Centralus Health Mission
Our mission is to deliver high-quality care, empower our teams to success and improve the wellbeing of the communities we serve.
Job Summary
As part of the department leadership team, the Nursing Clinical Educator plays a critical role in elevating practice, advancing quality outcomes, and supporting the development of high performing staff. The Clinical Educator is responsible for the planning and provision of educational offerings for all nursing staff through supporting the foundational aspects of entry into practice, as well as continuing education of experienced staff. The Clinical Educator is responsible for the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of educational needs and initiatives to enhance the quality of patient care. This position will work collaboratively with departmental leadership and work to continuously improve both the patient and staff experience within Cayuga Health System. The Nursing Clinical Educator effectively provides and promotes person-centered care, nursing best practices, and staff engagement in a commitment to excellence. At Centralus Health we model the standards set forth by the Association for Nursing Professional Development (ANPD) for our professional development staff, clinical educators. According to the ANPD, this position encompasses the following roles: learning facilitator, change agent, mentor, leader, champion for inquiry, advocate for specialty, and partner for practice transitions.
Job Functions
- Demonstrates current, evidence-based clinical knowledge and best practices in nursing care.
Uses evidenced- based practice to guide decisions and development of new initiatives, practices changes and implementation.
- Identifies learning needs for patient care staff through research including a needs assessment. Assesses learner competence and adapts instruction to reinforce safe, effective practice.
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Collaborates with the nursing leadership team on educational programs and required updates. Recommends orientation, training and education programs that will enhance employee performance, satisfaction and continued development.
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Provides education in an organized manner to all staff. Uses diverse teaching strategies (classroom, simulation, bedside coaching, e-learning etc.) to meet varied learning needs. Educates and updates staff on policy changes, new equipment, and process changes within departments and the organization.
Coordinates and oversees unit‑level orientation and onboarding activities for new employees in collaboration with nursing leadership and the central nursing education department. Serves as a learning resource and consultant to preceptors by supporting effective clinical teaching, role transition, and onboarding consistency. Conducts scheduled developmental check‑ins with new staff and preceptor(s) to monitor learning progression, identify support needs, and provide formative feedback. Contributes and participates in the evaluation of new employees.
- Ensures orientation and all continuing education, preparation and implementation meet all regulatory requirements including: The Joint Commission, NYS Department of Health, all department specific requirements and regulatory requirements for the specific area.
Assesses and monitors staff adherence to applicable policies, evidence‑based practices, and clinical protocols in collaboration with unit leadership. Provides structured feedback and coaching to support competency development and practice consistency. Collects, documents, and tracks competency‑related data to support compliance with organizational and regulatory expectations. Identifies learning needs and practice gaps and partners with unit leadership to support remediation and ongoing competency development and accountability.
- Participates in unit-based, Division of Nursing, Department of Education, and Medical Center committees as needed. Supports Nursing Division Orientation and the Nurse Residency Program through curriculum delivery, mentorship, and facilitation of new staff and graduate nurses' transition to clinical practice. Participates in the staff interview process.
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Identifies and monitors potential quality, nursing‑sensitive indicators, and risk‑related trends through data review and practice observation. Communicates emerging issues and integrates relevant findings into staff education, learning activities, and professional development programs to support quality improvement and safe practice.
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Responsible for updates and renewals of nursing division policies, including unit-based policies, in collaboration with Providers, Nursing Leadership Team and all necessary stakeholders.
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Collaborates with other departments and as needed to facilitate high quality, cost effective care. Collaborates and facilitates clinical/academic partnerships
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Upholds evidenced based and best practice protocols and processes per department specialty area (i.e. ENA for Emergency Room, AORN for the Operating Room)
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It is understood that this job description lists typical duties for the classification and is not considered inclusive of all duties which may be assigned.
Success Factors
- Continuously look for ways to improve-streamlining workflows, removing barriers to success, and enhancing the experience for both employees and customers.
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Maintains clinical credibility through ongoing practice, certification, and professional development.
Influence nursing practice through role modeling, accountability, and professionalism.
- Supports organizational priorities and nursing strategic goals through education
Education / Experience Qualifications
Required:
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Bachelor's degree in nursing
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Minimum 3 years clinical experience
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BLS
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See below grid for additional requirements
Preferred:
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Master's degree or clinical Nurse Specialist preferred
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3 years program leadership or education experience desired
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Experience in program management and managing health care programs
Physical Requirements
Repetitive use of hands and fingers (e.g., Use of computer keyboard); may require lifting and carrying light loads (up to 40 lbs), including boxes, equipment, IV solutions and stooping and kneeling (e.g., to pick up items from the floor, to remove and replace items on lower shelves and to file documents in lower file drawers); sitting, walking, or standing for long periods of time may be necessary; must be able physically to operate the equipment used for the job.
Required Departmental Qualifications and Certifications - Maintained by Education Department
Surgical Services/ OR
- Current BLS, ACLS and PALs provider required
- BLS instructor certification required within 6 months of hire
- Specialty certification preferred
- Patient Safety and Quality experience preferred
