RN Nursing Educator - Behavioral Health

Overview

RN Professional Development Educator- Behavioral Health

The Registered Nurse (RN) Nursing Professional Development Educator is responsible for conducting comprehensive learning needs assessments and designing, facilitating and evaluating evidence-based orientation, onboarding, competency, and continuing education programs across care settings. Integrates research and best practice evidence into clinical and educational standards, utilizing simulation and diverse learning modalities to strengthen clinical practice and support professional growth. Collaborates with nursing leadership and interdisciplinary partners to ensure educational initiatives align with organizational strategy and priorities, regulatory and accreditation requirements, and quality and safety goals. Monitors program effectiveness through outcomes measurement, identifies opportunities for improvement, and drives continuous enhancement of educational programs to advance nursing excellence and patient care.

Why UnityPoint Health?

At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.  

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in.  Here are just a few:      

• Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.   

• Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.  

• Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.   

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.  

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience. 

Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health. 

Responsibilities

Education & Staff Development

• Lead staff education, training, and competency-based learning programs.
• Develop, coordinate, and evaluate clinical orientation programs for new staff.
• Foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and professional growth among staff and Unit-Based Educators (UBEs).
• Assess learning needs and create educational plans to address performance gaps.
• Monitor training effectiveness and implement improvements based on feedback and outcomes.

Program Coordination

• Coordinate educational programs across departments and nursing units.
• Support preceptor development and oversee components of the preceptor program.
• Participate in committees and initiatives that improve patient care and organizational performance.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and shared decision-making.

Change Management & Quality Improvement

• Drive practice improvements that enhance patient outcomes and operational effectiveness.
• Support leaders and educators in addressing clinical competency concerns.
• Lead and influence interdisciplinary teams through organizational and clinical changes.
• Evaluate the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of education and practice initiatives.

Collaboration & Consultation

• Partner with leadership, educators, and interdisciplinary teams to integrate new learning into practice.
• Identify and connect teams with internal and external educational resources.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on staff development and clinical education needs.

Evidence-Based Practice & Research

• Support the implementation of evidence-based practices and quality improvement initiatives.
• Evaluate outcomes using benchmarks, best practices, and research findings.
• Use data and inquiry to identify opportunities for clinical and operational improvements.

Leadership & Mentorship

• Mentor Unit-Based Educators in adult learning principles and competency-based education.
• Provide coaching, just-in-time education, and ongoing professional development support.
• Foster a positive work environment that promotes growth, engagement, and job satisfaction.
• Maintain professional expertise and stay current on healthcare education trends and practices.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with healthcare regulations, accreditation standards, and organizational policies.
• Promote patient, employee, and workplace safety.
• Maintain required licenses, certifications, annual competencies, and regulatory training.
• Uphold HIPAA, OSHA, Medicare/Medicaid compliance, and other healthcare standards.

Emergency Response

• Participate in disaster response and emergency preparedness efforts as assigned.
• Perform additional duties as needed during critical situations or operational emergencies.

Qualifications

Education:

• Graduate of accredited nursing program.
• Master’s degree in Nursing, Nursing Education, or closely related field

License(s)/Certification(s):

• Current licensure in good standing to practice as a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse in Iowa.

Experience: 

• 3  years clinical nursing experience in a hospital setting with proven teaching expertise or experience in educational programming, including teaching adult learners and designing/developing learning materials.

Other: 

• Level 3 Medium Work:  Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.