Clinical Educator (Registered Nurse)

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the Clinical Operations Manager, the Clinical Educator is responsible for advancing and maintaining staff competency, supporting professional development, and fostering lifelong learning across the continuum from novice to expert practitioners.

This role promotes clinical excellence by developing, coordinating, and evaluating educational programs that enhance professional practice, improve patient outcomes, and support organizational goals. The Clinical Educator serves as an educator, facilitator, consultant, change agent, researcher, and leader while promoting evidence-based practice, innovation, and continuous quality improvement.

The successful candidate will cultivate a learning environment that encourages engagement, professional growth, and the delivery of safe, effective, ethical, compassionate, and high-quality patient care.

Key Responsibilities

Education & Professional Development

• Assess educational and competency needs of staff across clinical service areas.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate educational programs, learning activities, and competency initiatives.
• Design innovative educational experiences that support adult learning principles and address evolving clinical practice needs.
• Coordinate orientation programs, onboarding activities, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Promote professional growth and support staff in achieving career development goals.
• Foster a positive learning environment that encourages engagement, collaboration, and lifelong learning.

Clinical Practice & Quality Improvement

• Advance evidence-based nursing practice and support implementation of best practices.
• Analyze clinical trends, performance data, and quality outcomes to identify educational opportunities.
• Integrate research findings into educational programming and clinical practice initiatives.
• Support quality improvement efforts aimed at enhancing patient care, safety, and operational effectiveness.
• Demonstrate clinical expertise within assigned specialty areas.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Collaborate with leaders, interdisciplinary teams, physicians, and stakeholders to improve clinical practice and patient outcomes.
• Establish collegial partnerships that support the development of staff, students, and healthcare professionals.
• Provide consultation and guidance to clinical staff regarding practice standards, competency development, and performance improvement.
• Serve as a leader and change agent in promoting professional nursing practice.
• Participate in organizational, local, regional, and professional initiatives that advance nursing excellence.

Evaluation & Outcomes Measurement

• Conduct comprehensive evaluations of educational activities and learning outcomes.
• Measure the effectiveness of training programs and competency initiatives.
• Evaluate progress toward established educational goals and modify programs as needed.
• Ensure educational activities align with organizational objectives, regulatory requirements, and professional standards.

Advocacy & Professional Practice

• Advocate for patients, families, healthcare professionals, and the nursing profession.
• Integrate ethical principles into all aspects of practice.
• Model professional behaviors consistent with organizational values and nursing standards.
• Support a shared leadership philosophy and professional practice model.
• Maintain current knowledge of nursing practice, professional development standards, and healthcare trends.

Additional Responsibilities

• Coordinate educational initiatives, projects, and special programs.
• Employ teaching strategies that promote positive learning and practice environments.
• Maintain required certifications and professional competencies.
• Participate in continuing education and specialty certification opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

Required:

• Graduate of an accredited nursing program with a minimum of an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Nursing (ADN).

Preferred:

• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN).
• Master's Degree in Nursing (MSN).

Licensure & Certifications

Required:

• Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Michigan.

Preferred:

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) Instructor certification through the American Heart Association.
• Specialty certification in a relevant clinical area.

Experience

Required:

• Minimum two (2) years of clinical nursing experience in a specialty practice area, inpatient setting, or provider office.
• Minimum one (1) year of teaching experience with demonstrated application of adult learning principles.
• Experience developing educational programs and learning opportunities.
• Demonstrated clinical expertise within a nursing specialty area.
• Experience serving in educator, facilitator, consultant, mentor, or leadership capacities.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Required

• Knowledge of adult learning principles and educational program development.
• Strong presentation, facilitation, and instructional skills.
• Ability to create innovative and engaging educational opportunities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Effective time management and prioritization skills.
• Exceptional critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong decision-making abilities.
• Active listening and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of evidence-based practice and quality improvement methodologies.
• Experience leading groups and facilitating effective team outcomes.
• Basic mathematical and data analysis skills.

Why Join Our Team?

As a Clinical Educator, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of nursing practice by developing the knowledge, skills, and confidence of healthcare professionals. This position offers the opportunity to directly influence patient outcomes, drive clinical excellence, support professional growth, and foster a culture of continuous learning within a mission-driven healthcare organization.

Join our team and help inspire excellence in nursing through education, innovation, and professional development.