Professional Development Practitioner/Educator-Ortho, Neuro/Spine, General Surgery -Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital-Lakeland, FL

About the Role

Orlando Health and Watson Clinic are expanding access to award-winning specialty care in Polk County with the opening of Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital in Summer 2026. This state-of-the-art, seven-story, 550,000 square-foot healthcare hub will feature:

• 300+ inpatient beds and 69 emergency and observation beds
• 11 operating rooms and four cardiac interventional suites
• Dedicated labor and delivery services, including a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
• Comprehensive cardiovascular, neurology, and oncology services
• Advanced surgical procedures

This role supports the 3rd floor Surgical Units (general surgery, Neuro/Ortho, GI) and functions as a learning facilitator, change agent, mentor, leader, champion for inquiry, advocate, and partner for practice transitions. The position coordinates the planning, development, design, implementation, and evaluation of staff education, enhances professional practice, supports career growth, and promotes lifelong learning while verifying team members are clinically competent.

Responsibilities

• Conducts ongoing needs assessments and formulates educational plans based on the data collected.
• Develops and coordinates the orientation process for assigned areas, meeting with orientees, preceptors, and leadership to utilize Education Action Plans as needed.
• Actively participates in quality and safety initiatives.
• Implements educational programs to enhance the competence and skills of nursing staff using innovative teaching methodologies and technologies.
• Develops evidence-based and culturally competent educational curricula in accordance with the Association of Nursing Professional Development (ANPD) standards.
• Uses the ANPD Practice Model to create and evaluate department-specific education.
• Conducts ongoing assessment and verification of team member proficiency by observing practice at the point of care.
• Collaborates with department leadership to review orientee progress and provide feedback on skills.
• Evaluates competency verification methods, analyzes data, and reports findings to key stakeholders.
• Collaborates on initiatives that influence department-specific and/or organizational outcomes with site education manager approval.
• Collaborates with Clinical Learning to enhance clinical skills and professional development of team members.
• Promotes and encourages team member participation in professional (e.g., AORN, AWHONN), departmental, and organizational initiatives.
• Provides education to maintain ongoing knowledge and compliance with organizational, regulatory policies, and procedures.
• Utilizes evidence-based, quality clinical practice consistent with research, organizational, and national practice standards.
• Demonstrates a commitment to ongoing learning by integrating new knowledge and skills from diverse fields.
• Navigates and adapts to the dynamic nature of interdisciplinary projects, adjusting strategies as needed.
• Collaborates with healthcare professionals and educators from various disciplines to promote interdisciplinary learning.
• Embraces change and uncertainty with a proactive and flexible mindset.
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Assists with corporate-led courses as requested by Clinical Learning.
• Serves as a preceptor for Learning Specialists.
• Maintains visibility in the department, supporting day, night, and weekend shift team members.
• Functions as a resource for the comprehensive health records (CHR) system.
• Maintains accurate and comprehensive records of educational programs, assessments, and evaluations, ensuring compliance with ANPD documentation standards and regulatory requirements.
• Generates reports to demonstrate the impact of educational interventions on practice and support continuous improvement efforts.
• Collaborates with student services to assist with student placement.
• Maintains reasonably regular, punctual attendance consistent with Orlando Health policies and applicable laws.
• Maintains compliance with all Orlando Health policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates knowledge of legal issues, patient rights, and compliance with regulatory and accrediting agencies.
• Undertakes additional responsibilities as directed by educational leadership.

Requirements

• Graduate from an approved school of nursing with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
• Current licensure as a registered nurse in the State of Florida.
• National specialty certification in area of practice must be obtained within two (2) years of hire, except where no certification is available.
• Basic life support, advanced life support, pediatric advanced life support, neonatal resuscitation program certification as required by department or unit.
• Three (3) years of related clinical experience required.
• Educator or academic experience highly preferred.

Benefits

Orlando Health provides benefits beginning on day one, including:

• Four (4) weeks paid parental leave
• Debt-free degrees through the Preferred Education Program
• Tuition reimbursement and loan repayment programs
• Back-up childcare and elder care
• Fertility benefits and adoption assistance
• NCLEX reimbursement
• Free NCPDs for RN license
• Free Kaplan review courses
• Dedicated RN career counselor and GN Coordinators
• Specialty certifications reimbursement