Director Clinical Nurse Educator

Clinical Practice Educator

Position Summary

The Clinical Practice Educator is responsible for developing, maintaining, and advancing the clinical competence of nursing staff. This role utilizes nursing theory and evidence-based practice to guide educational initiatives and supports professional development for direct patient care staff.

The Clinical Practice Educator collaborates with Nursing Directors and Managers to identify clinical education needs, develop and implement strategic education plans, and support the Nursing Professional Practice Committee and its subcommittees (clinical practice, research, leadership, professionalism, quality, education, and patient safety).

This position reports to the Chief Nursing Officer or designee and provides education and competency validation for nursing staff caring for both outpatient and inpatient populations across all age groups.

Major Responsibilities

Value Added - Supports the Mission of Mission Community Hospital

• Participates in hospital marketing and outreach activities, including committees, task forces, speaking engagements, tours, and hospital-sponsored health fairs

• Supports staff recognition activities that reinforce behaviors aligned with the hospital's mission and values

• Actively participates in departmental, interdepartmental, and hospital-wide performance improvement initiatives

• Identifies challenges and implements solutions to improve services and processes

• Assists with development-related activities, including fundraising programs

• Contributes to departmental projects and process improvements that enhance efficiency and service quality

• Proactively identifies work needs and assists coworkers beyond routine responsibilities

• Engages in ongoing professional growth activities that enhance value to the organization

Leadership

• Supports staff and interdisciplinary team members in delivering safe, effective, and efficient patient care

• Role models sound clinical judgment and participative decision-making

• Provides coaching and supervision when clinical practice gaps are identified

• Anticipates changing priorities and resource needs, removing barriers to care delivery

• Demonstrates effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills

• Ensures accurate completion and documentation of unit logs, quality control measures, and performance improvement activities

• Promotes a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous quality improvement

• Ensures compliance with hospital policies, standards of care, accreditation requirements, and regulatory standards

• Precepts and mentors new hires, new graduates, float staff, registry staff, and experienced nurses

• Functions as Nursing Supervisor as assigned

• Actively participates in the Clinical Practice Council and other patient care, quality, and safety committees

Clinical Education and Competency Development

• Assesses competency of new nursing employees and coordinates clinical orientation in collaboration with Nursing Directors and Managers

• Develops and oversees new hire and annual nursing competency assessment programs

• Manages preceptor and nurse residency program activities

• Coordinates and documents new hire and annual competency assessments

• Conducts clinical education needs assessments and develops education calendars

• Teaches a minimum of two CEU-approved courses or in-services per month

• Provides at least two unit-based "mini" in-services per unit per month

• Conducts clinical practice rounds on all shifts, including at least one weekend per month

• Enhances staff knowledge in evidence-based practice, critical thinking, time management, decision-making, technical skills, and customer service

• Educates, mentors, and role models to strengthen staff clinical competencies

• Promotes consistent standards of nursing practice across all care settings

• Supports staff professional growth to enhance patient outcomes and staff value

Additional Clinical Support Responsibilities

• Participates in staff performance evaluations and identification of education needs

• Assists with care planning for complex patients and evaluates ongoing competency development

• Serves as a clinical resource by clarifying standards of care and scope of practice

• Shadows staff to ensure compliance with clinical policies and procedures

• Ensures staff receive required training prior to equipment use

• Educates staff on proper equipment use per manufacturer guidelines

Qualifications

General Requirements

• Current California RN license

• Minimum education: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

• Preferred education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

• BLS and ACLS certification required

• CCRN preferred

• Minimum of three (3) years of acute care nursing experience

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Ability to safely navigate patient care and office environments

• Ability to read, interpret, and communicate written information

• Ability to hear, understand, and respond to auditory communication

• Work settings include office environments and patient care areas with appropriate safety precautions

Mission Community Hospital offers a competitive benefits package including medical,

dental, vision, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, 401(k), employer-paid life insurance,

and additional voluntary benefits for eligible employees.

Employment with Mission Community Hospital is at-will and may be terminated by either

the employee or employer at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance

with applicable law.