Nurse Educator and Facility Trainer

Job Description:
The Registered Nurse II role, also known as the Nurse Educator and Facility Trainer, is a dynamic hybrid position at the Texas Center for Infectious Disease (TCID). In this capacity, you will oversee the intricate coordination of training and development initiatives within a classroom setting, encompassing both comprehensive on-boarding training for new personnel and specialized instruction tailored to nursing staff. We are in search of a candidate who can not only assist with hospital-wide training programs but also possess the expertise to conceptualize, create, implement, and deliver interactive e-learning modules, nursing didactic curricula, and hands-on skills training via computer-based platforms. Operating under the general supervision of the TCID Training and Development Education Director, you will have a degree of autonomy, allowing you to exercise your initiative and independent judgment. Additionally, your versatility extends to stepping into the role of interim Training and Development Education Director when the need arises. As an all-encompassing facility trainer for the entire staff, you will actively contribute to the planning and development of specialized training initiatives, staff development programs, and ongoing education opportunities, including customized and technology-driven training solutions. Your responsibilities further involve conducting thorough research, development, evaluation, and revision of training materials and programs as deemed necessary to ensure their relevance and effectiveness. In the capacity of a substitute Nurse Educator, you will play a pivotal role in evaluating and providing guidance to our staff members, including mentoring charge nurses. Your clinical expertise will be showcased in your ability to care for the population we serve, create performance improvement measures, and actively participate in competency assessments.

