Nurse Educator-Ambulatory Clinics

Position Summary

Apply clinical expertise within identified clinical specialty area(s) as well as knowledge and skills in education theory and application, evidence-based practice, and research to support clinical practice and nursing professional development at Regional Health.   Responsible for the continued development of nursing clinical practice through educational assessment, identification of issues and trends, establishing outcomes, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Role models ethical decision making, excellent patient experience skills, evidence-based clinical practice and life-long learning. 

Establish goals and priorities consistent with the mission and strategic priorities of Regional Health as well as meeting applicable regulatory standards such as the Board of Nursing, the Joint Commission and other applicable federal, state and local accrediting bodies.  Address the learning needs of diverse groups, utilizing creativity, innovation, evidence, and current professional nursing standards to support the provision of safe and quality health care throughout the Regional Health system.         

Job Responsibilities

• Conducts an annual and ongoing educational needs assessment for all clinical nurses (including advanced practice) in clinical specialty area(s).  Utilizes evidence-based assessment techniques, instruments and available data to define potential issues, problems and needs.  Makes recommendations regarding priorities in collaboration with other Nurse Educators, appropriate Councils, and Education and Development Department.
• Coordinates and participates in nursing educational activities in clinical specialty area(s) across the Regional Health system. Synthesizes literature, research findings, evidence-based practices, policies, regulatory and professional standards in developing educational activities.  Provides oversight of Regional Health clinical courses in which clinical nurses serve as content experts/instructors. Assists with identification of objectives, content, references, delivery methods and ongoing updates.  
• Facilitates and delivers nursing orientation, patient care tech (PCT) and other nursing allied health orientation such as health unit clerk (HUC) orientation for Regional Health System in collaboration with the Onboarding and Nurse Residency Coordinator.  
• Collaborates with Unit based Councils and Nursing Leadership in their clinical specialty area(s) to identify, develop, maintain and evaluate onboarding and annual competencies and department orientation checklists to promote improved retention, engagement and competence.  Participates in selection and development of Preceptors in clinical specialty area(s). 
• Provides frequent interaction with clinical nurses, PCTs/HUCs, CNAs, Surgical Techs  and nursing leadership through rounding and observation of team performance to assess learning needs; assist in developing consistent nursing practice; and discuss priorities within their clinical specialty area(s). Involves learners, nursing leadership and other key stakeholders in formulating desired outcomes, content design, implementation and evaluation.  
• Utilizes resources effectively, and in a fiscally responsible manner.  Evaluates factors such as safety, effectiveness, availability, cost and benefits, efficiencies and impacts on nursing practice.  Provides cost analysis for all education. Delegates tasks based on the knowledge, skills and abilities of the individual, the complexity of the task and the predictability of the outcome.
• Seeks experiences to develop, maintain and improve competence in nursing professional development. Acquires and maintains current knowledge, skills and competency as a Nurse Educator as well as the clinical specialty area(s) as appropriate for role.   
• Provides consultation, mentorship and support for shared governance councils within their clinical specialty area(s).  Participates in other councils and committees as identified and provides consultation related to nursing education.   
• Participates in performance improvement activities by developing ongoing education as needed based on audit results, and assist with evaluation and adoption (hardwiring) of new processes   in their specialty clinical area(s).  Assists with policy creation, review, revision based on evidence-based practices and professional and regulatory standards.
• Collaborates with other nurse educators, interprofessional team members, leaders, stakeholders and others across the Regional Health system to facilitate quality nursing practice and positive outcomes for patients and families. Collaborates with schools of nursing, paramedic programs (and other allied health schools as identified) to arrange and evaluate student clinical experiences.

Knowledge – Skills – Abilities

• Problem Solving:  Ability to verbally communicate well and problem solve effectively.
• Interpersonal:  Excellent interpersonal skills needed to be able to handle a diversity of personalities and interact effectively with people at all levels of the organization.
• Flexibility:  Displays a positive attitude, creativity and flexibility in changing situations.
• Interruptions:  Must be able to adapt to frequent interruptions while concentrating on critical tasks.
• Verbal:  Ability to communicate effectively to all levels of the organization.
• Public Speaking/Presentations:  Must be comfortable speaking publicly in large or small group settings.
• Teaching:  Knowledge of and ability to use appropriate educational principles and methods as applied to area of expertise.  Utilize Bloom’s taxonomy of learning domains.
• Written:  Requires strong writing and editing skills.
• Research:  Knowledge of basic concepts of research methodology and statistical analysis fundamentals of quality assurance.
• Independent:  Ability to work independently. 
• Detail-Oriented:  Must be detail oriented and possess a high degree of accuracy.
• Time Management:  Ability to establish priorities and manage time effectively.
• Technical:  Knowledge of computers and computerized documentation.

Education

BSN required.

MSN, Clinical Nurse Specialist or Nurse Practitioner (CNP or DNP) preferred or acquired within 5 years of hire.

Obtains or maintains professional certification within 1 year of meeting eligibility requirements.

Experience

Minimum of 3 years of clinical experience in specialty area(s).

Current South Dakota license

Nursing Education experience preferred.