Staff Development Nurse na None

INTRODUCTION

The Staff Development Nurse participates in and is accountable for the continuous assessment of service needs, strategic planning, process design, and goal attainment.  Provides in-service orientation, continuing education, and refresher training to clinical and non-clinical personnel.  Provides instruction regarding a variety of topics to include policies, procedures etc.   Participates in planning, development, coordination, and evaluation of educational programs.  

MAJOR DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to the following: 

Principal Duties:

Serves in a clinical expert role to support optimal service outcomes by providing for the development of professional staff and other direct caregivers in a defined service specialty.  The functional role of the CNE falls under five (5) categories: education, clinical, quality and research, administrative, and consulting.

Education:

• Provides for the continuous assessment of clinical staff educational needs.
• Develops educational plans that meet organizational and site specfic goals.
• Coordinates individual clinical orientation.
• Provides basic orientation in specialty area as appropriate.
• Coordinates and provides continuing education for clinical staff.
• Assess and provides education for the competency of staff.
• Uses teaching methods that facilitate the education process for adult learners.
• Demonstrates creativity in presenting lecture material.

Clinical:

• Demonstrates and maintains clinical expertise and facilitates problem solving of clinical care issues. Enhances own professional growth and development through continuing education and independent study. 
• Maintains knowledge of individual patient care needs; identifies and communicates complex care concerns.
• Participates in the development and review of evidence based clinical policies, protocols and procedures development.

Quality and Research:

• Collaborates with the health center leadership team to accomplish performance improvement objectives.
• Provides educational input to clinical quality improvement efforts for the health center.
• Promotes staff participation in site specific quality improvement initiatives. 
• Fosters an environment of nursing research, scientific inquiry, and evidenced based practice. 

Administrative/Leadership:

• Creates, reviews and revises overall program structure of the orientation process.
• Evaluates the performance of new orientees and makes recommendations regarding completion of the probationary period.
• Collaborates with stakeholders to ensure educational programs support organizational goals and strategic plan.  
• Inspires and encourages teamwork.
• Recommends changes in practice that support operational financial targets.
• Maintains records that fulfill requirements of regulatory and organization standards.

Consultant:

• Communicates consultation recommendations that influence the identified plan, facilitate understanding by stakeholders, enhance the work of others and affect change. Develops recommendations and strategies to address problems and complex issues.
• Provides expertise in support of organizational initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN).  Master’s in Nursing Education preferred.
• Active License to practice nursing in the District of Columbia.
• Five 5 years of nursing experience in clinical setting.
• Past experience as a nurse educator preferred. 
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability and commitment to indigent clients. 
• Must be well organized, flexible, and action oriented.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work and communicate with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated proficiency with business software (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite). 

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS 

The position reports to the Director of Nursing Education and Quality.  

GUIDELINES

The position abides by all rules and regulations set forth by applicable licensing and regulatory bodies, as well as UHC policies and procedures.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

The position requires contact with staff at all levels throughout the organization.  There are also external organization relationships that may be a part of the work of this individual.  

PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Refer to the ADA checklist.

RISKS

The position involves everyday risk and discomforts, which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meetings, training rooms, and other UHC health Care Sites.  The work area is adequately lit, heated, and ventilated.  All medical services shall be provided according to medically accepted community standards of care.  The employee shall provide evidence of a recent (within the past twelve (12) months) health assessment that includes a PPD and/or chest x-ray results.  

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.  Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.