POSITION SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the department director, the Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE) 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. The CNE also functions on the interdepartmental level and acts on behalf of UM Capital Region Health (UMCAP) as a resource to other health care institutions.

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:

1. Provides for the continuous assessment of assigned staff educational needs.

2. Develops educational plans that meet organizational and departmental goals.

3. Coordinates service/unit/individual orientation.

4. Provides basic orientation in specialty area as appropriate.

5. Coordinates and provides continuing education for clinical staff.

6. Assess and provides education for the competency of assigned staff in accordance with regulatory requirements.

7. Facilitates UM Capital Region Health (UMCAP) sponsored lectures and conferences.

8. Uses teaching methods that facilitate the education process for adult learners.

9. Demonstrates creativity in presenting lecture material.

Clinical:

1. Demonstrates and maintains clinical expertise in area of specialty and facilitate problem solving of clinical care issues. Enhances own professional growth and development through continuing education and independent study.

2. Maintains knowledge of individual patient care needs; identifies and communicates complex care requirements to the care team.

3. Participates in the development and review of evidence based clinical policies, protocols and procedures development.

Quality and Research :

1. Collaborates with the department leadership team to accomplish performance improvement objectives.

2. Provides educational input to clinical quality improvement efforts for the department/unit(s).

3. Promotes staff participation in unit based quality improvement initiatives.

4. Fosters an environment of nursing research, scientific inquiry, and evidenced based practice.

Administrative/Leadership:

1. Creates, reviews and revises overall program structure of the orientation process

2. Evaluates the performance of new orientees and makes recommendations regarding completion of the probationary period.

3. Collaborates with stakeholders to ensure educational programs that support organizational goals and strategic plan.

4. Inspires and encourages teamwork.

5. Recommends changes in practice that support operational financial targets.

6. Maintains records that fulfill requirements of regulatory bodies' standards.

Consultant:

1. Communicates consultation recommendations that affect the identified plan, facilitate understanding by stakeholders, enhance the work of others and influence change. Develops recommendations and strategies to address problems and complex issues.

2. Provides expertise in support of organizational initiatives.

3. Acts as a resource to affiliated organizations on behalf of UMCAP.

4. Has daily contact with nursing personnel, nursing leadership and other health care workers including physicians to receive and/or provide information.

Customer Service:

1. Greets customers in courteous, friendly, respectful and professional manner at all times, including maintaining eye contact when appropriate.

2. Follows communication protocols to both internal and external customers, including introducing him/herself with job title and experience, asking open-ended questions, such as "How may I be of help to you?" using the customer's name as soon as it is learned.

3. Responds promptly and appropriately to customer questions/concerns/complaints and attempts immediate resolution.

4. Keeps customer's information confidential, including public places such as elevators or the cafeteria.

5. Provides assistance and offers help immediately, including finding someone else to meet the request, if unable to do so him/herself. Introduce other staff to customers when a hand-off occurs and explain that the person will provide excellent service.

6. Demonstrates commitment to excellent service recovery when a customer's expectations have not been met.

Commitment to Co-Workers:

1. Offers assistance to colleagues and other departments when needed.

2. Takes responsibility for solving problems regardless of origin; completes assignments, and respects deadlines.

3. Resolves conflict directly with colleagues and seeks assistance from others if the issue cannot be resolved. Refrains from criticism in public.

4. Mindful and respectful of others' time and schedules. Attends meetings on time and communicates any absences.

5. Provides co-workers with a status report for continuity of workflow when planning to be out of the office, off the unit, or away from the department

Communication Etiquette:

1. Respectful, courteous and professional in all forms of communication and follows facility's service communication protocol in all interactions.

2. Refrains from use of personal cell phone in patient care areas and keeps usage to a minimum at all other times while on duty.

3. Does not text or use e-mail during meetings (except for exigent or emergency situations).

4. Limits use of business cell phone during meetings (remain on vibrate and/or calls go to voicemail).

5. Makes every effort to answer telephone calls within three rings, introducing him/herself, department and title (if appropriate). Asks permission before placing the caller on hold or using the speakerphone. If caller is transferred, gives the caller the extension number of the person he or she is being transferred to. Offers further assistance to the caller upon completing the conversation.

6. Maintains an appropriate voicemail message and when away from the office has an out-of-office email message that is brief, current, and includes name and department and offers the caller options if possible.

7. Returns email and voicemail messages promptly but no later than within one business day (24 hours).

8. Always mindful of voice and language in public.

Self-Management:

1. Reports to work appropriately groomed and in compliance with the Hospital's dress code. Wears identification badge at all times at chest level and facing outwards so identification is clearly visible.

2. Complete all assignments within deadlines or negotiates alternative actions and time frames in order to achieve desired outcomes.

3. Completes mandatory, annual education and competency requirements.

4. Follows UMCAP safety, infection control and employee health standards.

5. Demonstrates responsibility for personal growth, development and professional knowledge and competency.

6. Adhere to all UMCAP and department policies and procedures, including Code of Conduct and professional behavior standards. Does not exceed Hospital guidelines in reference to attendance, punctuality, and use of sick and unplanned absences. Provides notification of absences, lateness and vacation requests according to department guidelines. Respects length of time for lunch and break times.

7. Reviews, signs, and adheres to UMCAP and/or departmental confidentiality statement.