Being A Nurse Educator for Staff Development

I work in staff development as a critical care educator. I have a BSN and have nearly completed my MSN. I am responsible for critical care and stepdown unit education and competencies.

I teach classes: ABG, A-line, Ventilator, EKG, BCLS...

I write competency information for learners and the associated tests.

I survey units regarding education needs (both leadership and staff) and make education plans for the year.

I make a lot of PowerPoint presentations of educational material

I assist with equipment roll outs: teach how to use new equipment, set up teaching (times, rooms...), evaluate teaching, track teaching equipment

I teach system wide issues: critical event prevention, JCAHO, Health dept...

I advertise teaching: posters, flyers, emails, videos, what ever works to get the staff's attention

I participate in nursing (nurses, nursing interns & externs) orientation: give lectures, sign up folks for classes, test new experienced hires

I assist with magnet certification

I go to meetings: Keystone, Critical care meetings, unit council meetings, committee meetings (infection control...), policy & proceedure meetings, staff meetings (when I have something to educate staff on)...

I track orientees progress and meet with them and their unit managers and preceptors.

I work mostly days but am often in on evenings and sometimes at night. I work weekdays but come in on weekends for system wide education and to talk with orientees.

My pay rate is the same as when I was a staff nurse.

I work in a 500 bed hospital with satelite campuses and offices.

I really like my job. It is demanding but very creative and interesting. My schedule is flexible - which is great.

I work closely with department managers, other educators, CNS's, and sometimes physicians.

I hope this information helps

Thanks to all of you. Your replies are very helpful. Wish me luck!