Under the supervision of the System Director of Behavioral Health Nursing, the Behavioral Health Nurse Educator operates in the capacities of Educator, Facilitator, Consultant, Change Agent, and Leader. The Behavioral Health Nurse Educator is responsible for leading the development of standardized educational and orientation programs, position-specific competencies, and nursing/nursing-support practice audits within the Appalachian Regional Healthcare Behavioral Health Service-Line. This role, in collaboration with system and local nurse leadership, is integral to initiating changes that enhance the practice of Behavioral Health nursing, as well as nursing-support practices and professional development Additionally, this role requires traveling to various ARH facilities to orient new Behavioral Health staff members to the organization, provide ongoing training to nursing and nursing-support staff, and deliver remedial education and training to specific personnel as needed, under the directive of the System Nursing Director of Behavioral Health.

Conducts educational needs assessments using a variety of methods/tools.

Incorporates principles of adult learning in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of educational programs, creating a climate with supports learning across the organization.

Coordinates and facilitates nursing orientation for new nursing and nursing support staff, develop and trains local nurse leader to complete and monitor competency evaluation of new and existing Behavioral Health staff and develop relevant training/education for new equipment and new/revised clinical care policies and protocols.

Develops and delivers evidence-based educational programs and offerings.

Utilizes best practices in educational content delivery.

Collaborates with the System Director of Behavioral Health Nursing, local nursing leadership and other disciplines to create a robust educational environment while fostering teambuilding and leadership development.

Provides point of care assistance and support to assist nursing and nursing support staff with behavioral health-based nursing and nursing-support development, de-escalation and critical thinking skills.

Evaluates effectiveness of educational programs utilizing best practices.

Utilizes a variety of evidence-based instructional techniques.

Adjusts educational content and teaching strategies based on appropriate learner needs, utilizing various media and formats.

Collaborates with and supports all ARH facilities in developing and delivering educational programs as determined by the System Director of Behavioral Health Nursing

Assumes ownership and responsibility in attaining, developing, and maintaining educational and instructional expertise.

Facilitates centralized Behavioral Health nursing orientation.

Oversees the onboarding of Behavioral Health student nurses and clinical faculty to assure adherence to ARH and regulatory guidelines.

Oversees, in collaboration with Nursing Leadership, Human Resources, and applicable Schools of Nursing, compliance with the Nurse Extern Program.

Responds to changes in nursing practice and develops programs to support these changes.

Ensures that educational programs are congruent with organizational missions, values, and goals.

Maintains flexibility when managing multiple roles/responsibilities.

Interprets and communicates across multiple disciplines.

Promotes a safe and healthy work environment.

Serves as a role mode to promote education, professionalism, excellence, and safety.

Role models and promotes the concept of life-long learning.

Leads committees, work groups, and/or projects related to the implementation of educational activities.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Education
• Graduated from accredited school of nursing.
• Bachelors of Science in Nursing preferred.
• Willingness to obtain BSN within 3 years is required.
• Master’s Degree Strongly Preferred (MSN, MBA, MHA, ect.)

Minimum Work Experience
3 years of Behavioral Health Nursing experience required
1 year of nursing education experience, strongly preferred.

Required Licenses/Certifications
Current ,unencumbered Kentucky or West Virginia compact Registered Nursing licensure.
BLS Upon Hire
CPI Upon Hire
CPI Instructor within first 6 months of employment.
or other Instructor within 90 Days of Hire
ACLS is required within first 6 months of employment.

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
Strong leadership and communication skills.
Expertise in Behavioral Health nursing practices.
Ability to develop and implement educational programs.
Proficiency in conducting practice audits and assessments.
Flexibility to travel and adapt to different facility environments.