Clinical Nurse Educator, Mental Health

Job Summary

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position. The Clinical Nurse Educator provides clinical education services to staff. Utilizes educational/curriculum theory and knowledge of nursing and clinical practice to design, develop, implement and evaluate clinical education programs. Assesses individual and group learning needs and participates in the development of individual growth plans. Consults, confers, and collaborates with program and team members as well as other Educators in promotion of continuous quality improvement, resolution of clinical education issues, and coordination of activities required for progressive educational and clinical practice programs; takes corrective action with respect to individual and group learning needs.

Duties/Accountabilities

• Assesses individual and group learning needs in collaboration with the Manager and designated personnel by observing activities, discussing clinical issues with the team members and/or clients/families, and analyzing data such as staff competency assessments and growth plans, practice changes, and quality improvement indicators to determine specific educational requirements.
• Participates in the development of individual growth plans to address identified learning needs by coordinating the development and implementation process with the Manager and designated personnel and ensuring there is a growth plan for each staff member. Monitors progress against the growth plan and updates on a yearly basis to support staff’s ability for achievement. Implements teaching/learning strategies that are congruent with the determined growth/learning plans.
• Utilizes educational/curriculum theory and knowledge of specialized nursing and clinical practice to design, develop, implement and evaluate clinical education programs for team members and/or clients/families in collaboration with the Manager and interdisciplinary team members; education programs include orientation/training programs for new team members, educational support programs, continuing education sessions and cross-cultural caring programs.
• Supports preceptors/preceptees, mentors/mentees and clinical programs using teaching and learning principles and a program planning and evaluation process to meet the identified educational needs of staff and/or clients/families and to ensure the achievement of specialized practitioners within the program/team.
• Develops, reviews and modifies learning resources for team members and/or clients/families using established educational standards, determining match between content and delivery method and providing feedback to other developers to ensure resources are current, relevant, cost effective and coordinated.
• Utilizes a variety of teaching/learning strategies to support clinical education activities with individuals and groups including facilitating groups, coaching, mentoring, conducting formal/informal presentations and demonstrations, coordinating introduction of new skills/procedures, arranging and providing in-service sessions and using educational technology and self-directed learning methods to implement planned programs. Facilitates scheduling of education sessions by collaborating with clients/families and/or team members to determine times, frequency, and duration to ensure effective use of resources; maintains records and identifies/schedules team member attendance at update sessions.
• Provides direct instruction to new and existing staff as required and facilitates learning by role modeling to staff in a classroom or at designated workstation, promoting skill development, observing staff while performing client care and providing feedback to ensure care is provided according to program standards and clinical practice guidelines.
• Facilitates learning by acting as a clinical resource and demonstrates expertise and leadership in nursing and clinical practice through methods such as reviewing literature and developments in technology and equipment, consulting with community experts, evaluating clinical practice systems/standards, identifying new theories/trends/education programs, developing new/revised standards and presenting educational sessions based upon specialized body of knowledge to enhance quality client care.
• Participates in the evaluation of the effectiveness of clinical education programs, activities and resources by analyzing learning outcomes using program/resource evaluation, learner behaviors, utilization statistics, and reviewing feedback to determine opportunities for quality improvement.
• Participates in quality improvement and risk management activities through methods such as evaluating effect of changes in client care practice, generating recommendations for alternative approaches, following up on incident reports, conducting safety audits and recommending changes to selected policies, procedures or protocols; drafts new and/or revised procedures, standards and criteria for the program in conjunction with the interdisciplinary team and client/family. Initiates strategies to improve client care using principles of continuous quality improvement to promote delivery of high quality educational services.
• Participates in-groups as a clinical education resource person by providing input and suggestions related to education implications and group processes of new initiatives to ensure that clinical educational needs are addressed. Documents educational process and utilization statistics by maintaining database and records, and by providing written and verbal reports to demonstrate accountability and to continuously improve the quality of clinical education services.
• Provides consultation to staff regarding professional development, clinical education and/or career planning by maintaining interpersonal contact and observation, providing verbal and written feedback for the individual to continue competency development, meeting with team members on a one-to-one basis and recommending educational programs/resources and facilitating development of learning and/or professional growth plans.
• Participates in students' clinical experience by collaborating with the Manager, and other team members in the assignment of preceptors to students in conjunction with community training program for nurses.
• Supports and guides team members in collaboration with peers and others in resolution of moral/ethical client or team issues and conflict situations through methods such as utilizing advanced communication skills and providing educational support. Participates in interdisciplinary rounds and client care conferences with the client/family and assists in adapting care plans to address identified issues. Acts as client advocate to protect and promote the client's right to autonomy, respect, dignity, privacy and access to information.
• Ensures own clinical currency by incorporating clinical experience within a plan for ongoing professional growth.
• Participates in approved nursing and interdisciplinary research and special projects through methods such as identifying research topics/issues, promoting staff awareness and involvement in research activities, supporting evidence-based nursing practice and gathering and summarizing data to improve education and clinical effectiveness.
• Sets measurable goals and objectives within a team environment, incorporating the organization’s vision and values, goals and corporate plan, through methods such as maintaining and updating own knowledge with area of practice, and develops a plan in collaboration with designated personnel/team for professional development. Reviews progress to ensure that goals are achieved within established timeframes.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience

• Graduation from an approved School of Nursing with current practicing registration as an RN or RPN with the British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals (BCCNP).
• Three (3) years’ recent, related mental health and addictions experience including one (1) year experience developing, implementing and/or delivering education services, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Valid BC Driver’s License. Local area travel requires the use of personal vehicle.
  
  

Skills And Abilities

Comprehensive knowledge of nursing theory and practice within a client and family centered model of care.

Broad knowledge of BCCNP Standards for Nursing/Psychiatric Nursing Practice.

Comprehensive knowledge of adult education principles, methods and tools.

Comprehensive knowledge of other health disciplines and their role in patient/client care.

Broad knowledge of research methodology and processes.

Demonstrated ability to teach, demonstrate, facilitate and lead.

Demonstrated ability to use critical thinking in approach to teaching.

Demonstrated ability to develop educational programs and material.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with co-workers, physicians, other health care staff and clients and their families, either one-on-one and in-groups.

Demonstrated ability to function as an effective team member, leader, and facilitator.

Demonstrated ability to provide leadership and work direction.

Demonstrated ability to promote a creative learning environment.

Demonstrated ability to establish workload priorities in collaboration with others.

Demonstrated ability to provide effective consultation.

Demonstrated ability to work independently and in collaboration with others.

Physical ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Skill in the use of equipment and in techniques appropriate to designated clinical area.

Demonstrated skill in CPR techniques.

Basic computer literacy to operate a computerized client care information system.