The Educator identifies, communicates, and implements clinical educational programs, quality assurance activities, performance improvement initiatives and risk management programs for the perioperative areas (OR/ENDO/SDS/PACU) under the direction of the Clinical Director of Surgical Services.  This is done through education, preceptorship, mentorship, and implementation of evidence-based practice. The Educator coordinates, provides, and presents quality educational programs while identifying educational needs of the units. The position participates in the development and deployment of curriculum to meet organizational needs, including orientation processes, open enrollment course work and online coursework.  The educator is essential to quality improvement efforts in the perioperative setting.

 

This position analyzes the data, identifies educational needs of the unit/staff, troubleshoots, and monitors compliance.  This position will actively participate in quality improvement activities, through the development and support of unit based PDCA’s. The educator ensures that nurses have the knowledge and skills necessary to practice, as well as the standards of care.  The educator reviews evaluations of training courses, objectives, and accomplishments and makes recommendations for improvement and works closely with the Manager of Periop Education, Quality, and Safety.  The Perioperative Nurse Educator collaborates with staff, management, and Administration to support program objectives and coordinates/provides in-service education as required.  This position is also responsible for maintaining records and reports as appropriate.  This position also participates in policy review and development. 

 

Maximizes participant learning through effective facilitation techniques and inspiring participation. This includes use of dynamic presentation skills, establishing rapport with participants to create an environment of trust and participation and encouraging constructive difference of opinions. The Educator listens actively and synthesizes participant discussion to reinforce learning objectives and effectively manages training time while being flexible to adjust to the learning needs of the group. This position maintains a professional demeanor inside and outside the classroom. This position supports organizational goals by providing quality customer service, participating in performance improvement efforts and demonstrating a commitment to team work and cooperation.  This position also collaborates with clinical educators and clinical managers in identifying, developing, and implementing educational activities for perioperative personnel caring for all patients that come through the perioperative areas.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:  Bachelor’s degree in nursing required.  Also requires enrollment in an accredited Master’s degree program; with a degree achieved within 5 years from date of hire or transfer.   

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION:  BLS required.  Additional requirements as identified by the unit (i.e. ACLS, PALS, etc…)

EXPERIENCE:  3–5 years of clinical experience, training or education experience required, preferably within healthcare and with adult learners.  Knowledge of adult teaching principles required. Prior experience with program planning, curriculum development, and presentation preferred. 

 

 

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

Demonstrates the technical competencies as established on the Assessment and Evaluation Tool.

 

Career Development:

Provides feedback in the knowledge, skills and competency of the staff. Accepts personal responsibility for own professional development. Demonstrates effective oral and written skills. Uses effective interpersonal skills. Fosters critical thinking. Links nurses to professional development and other relevant resources.

 

Education:

Functions in the role of both teacher and facilitator. Creates an effective learning environment. Demonstrates proficiency in the use of technology. Develops, conducts and evaluates unit education based on specific unit needs. x Serves as a resource for continued learning and professional self-development for staff and peers.  Participates in organizational professional education.

 

Practice:

Analyzes unit specific quality data and creates PDCA’s on relevant variances. Evaluates nursing practice in accordance with standards of nursing care and assists with implementation of measures directed on improving quality care. Participates in clinical mock rounds and simulation activities to identify any safety issues within the perioperative areas. Serves as a facilitator, innovator, and problem solver regarding exemplary nursing care with direct involvement in techniques, equipment, and standardizing care. 

 

Program/Project Manager:

Participates in and supports all regulatory and survey readiness activities. Plans and implements programs and projects, uses innovation and creativity. Implements evaluation plan for programs and projects.

 

 

 

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Potential for exposure to the hazards and risk of the hospital environment, including exposure to blood borne pathogens, infectious disease, hazardous substances, and potential injury.  Physical demands include but are not limited to kneeling, crouching, pushing heavy equipment and excessive standing and walking.  Lifting approximately 25-50 lbs. frequently; lifting 50-100 lbs. with assistance occasionally.  The essential functions for this position are listed on the Assessment and Evaluation Tool.

 

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP

This position reports to the Manager of Periop Education, Quality, and Safety.

The above statement reflect the general details considered necessary to describe the principle functions of the job as identified and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the position.