UNIT BASED EDUCATOR -

Department: Newborn ICU | FTE: 1.00 Full Time | Shift: Days with shift differentials of 17% for Weekday Nights, 26% for Weekend Nights, and 15% for Weekend Days

About the Role

Function as unit educator, master teacher, and master preceptor while facilitating evidenced-based research into specialized areas of nursing. Utilize the expertise of a practitioner to incorporate nursing processes into the plan of care for a specialized group of patients. Perform as a unit educator while maintaining clinical skills by serving as a clinical instructor for students and assisting in staffing on the unit. Patient care assignments may include neonate, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric age groups.

Responsibilities

• Provide educational leadership to enhance specialized patient care within clinical protocols.
• Initiate unit-based strategies for developing clinical skills through the master clinician and master preceptor model.
• Perform as a unit educator while maintaining clinical skills by instructing students from the College of Nursing (CON) on the home unit and/or assisting in staffing.
• Develop patient plans of care incorporating evidenced-based research and national standards.
• Consult with and serve as a clinical resource for the multidisciplinary team to ensure quality patient care.
• Educate staff in the use of new equipment, supplies, and instruments; coordinate in-service training/workshops.
• Assist patients and caregivers with educational needs, problem-solving, and health management across the continuum of care.
• Collaborate with the Clinical Educator, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Specialty RN, or Unit Director to plan and implement pertinent curricula.
• Monitor trends and implement educational strategies to ensure quality standards and parameters are achieved.
• Deliver safe direct care to an assigned group of patients, providing specialized patient care within nursing protocols, and assist with admission, transfer, and discharge processes.
• Enhance professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, reading current literature, attending in-services, meetings, and workshops.
• Administer medication, including IV medication, following the Seven Rights; document and communicate clinical findings.
• Write treatment plans; coordinate patient drug and procedure activities; provide and coordinate nursing care; may facilitate group therapy and/or education sessions.

Patient Safety

• Follow patient safety-related policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Demonstrate a proactive approach to patient safety by seeking opportunities to improve policies and processes.
• Identify and report/correct environmental conditions and/or situations that may put a patient at undue risk.
• Report potential or actual patient safety concerns, medical errors, and/or near misses in a timely manner.
• Encourage patients to actively participate in their own care by asking questions and reporting concerns.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) required; Master’s Degree (MSN) preferred.
• Minimum of 18 months of directly related nursing experience.
• Bilingual in English/Keres, Tewa, Tiwa, Towa, Zuni, or Navajo preferred (3 years of directly related experience if bilingual).
• Current CPR for Healthcare/BLS Provider or Professional Rescuers within 30 days of hire.
• RN licensure in New Mexico or as allowed by reciprocal agreement.
• Instructor certification in unit-required certifications (e.g., BLS, ACLS, NRP) within 90 days or equivalent experience.

Physical Conditions

Heavy Work: Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects or people. Working conditions may involve exposure to hazardous chemicals and biohazardous materials, requiring appropriate PPE. Tuberculosis testing is completed upon hire and as required thereafter.

Benefits

• Sign-On Bonus Available
• Relocation Assistance Available