Director of Clinical Nurse Education
Job Description
Job DescriptionDescription:
JOB SUMMARY
Under the general direction of the Chief Nursing Officer, the Director of Clinical Nurse Education assumes a critical leadership role in nursing education by devising comprehensive strategies, curricula, and staff training programs. The Director of Clinical Nurse Education is responsible for guiding staff development by designing, implementing, and supervising evidence-based training for nurses, with an emphasis on enhancing skills, improving patient outcomes, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Responsibilities encompass curriculum development, team leadership, needs assessment, budget management, and interdepartmental collaboration to cultivate a culture of learning and clinical excellence. The Director of Clinical Nurse Education functions as a strategic leader, mentoring clinical leaders and ensuring that educational initiatives align with organizational objectives, spanning onboarding to advanced clinical competencies. The Director of Clinical Nurse Education supports staff by serving as a resource and facilitator, providing mentorship for novice nurses. They collaborate with internal and external resources to integrate nursing and clinical standards along with evidence-based practices into patient care plans across diverse patient populations. Moreover, the position ensures strict adherence to the standards set by the Joint Commission, as well as federal, state, and local regulatory agencies, and to all pertinent policies and procedures. The role requires exceptional organizational, verbal, and written communication skills, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with all personnel. Leadership capabilities are imperative, as is the capacity to analyze issues and make judicious decisions. The individual must be able to collaborate with others to achieve shared objectives through coordination and teamwork.
STANDARD OF PERFORMANCE
1. Strategic Leadership
The Director develops system-wide education strategies that are closely aligned with the organization's overarching goals. This involves promoting evidence-based practice and fostering workforce development to ensure nursing staff are well-prepared to meet current and future healthcare challenges.
2. Program Development and Coordination
The Director Nurse Educator is responsible for the development, coordination, planning, implementation, and evaluation of training and staff development initiatives. These programs are structured to advance patient care across clinical settings and uphold consistently high standards. An essential aspect of the Director’s duties includes designing and delivering comprehensive curricula and orientation programs. Such programs are intended to provide both new employees and current staff with continuous training and opportunities for professional growth.
3. Hands-On Education and Mentorship
The Director Nurse Educator is consistently involved in direct educational initiatives. By promoting evidence-based practices, mentorship, and the integration of technological advancements, the Director facilitates comprehensive organizational learning. The primary focus is on advancing the skills, competencies, and professional development of nursing staff.
4. Regulatory Compliance and Quality Improvement
The Director ensures regulatory compliance by educating nursing staff on policies and procedures and by promoting a clear understanding of expectations. In addition, the Director drives quality initiatives to enhance patient care and integrates these improvements into daily practice. By providing thorough compliance education and monitoring adherence to standards, the Director ensures compliance with legal and ethical healthcare requirements. This ongoing commitment to compliance and quality is central to delivering safe, high-quality patient care.
5. Needs Assessment & Evaluation
The Director identifies learning gaps and assesses staff educational needs, measuring program effectiveness by its impact on clinical outcomes. This ongoing evaluation process ensures that educational initiatives remain relevant and practical.
6. Budget & Resources
Managing departmental budgets and resources is a key element of the role. The Director ensures the efficient use of educational tools and resources to maximize the impact of training and development initiatives.
7. Liaison & Collaboration
The Director serves as a vital liaison among the nursing staff, organizational leadership, and other departments, clearly communicating the nursing team's perspectives and interests. This collaborative methodology aligns educational initiatives with broader organizational objectives and strategic priorities. Through engagement with both internal and external stakeholders, the Director ensures that clinical standards, evidence-based practices, and nursing excellence are integrated into care plans for a wide range of patient populations.
8. Innovation
The Director integrates innovative teaching methods, including e-learning and simulation, alongside research findings to enhance the overall learning experience for nursing staff.
Requirements:
Minimum Level of Education: Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in nursing or a closely related discipline. Preference will be given to applicants who hold a master's degree or demonstrate an equivalent blend of academic achievement and relevant professional experience.
Formal Training: Demonstrated expertise in developing, executing, and evaluating clinical education and training programs. Skilled in fostering productive collaborations with a wide range of stakeholders, including academic institutions, government agencies, and professional organizations. Possesses comprehensive experience and knowledge in adult learning theory, pedagogy, assessment, and curriculum design.
Licensure, Certification, Registration: Must have and maintain an unencumbered State of Georgia Registered Nurses License, Basic Healthcare CPR, and ACLS. Certified Nurse Educator certification preferred.
Work Experience: A minimum of five years’ experience as a hospital-based acute clinical educator (RN) is required. Candidates must demonstrate expertise in planning, developing, coordinating, and facilitating clinical education programs and conferences, achieving outcomes aligned with Joint Commission standards, as well as federal, state, and local regulatory requirements, and all relevant policies and procedures.
Computer Skills: Demonstrated advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.