POSITION SUMMARY
Performs the functions of a clinical nurse educator while also providing direct patient care as a member of the ICU/PCU nursing team. Serves as a clinical expert, educator, mentor, and resource for staff while supporting safe, evidence-based patient care. This position maintains regular bedside practice in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Progressive Care Unit (PCU) to ensure ongoing clinical competency, support staff development, and promote excellence in patient care. The Clinical Educator collaborates closely with the ICU/PCU Clinical Manager and Director of Inpatient Nursing Services to identify educational needs, support competency validation, facilitate onboarding and professional development, and advance quality improvement initiatives. This role applies current standards of professional nursing practice in both direct patient care and educational activities. Approximately 50% of scheduled time will be spent in direct patient care, with the remaining time dedicated to educator responsibilities. Time allocation may vary based on departmental needs.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. Minimum five years of recent ICU experience. Demonstrated clinical expertise in critical care nursing. Previous experience serving as a preceptor, charge nurse, educator, or clinical resource nurse. Strong communication, organizational, facilitation, and coaching skills. Ability to work varied hours and flexible schedules to support educational activities across shifts. Ability to balance direct patient care responsibilities with educational and professional development responsibilities.
Preferred: ICU experience within the previous three years. CCRN, PCCN, or other specialty certification. Previous educator or leadership experience. Experience with competency assessment, simulation, and curriculum development. Hands-on experience with advanced critical care therapies, including CRRT, hemodialysis, Impella®, intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP), mechanical ventilation, and invasive hemodynamic monitoring.
Lic/Reg/Cert: Current Oregon RN license.
TYPICAL PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS
Must be in good general health, be able to frequently stoop, bend, and reach. Must be able to withstand constant walking, standing, lifting at least 50 pounds or more, push/pull regulation hospital equipment, occasional sitting. Must be able to function during periods of stress, trauma and/or disease. Must be adaptable, flexible, and resilient.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
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Direct Patient Care
Maintains regular bedside practice within ICU and PCU and functions as a fully competent staff nurse.
- Provides safe, patient and family-centered nursing care.
- Demonstrates and applies in-depth knowledge of critical care and progressive care nursing principles, practices, standards, and techniques.
- Assesses patient needs and implements appropriate nursing interventions.
- Actively initiates, reviews, and documents patient plan of care elements every shift.
- Collaborates with physicians and interdisciplinary team members to coordinate care.
- Involves patients and families in education and discharge planning.
- Demonstrates critical thinking, clinical judgment, and effective prioritization.
- Serves as a clinical resource and mentor for nursing staff.
- Maintains clinical competency through ongoing bedside practice and continuing education.
- Supports unit staffing needs through scheduled direct patient care assignments.
Education and Staff Development
- Plans, develops, coordinates, implements, and evaluates educational programs for ICU and PCU staff.
- Coordinates onboarding and orientation programs for newly hired nurses and support staff.
- Oversees preceptor development and support.
- Facilitates annual competencies and competency validation activities.
- Identifies educational needs through observation, quality metrics, competency assessments, and leadership collaboration.
- Provides just-in-time education and coaching.
- Supports specialty certification preparation and professional development.
- Coordinates educational activities with organizational educators and Training & Development.
- Assists with implementation of new equipment, technology, workflows, and evidence-based practice initiatives.
Clinical Practice Excellence
- Promotes evidence-based nursing practice throughout ICU and PCU.
- Supports implementation of best practices and clinical standards.
- Assists staff in translating evidence into bedside practice.
- Serves as a role model for professional nursing practice.
- Supports development of clinical pathways, standards of care, and nursing practice guidelines.
Quality and Performance Improvement
- Participates in department quality improvement initiatives.
- Assists with monitoring unit quality indicators and outcome measures.
- Conducts audits and reviews as assigned.
- Assists with root cause analyses, debriefings, and action planning.
- Supports regulatory readiness and accreditation activities.
- Collaborates with leadership to identify opportunities for clinical improvement.
Leadership and Collaboration
- Partners with the ICU/PCU Clinical Manager to support staff development and clinical excellence.
- Assists in identifying competency gaps and educational priorities.
- Supports succession planning and development of future clinical leaders.
- Participates in committees, councils, and departmental projects.
- Promotes a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous learning.
- Demonstrates a positive role in supporting, educating, and managing-up coworkers.
MARGINAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Performs other duties as assigned.
PAY RANGE - $53.87 - $76.92
Required
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High School or better in Other
Required
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
