Clinical Nurse Educator (RN, MEIHSS)

JOB SUMMARY

The RN Clinical Educator is responsible for the development, implementation, and coordination of clinical education, competency validation, compliance monitoring.  This RN Educator coordinates and supports nurse delegation education and competency requirements, quality assurance activities, and staff development initiatives within the Elders In-Home Services Program. This position serves as a clinical education and training resource for all caregivers, Home Care Aides (HCAs), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), and all MEIHSS Staff to ensure services are delivered in accordance with Washington State regulations, Tribal policies, professional nursing standards, and program requirements. The RN Clinical Educator conducts field observations, audits clinical documentation, supports nurse delegation activities, develops and provides staff training, evaluates clinical competencies, monitors compliance with licensing requirements, and promotes quality care and client safety throughout the program.

MAJOR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This list is intended only to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or logical assignment to the position.

Develops, coordinates, and conducts orientation and ongoing clinical education and competency-based training programs for all MEIHSS staff, Home Care Aides, Certified Nursing Assistants, Community Health Representatives, caregivers, and licensed nursing personnel.

Coordinates, supports, and monitors nurse delegation activities in accordance with Washington State Nurse Delegation laws and regulations, including delegation assessments, supervisory visits, and competency validation.

Conducts competency evaluations, skills validations, field observations, and performance assessments through scheduled and unscheduled home visits to ensure quality care and regulatory compliance.

Performs skilled nursing services within the Registered Nurse scope of practice, including comprehensive nursing assessments, required 90-day RN visits, medication management, medication organizer (med box) preparation, injections, Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM/Libre) placement, wound care, compression therapy, and other physician-ordered nursing treatments.

Assists Nursing Supervisor with audits clinical records, nursing assessments, care plans, and medication records as needed. Reviews nurse delegation documentation, and other clinical documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable regulations and program standards.

Reviews, monitors, and evaluates individualized care plans, medication administration practices, delegates nursing tasks, and client outcomes to ensure safe, effective, and person-centered care.

Monitors compliance with Washington State Department of Health regulations, Home Care Aide requirements, licensing standards, Tribal policies, and other applicable federal, state, and Tribal regulations.

Assists with preparation for licensing reviews, audits, surveys, investigations, and accreditation activities, including implementation of corrective actions when necessary.

Identifies educational needs and develops training programs, corrective action plans, quality improvement initiatives, and competency-based educational materials.

Provides coaching, mentoring, consultation, and clinical support to caregivers, nursing staff, supervisors, and interdisciplinary team members to promote professional development and high-quality client care.

Participates in investigations, clinical incidents, medication errors, falls, infections, adverse events, complaints, and other quality assurance concerns, and recommends appropriate corrective and preventive actions.

Collaborates with physicians, pharmacists, therapists, social workers, case managers, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate and improve client care.

Participates in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) activities, including data collection, trend analysis, performance monitoring, and outcome reporting.

Assists in the development, implementation, review, and revision of clinical policies, procedures, protocols, forms, and educational resources.

Monitors staff compliance with mandatory certifications, continuing education requirements, competency assessments, delegated nursing requirements, and other clinical training standards.

Provides consultation regarding infection prevention, medication safety, emergency preparedness, risk management, and best clinical practices.

Coordinates and facilitates the delivery of medications, medical supplies, durable medical equipment, and other clinical resources necessary to support safe client care.

Maintains current knowledge of professional nursing standards and applicable federal, state, Tribal, and regulatory requirements affecting home and community-based care services.

Maintains the privacy, security, and confidentiality of Protected Health Information in accordance with Tribal policies and applicable federal and state laws.

This position participates with the RN Case Management team in a rotating on-call (phone) schedule to provide Registered Nurse weekend coverage, ensuring continuity of care and client safety. As program needs change, including situations where current the weekend nursing staff leave the program or transition back to a weekday schedule, this position may be required to participate in the weekend on-call rotation to maintain adequate weekend coverage.

Because of the Tribe's commitment to community service and the well-being of its members, each employee may be expected to perform a variety of office, clinical, and field duties as assigned, whether such duties are specifically described in this job description.

EDUCATION - EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING FOR POSITION

Required:

• Graduate of an accredited Registered Nurse (RN) program.
• Current Washington State Registered Nurse license in good standing.
• Minimum three (3) years of nursing experience in home health, hospice, long-term care, community health, case management, or acute care.
• Minimum one (1) year experience in staff training, clinical education, quality assurance, compliance, supervision, or nurse delegation.
• 2 years’ work experience with people who have dementia and/or mental health issues
• 100 hours teaching adults topics in basic training OR 40 hours of teaching basic training while being mentored by an instructor who is approved to teach basic training
• Mental health specialty training.
• Certification in Nurse Delegation.
• Experience with state licensing surveys, audits, and quality improvement programs.
• Successful completion of the DSHS instructor qualification/demonstration process

Additional Requirements:

• Current negative TB test.
• Current immunizations as required.
• Pass criminal history background check.
• Pass drug screening.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN)
• Experience working with Tribal communities, elders, vulnerable adults, and culturally responsive healthcare programs.

SPECIFIC SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR POSITION

Skills:

• Communicating effectively in verbal and written form; staff training and education; clinical documentation review; compliance monitoring; nurse delegation; conducting audits; competency evaluations; skills validation; staff education; coaching and mentoring staff; conflict resolution; problem-solving; organization; time management; quality improvement activities; and maintaining professional relationships.

Ability:

• Interpret and apply regulations, policies, and procedures; conduct staff training and competency evaluations; assess clinical skills and competencies; identify compliance concerns; analyze documentation; maintain records and reports; communicate effectively with diverse populations; maintain confidentiality; work independently; and establish positive working relationships with staff, clients, families, and community partners. Ability to instruct adult learners, evaluate competency performance, document training completion, and maintain instructor qualifications in accordance with Washington State requirements.

Knowledge:

• Washington State Nurse Practice Act; Nurse Delegation regulations; Home Care Aide requirements; Home Health regulations; infection prevention and control; quality assurance principles; clinical assessment practices; medication management; documentation standards; client rights; elder care; vulnerable adult services; and culturally responsive healthcare practices.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this position. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, talk, hear, and drive between service locations. The employee frequently uses hands and arms to perform nursing and training activities and may occasionally sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, or assist with client mobility. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Work is performed in office settings, client homes, community locations, and clinical environments. Exposure to infectious diseases, bodily fluids, environmental hazards, and clients who may be confused, agitated, irrational, or uncooperative may occur.

Licenses or Certifications Required

WA Drivers License, Current WA State RN License