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Clinical Nurse Educator, Critical Care - Job Opportunity at Valley Medical Center

Renton, US
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: July 10, 2025
On-site
USD 104,374 - 156,582 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions, providing employees with a strong foundation for long-term financial security and retirement planning
Employee assistance program offering confidential counseling, work-life balance resources, and personal support services to enhance employee wellbeing and productivity
Employee referral program with incentives for recruiting top talent, fostering a collaborative hiring culture while providing additional income opportunities
Robust retirement planning services beyond 401(k), ensuring comprehensive financial planning support for career-long employees
Tuition reimbursement program supporting continuous education and professional development, particularly valuable for nursing professionals pursuing advanced certifications and degrees

Key Responsibilities

Design and implement comprehensive unit-specific orientation and onboarding programs that directly impact new hire retention rates and clinical competency development, ensuring seamless integration of staff into critical care environments
Lead competency assessment programs across assigned units, utilizing evidence-based evaluation methods to maintain the highest standards of patient care and regulatory compliance
Drive professional development initiatives by identifying practice gaps and creating targeted educational interventions that enhance clinical outcomes and staff satisfaction
Collaborate with interprofessional healthcare teams to translate research findings and evidence-based practices into actionable clinical protocols, directly improving patient safety and care quality
Serve as a strategic change agent supporting hospital-wide initiatives, quality improvement programs, and new technology implementations that advance organizational goals
Mentor nursing staff throughout their professional development journey, creating succession planning pathways and supporting career advancement within the organization
Participate in budget development and cost-benefit analyses for educational programs, demonstrating the financial impact of professional development investments

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree in nursing required, Master's degree preferred

Experience

Minimum of three years' experience in inpatient practice setting required

Required Skills

Thorough knowledge and understanding of protocol, procedures, and standards within area of specialty Ability to assess educational needs, and design and develop responsible curricula Working knowledge of nursing education principles and practices Highly developed verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present effectively to small and large groups Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively at all levels in a collaborative multidisciplinary team environment Knowledge and experience in adult learning principles, curriculum design and change process Experience in nursing professional development Experience with evidence-based practice and research implementation Able to handle multiple demands and competing priorities

Certifications

RN license to practice in WA State required Certification in Nursing Professional Development (NPD) preferred Certification in clinical specialty required Current BLS certified Advanced life support training in area of specialty
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Healthcare organizations are increasingly investing in clinical nurse educators as a strategic response to nursing shortages and high turnover rates, with studies showing that comprehensive orientation and mentorship programs can reduce new graduate nurse turnover by up to 30%. This trend reflects the industry's recognition that investing in education infrastructure directly impacts patient outcomes and organizational financial performance. The integration of evidence-based practice and research implementation into clinical education roles represents a significant shift toward data-driven nursing practice. Healthcare systems are prioritizing educators who can bridge the gap between academic research and bedside application, making this role increasingly valuable in quality improvement initiatives. Critical care nursing education is experiencing heightened demand due to the complexity of modern ICU environments, advanced medical technologies, and the need for specialized competencies. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the focus on critical care education, with hospitals recognizing the need for robust training programs to ensure staff readiness for high-acuity patient care.

Salary Evaluation

The salary range of $104,374 - $156,582 annually is competitive for the Pacific Northwest market and reflects the specialized nature of critical care education. This compensation is above national averages for clinical nurse educators, which typically range from $70,000 - $120,000, indicating Valley Medical Center's commitment to attracting top talent in this critical role.

Role Significance

The educator typically supports 40-80 nursing staff across assigned critical care units, working closely with a team of 3-5 other professional development specialists and collaborating with unit managers, charge nurses, and clinical staff at all levels.
This is a mid-to-senior level position that requires significant clinical expertise combined with educational leadership capabilities. The role involves strategic decision-making regarding curriculum development, budget planning, and organizational change management, indicating substantial influence within the nursing department and broader healthcare team.

