provides outstanding service to all customers; fosters teamwork; and practices fiscal responsibility through improvement and innovation.
18. Educational consultant for unit/department to facilitate task forces, committees, councils, and projects relating to policy, procedure and program development.
19. Responds to organizational mandates, management of sentinel events and promotion of quality of patient care to support superior clinical outcomes, nursing care and patient safety.
20. Supports shared decision-making structure at both the unit, entity and system levels through active involvement as appropriate and encouraging staff professional development.

Qualifications

• Minimum Experience:
  • 3 - 5 years in acute care setting or area of specialty
  • Pref Field of Expertise Previous teaching experience; teaching and learning strategies, learning styles, curriculum and design
• Minimum Education:
  • Bachelor's Degree
• Preferred Education:
  • Master’s Degree
• Required Certification:
  • Current RN license in PA; BLS; professional nursing certification in area of clinical specialty/professional development/nursing education preferred
• Physical Demands:
  • Frequent prolonged standing/walking
  • Occasionally lifts, positions, pushes and/or transfers patients
  • Occasionally lifts supplies/equipment
  • Occasional reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching
• Skills:
  • Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills; substantial computer literacy and data file management skills
  • Knowledge of regulatory standards, both national and state. Demonstrated experience in preparing for and handling state and federal surveys would be an advantage.