This role demands flexibility, as you may be required to work beyond standard hours to guarantee that all employees receive essential training. Furthermore, you will occasionally be called upon to assist with Registered Nurse (RN) duties on the floor. A solid understanding of the Joint Commission (TJC), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), as well as state and federal healthcare regulations and accreditation standards, is essential to excel in this position. It's worth noting that additional duties may necessitate alternative shift assignments and/or different locations, including active participation or support roles in fulfilling the agency's obligations during disaster response and recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. If you are a dedicated and experienced Registered Nurse with a passion for education and training, and you are ready to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare field, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding position at the Texas Center for Infectious Disease. Join our team and help us ensure the highest level of care and compliance through education and training excellence. Essential Job Functions:
1. Training Coordination: Coordinate and conduct complex training sessions in a classroom setting for new employees and nursing staff, ensuring they meet the highest standards of excellence. Coordinate training events by determining and securing date, time, location, facilitator, and number of participants, and maintain training schedules. Participate in solving training problems and ensuring the effective use of modern training methods and techniques. Proficient with Microsoft Office. (25%)
2. Curriculum Development: Design, develop, and deliver computer-based interactive e-learning and nursing didactic curricula. Continuously update and improve training materials. Develops curricula, course outlines, instructional methods, training aids, manuals, and other instructional materials and products. Serve as a professional resource for employees and managers regarding training programs and promotes the use of training services. Participate in the planning and developing of specialized training and staff development. (10%)
3. Hospital-Wide Training: Assist in planning and executing hospital-wide training programs, customizing training to meet specific departmental needs. Such as Basic Life Support Training (BLS), Electronic Medical Record Training (EMR), Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Training, and training as required for compliance with state and federal regulatory agencies. (10%)
4. Training Program Assessment: Research, develop, review, and assess training programs and materials, recommending modifications as necessary to maintain compliance with regulatory standards and best practices. Collect data to help evaluate and analyze training needs and training effectiveness. Analyze training content for accessibility; and recommend changes to make content accessible and remediate accessibility issues.Prepare articles for in-house publications.Assists staff and leadership with performance improvement activities. Collaborates with TCID Director of Quality Management and Director of Education to design and conduct educational interventions to address performance improvement and quality management gaps. (5%)
5. Nurse Education: Act as a substitute Nurse Educator, you will support the education and development of the nursing team, ensure that the team is well-prepared to handle various clinical scenarios, contribute to ongoing quality improvement efforts, and play a pivotal role in maintaining a high standard of patient care and will include:
Staff Evaluation:Assist in evaluating the competency and performance of nursing staff through observation, assessment, and feedback. Collaborate with the Nurse Education team to identify areas of improvement and develop targeted education plans.
Coaching and Mentoring: Provide one-on-one coaching and mentoring sessions to nursing staff members, addressing individual learning needs and professional development goals.
Empower charge nurses with leadership skills and best practices for effective team management.
Education Support: Step in as a temporary educator when needed to facilitate training sessions or workshops for staff nurses. Ensure that all educational content is aligned with current best practices and evidence-based guidelines.
Curriculum Enhancement: Offer insights and recommendations for curriculum improvements based on your experience in the clinical setting. Collaborate with the Nurse Education team to update and refine educational materials and methods. Maintain accurate records of staff education and competency assessments. Document coaching sessions, educational interventions, and staff progress.
Knowledge Sharing: Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in nursing practice, regulations, and technology. Share your expertise and knowledge with the nursing team to foster continuous learning.
Communication: Maintain open and effective communication with charge nurses, nursing staff, and Nurse Education leadership. Address any concerns or challenges related to staff development promptly and professionally. (25%)
6. Clinical Expertise: Demonstrate clinical expertise in caring for the population served, contribute to the development of performance improvement measures, and actively participate in competency assessments.
May need to work a minimum of one 12-hour shift per month on the nursing unit. Assist with Registered Nurse (RN) duties on the floor when needed and able to provide/complete:
Patient-Centric Care: Establishes a compassionate environment by providing emotional, psychological, and spiritual support to patients, friends, and families. Maintain clear and respectful communication with patients and their caregivers. Tailor care activities to suit the specific age and needs of each patient. Adhere to best nursing practices, standards, and protocols.
Patient Personal Care Needs: Administer personal care tasks such as bathing, bed baths, shaving, and hygiene maintenance. Assist patients with essential tasks including lifting, feeding, and using commodes and bedpans.
Medications: Administers medications, immunizations, and treatment; and observes patients for unusual symptoms and reactions. Adhere to in medication administration and storage procedures; and controlled substance regulations.
Documentation/Assessment: Documents patient care services by charting in patient and department records. Conducts physical, developmental, and psychosocial assessments per policy standards an obtains and documents nursing history from patients and/or significant others that is comprehensive of present condition and prior problems. Performs basic assessment of patients, indicating adequate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology. Records vital signs, notes changes, and pursues more-specific investigations as needed. Identifies abnormal diagnostic data and shows a fundamental understanding of its implications by reporting information to the physician and others caring for the patient, and by incorporating information in the nursing care plan. Implements and monitors care plans. Uses care plans as a basis for providing safe and therapeutic care to patients. Communicates with the patient and his or her family and other members of the health care team in carrying out the goals of the care plan. Maintains continuity among nursing teams by documenting and communicating actions, irregularities, and continuing needs.
Discharge Planning: Collaborate on discharge planning with the healthcare team.
Patient/Family Education: Instructs, counsels, and assists patients in meeting their health care needs. Prepares, maintains, and reviews patient records, program reports, and patient assessments. Resolves patient problems and needs by utilizing multidisciplinary team strategies.
HIPAA Compliance: Maintains patient confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential. (5%)
7. Flexible Schedule: Occasionally work outside normal shift hours to ensure all employees receive essential training. Ensures all required competency and training programs are completed by all staff members in a timely manner. Serves as a resource to staff members with implementation of new system at the facility. Provides in-services at times convenient to shift workers. (5%)
8. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to guidelines set by The Joint Commission (TJC), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and other relevant regulatory bodies. Conduct regular internal audits to identify potential areas of non-compliance and work proactively to address any discrepancies. Prepare for and participate in external audits and surveys by regulatory agencies, providing accurate documentation and responses as needed. Foster a proactive approach to regulatory compliance, encouraging all team members to actively participate in maintaining a compliant environment. Evaluates nursing services through the analysis of statistical studies and performance evaluation reports. Participates in quality assurance programs and processes. May conduct inspections, certifications, surveys, and investigations of health care facilities to determine compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and rules. (5%)
9. Infection Control and Safety Measures: Emphasize respiratory precautions and unit rules during patient education sessions. Strictly adhere to infection control policies to create a safe healthcare environment.
Maintain hand hygiene and follow proper personal protective equipment (PPE) usage. Reinforce respiratory precautions and unit rules during patient teaching sessions. Thoroughly sanitize and maintain patient care equipment, including IV pumps, wheelchairs, and bedside commodes. Adhere to infection control policies to maintain a safe environment. Environmental conditions that apply to this job: Human blood, body fluids, tissue or wastes, biomedical waste, and biological agents. Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations. (5%)
10.Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. (5%) Knowledge Skills Abilities:
1. Knowledge of Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and Texas Center for Infectious Disease (TCID) policies and procedures.
2. Knowledge of principles of adult learning.
3. Knowledge of current treatment for tuberculosis.
4. Knowledge of Joint Commission, CMS and state and federal regulations pertaining to health care and accreditation standards. Skill in teaching these requirements to others.
5. Knowledge of applicable safety, infection control and emergency preparedness activities relating to TCID.
6. Knowledge of human development to the extent that teaching techniques may be adapted to care of young adults, adults and geriatric individuals.
7. Skill in conducting small and large teaching sessions.
8. Skill in performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
9. Skill in performing clinical nursing functions and the ability to teach such functions.
10. Skill in assessing learning needs.
11. Skill in the care and treatment of patients, and in the operation of computers and applicable computer software.
12. Ability to provide meaningful participation in Performance Improvement activities.
13. Ability to develop and maintain competency records for clinical knowledge and skills for TCID clinical staff.
14. Ability to communicate clearly and positively with patients and staff.
15. Ability to read, write, and speak English.

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