Key Projects

Implementation of new technology training programs for critical care equipment and electronic health record systems Development of evidence-based competency assessment frameworks aligned with national nursing standards Creation of specialized orientation programs for new graduate nurses transitioning into critical care environments Leadership of quality improvement initiatives focused on reducing medical errors and improving patient safety outcomes

Success Factors

Strong clinical background in critical care nursing combined with advanced knowledge of adult learning principles and curriculum design methodology Exceptional communication and presentation skills enabling effective knowledge transfer to diverse audiences ranging from new graduates to experienced practitioners Ability to analyze complex healthcare data and translate research findings into practical clinical applications that improve patient outcomes Leadership capabilities to drive organizational change and serve as a catalyst for professional development initiatives Collaborative mindset to work effectively with interprofessional teams and build consensus around educational priorities and clinical practice improvements

Market Demand

High demand driven by nationwide nursing shortages, increased focus on patient safety and quality outcomes, and the growing complexity of healthcare delivery systems requiring specialized educational expertise.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Clinical expertise in critical care nursing is fundamental to credibility and effectiveness in this role, as the educator must understand complex patient care scenarios and be able to translate clinical knowledge into educational content that improves patient outcomes Adult learning principles and curriculum design capabilities are essential for creating effective educational programs that engage busy healthcare professionals and result in measurable competency improvements Communication and presentation skills are crucial for delivering education to diverse audiences, facilitating interprofessional collaboration, and serving as a change agent within the organization

Beneficial Skills

Advanced degrees in nursing education or related fields enhance credibility and provide deeper understanding of educational theory and research methodologies Experience with healthcare quality improvement methodologies such as Lean or Six Sigma can enhance the educator's ability to contribute to organizational performance improvement initiatives Technology proficiency in learning management systems and educational software platforms is increasingly important as healthcare education becomes more digitized and data-driven

Unique Aspects

The role combines clinical nurse specialist functions with educational leadership, creating a unique hybrid position that addresses both direct patient care quality and staff development needs simultaneously
Working in a public hospital district environment provides exposure to diverse patient populations and community health initiatives, offering broader perspective on healthcare delivery challenges and solutions
The position includes specific focus on interprofessional collaboration and evidence-based practice implementation, reflecting modern healthcare delivery models that emphasize team-based care
Opportunity to influence organizational policy and procedure development while directly impacting clinical outcomes through educational interventions and quality improvement initiatives

Career Growth

Career progression typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing educators, with advancement opportunities dependent on completion of advanced degrees, demonstrated impact on quality metrics, and leadership experience in organizational change initiatives.

Potential Next Roles

Director of Professional Development and Education, overseeing comprehensive educational programs across multiple departments and service lines Chief Nursing Officer or Assistant Chief Nursing Officer, leveraging educational leadership experience to drive nursing practice and quality initiatives Clinical Nurse Specialist in organizational leadership roles, focusing on system-wide quality improvement and evidence-based practice implementation Consultant roles in healthcare education, working with multiple organizations to develop and implement nursing education programs

Company Overview

Valley Medical Center

Valley Medical Center is a comprehensive healthcare system serving the South King County region of Washington State, operating as a public hospital district with a strong commitment to community health and accessible care. The organization has established itself as a regional leader in emergency services, trauma care, and specialized medical services.

As a public hospital district, Valley Medical Center maintains a strong market position by focusing on community service and accessible healthcare delivery. The organization competes effectively with larger private systems through its emphasis on personalized care, community partnerships, and specialized service offerings.
The medical center serves as a critical healthcare anchor in the South King County region, providing essential services to diverse communities including Renton, Kent, and surrounding areas. Its location provides access to the broader Seattle metropolitan healthcare market while maintaining focus on local community needs.
The organization emphasizes collaborative care delivery, professional development, and community service. As a public entity, Valley Medical Center typically offers stable employment with comprehensive benefits, professional growth opportunities, and a mission-driven work environment focused on serving diverse patient populations.
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