Critical Care Education Specialist & Nursing Mentor

MercyOne Medical Group; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

MercyOne Central Iowa is seeking a Clinical Education Specialist to support the Critical Care service line. Cardiac surgical experience is preferred, and the role emphasizes nursing program development and education.

The specialist will act as an expert clinician, design educational plans, and lead onboarding, with a focus on adult learning principles and evidence-based practice across units.

Qualifications

• Current State of Iowa licensed registered nurse.
• Bachelor’s degree in nursing required or actively enrolled in an MSN program.
• MSN in Nursing Education preferred; master’s must be obtained within five years of hire.
• Minimum three years acute care clinical nursing experience.
• Cardiac surgical experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Functions as an expert clinician in a nursing specialty (e.g., acute care, cardiology, critical care).
• Assesses patient- and population-based programs of care and supports plan development.
• Identifies needs for new standards, policies and procedures; acts as a change agent.
• Develops educational plans and learning resources; provides staff and student education.
• Provides frequent feedback to build competency and supports evidence-based practice.
• Mentors unit preceptors; collaborates to translate and evaluate research in practice.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of Iowa Nurse Practice Act, Joint Commission, and ANA standards.
• Serves as a resource across interdisciplinary teams; supports onboarding and orientation.
• Uses IT for data input, analysis, and program development and presentation.

Skills

Nursing leadership

Clinical education

Adult learning

Evidence-based practice

Education

Bachelor's degree in nursing

Active MSN enrollment

MSN preferred; obtain within 5 years

Job description

MercyOne Central Iowa is seeking a Clinical Education Specialist to support the Critical Care service line. Cardiac surgical experience is preferred, and the role emphasizes nursing program development and education.

The specialist will act as an expert clinician, design educational plans, and lead onboarding, with a focus on adult learning principles and evidence-based practice across units.