Clinical Nurse Educator - Behavioral Health

St. Joseph Hospital; Lewiston (ME); On-site; USD 77,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Mary’s Health System is seeking a Behavioral Health Clinical Nurse Educator (RN) to lead clinical education across Behavioral Health and Emergency Services.

The role focuses on staff confidence, knowledge, and competency, translating education into safe patient care. You will partner with frontline staff and leaders to design practical education, support orientation, new graduates, continuing education, and regulatory readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) required; Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) preferred.
• Current, valid RN license in the applicable state required.
• One year of experience in clinical education or adult learning preferred.
• National certification in staff development or clinical specialty preferred (e.g., CEN, NRP, TNCC).
• Strong communication, presentation, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to navigate learning management systems and educational tech.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and collaborate across departments.

Responsibilities

• Assess, develop, implement, and evaluate educational programs for Behavioral Health and Emergency Services staff.
• Support onboarding and ongoing development of new hires and new graduate nurses.
• Provide one-on-one coaching and professional development support to nursing staff.
• Promote evidence-based practice, clinical competency, patient safety, and high-quality care.
• Collaborate with clinical leaders to identify educational needs and improve clinical practice.
• Support quality improvement initiatives, policy updates, and regulatory readiness (DNV/Joint Commission).
• Serve as a clinical resource for staff and physicians managing complex patient care needs.
• Maintain educational records, evaluate learning outcomes, and support ongoing staff competency.
• Provide clinical support as needed and adjust schedules to meet education and staffing needs.

Skills

Clinical education

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Staff coaching

Education

BSN degree

MSN preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Learning Management Systems

Job description

Job Summary:

Behavioral Health Clinical Nurse Educator (RN)

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Behavioral Health Clinical Nurse Educator who believes exceptional patient care begins with confident, knowledgeable, and well-supported teams.

In this collaborative role, you will support clinical education across Behavioral Health and Emergency Services, helping staff strengthen their skills, build confidence, and deliver safe, high-quality, evidence-based care. You will partner with frontline staff, clinical leaders, interdisciplinary teams, and organizational educators to identify learning needs and develop practical, engaging education that translates directly into patient care.

This is an excellent opportunity for an educator who enjoys being visible in the clinical environment, building strong relationships, mentoring nurses, and supporting professional growth. The role includes orientation, competency development, new graduate support, continuing education, quality improvement, and regulatory readiness.

Schedule: 36 hours per week, with varied shifts as needed to support staff across all shifts.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess, develop, implement, and evaluate educational programs to meet the needs of Behavioral Health and Emergency Services staff.
• Support the orientation, onboarding, and ongoing development of new hires and new graduate nurses.
• Provide one-on-one coaching, clinical guidance, and professional development support to nursing staff.
• Promote evidence-based practice, clinical competency, patient safety, and high-quality care.
• Collaborate with clinical leaders and interdisciplinary teams to identify educational needs and improve clinical practice.
• Support quality improvement initiatives, clinical policy updates, and DNV/Joint Commission certification and compliance requirements.
• Serve as a clinical resource for staff and physicians managing complex patient care needs.
• Maintain educational records, evaluate learning outcomes, and support ongoing staff competency and regulatory readiness.
• Provide clinical support when needed and adjust schedules to meet departmental education and staffing needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) required; Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) preferred.
• Current, valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in the applicable state required.
• One year of experience in clinical education or adult learning preferred.
• National certification in staff development or a clinical specialty preferred, such as CEN, NRP, or TNCC.
• Strong communication, presentation, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to navigate learning management systems and educational technology.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and collaborate effectively with staff and leaders across departments.

Join St. Mary’s Health System and help empower our clinical teams through education, collaboration, and professional development—making a meaningful difference in the care we provide to our patients and community.

Covenant Health Mission Statement

We are a Catholic health ministry, providing healing and care for the whole person, in service to all in our communities.

Our Core Values:

Compassion

We show respect, caring and sensitivity towards all, honoring the dignity of each person, especially the poor, vulnerable and suffering.

Integrity

We promote justice and ethical behavior, and responsibly steward our human, financial and environmental resources.

Collaboration

We work in partnership, dialogue and shared purpose to create healthy communities.

Excellence

We deliver all services with the highest level of quality, while seeking creative innovation.

Applicants, employees and former employees are protected from employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, and genetic information (including family medical history).

Comp Range:

$76,665.23 - $105,579.98

Rate of pay displayed reflects the beginning of the pay scale. At the time of an offer, determination of your offer will reflect your skills and experience as it relates to the position.