Nurse Educator – Critical Care

Howard University Hospital • Washington, DC

7d • $46 - $69

About The Position

As a Critical Care Nurse Educator at Howard University Hospital, you will be the clinical education cornerstone of our intensive care units — designing and delivering evidence-based programs that build staff competency, elevate patient safety, and advance the professional growth of every nurse who cares for our most critically ill patients. Reporting to the Director of Critical Care Services, you will serve as educator, facilitator, change agent, and leader, interfacing with nursing managers, clinical staff, intensivists, and multidisciplinary teams across our Medical ICU (MICU) and Surgical ICU (SICU) to ensure our team is always equipped to deliver safe, high-quality, patient- and family-centered critical care. If you are a seasoned critical care nurse with a passion for teaching and a commitment to excellence, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact at one of the nation’s most storied academic medical centers.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required; Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or related field strongly preferred
• Current Registered Nurse (RN) licensure in the District of Columbia (or eligibility)
• Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications through the American Heart Association
• Minimum of five (5) years of nursing experience, including at least two (2) years in a critical care setting (ICU level preferred) and two (2) years as a clinical educator or nursing instructor
• Certification in clinical specialty or nursing professional development required within one (1) year of hire
• Active membership in a relevant professional nursing organization required (e.g., AACN, SCCM)

Nice To Haves

• CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse) or equivalent critical care specialty certification
• Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) or Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC) certification
• Experience with LMS platforms and competency tracking systems
• Demonstrated experience with simulation-based education in a critical care or acute care setting
• Familiarity with ICU liberation and ABCDEF Bundle frameworks

Responsibilities

• Orientation & Onboarding Develop, implement, and evaluate a structured critical care–specific orientation program for new hires at all experience levels — new graduates, experienced ICU nurses, and lateral transfers
• Coordinate preceptor assignments and provide ongoing coaching, support, and evaluation of preceptor–orientee pairs; adjust learning plans and timelines based on individual progression
• Facilitate simulation-based learning experiences covering rapid response, hemodynamic emergencies, airway management, and critical procedures including invasive monitoring, vascular access, and mechanical ventilation management
• Supervise employees during unit-level orientation for the purpose of education and training
• Staff Education & Competency Assess learning needs of critical care staff on an annual and ongoing basis through observation, quality data review, and staff input; develop targeted education plans in response
• Plan and deliver engaging in-services, skills days, and workshops on critical care–specific topics including hemodynamic monitoring (arterial lines, CVP, PA catheters), mechanical ventilation modes and weaning, vasopressor and sedation management, CRRT, sepsis and septic shock recognition and management, cardiac dysrhythmia interpretation, and post-operative care
• Ensure annual and ongoing competency validations are completed, documented, and maintained in the LMS per policy and regulatory requirements
• Develop, review, and maintain unit competency checklists, skills check-offs, and all critical care–specific training materials
• Clinical Practice & Quality Improvement Serve as a clinical resource and expert consultant for complex critically ill patients, emerging practice issues, and new equipment or technology rollouts
• Participate in unit, department, and hospital-level Performance Improvement activities; use quality and safety data to identify practice gaps and drive educational programming
• Contribute to the development, review, and revision of critical care policies, procedures, and evidence-based clinical guidelines
• Share responsibility for the quality and safety of patient care delivered across the ICUs
• Leadership & Professional Development Lead, coach, and mentor clinical staff with a focus on professional growth, resilience, and best practice outcomes
• Participate in shared governance councils, committees, and work groups at the unit, department, and hospital levels
• Champion evidence-based practice initiatives and support staff through practice transitions as a change agent
• Prepare an annual self-development plan, set measurable professional goals, and actively seek opportunities to achieve them
• Maintain active membership in a relevant professional nursing organization (e.g., AACN, SCCM)
• Compliance & Regulatory Ensure all educational activities align with professional standards, regulatory agency requirements, and institutional policies
• Promote adherence to the Health Sciences Compliance Program, Howard University Code of Ethics, Health Sciences Standards of Conduct, and HIPAA
• Attend all mandatory compliance training including HIPAA Privacy training; actively participate in compliance program activities
• Maintain strict confidentiality of patients, families, and staff

Benefits

• Work-life balance
• Recognition and rewards for professional expertise
• Competitive, comprehensive benefit plans including health, disability, vacation, sick leave, and 403(b) retirement plan
• Tuition remission at Howard University for you and/or eligible dependent children — up to two (2) courses per semester
• A mission-driven environment rooted in over 150 years of excellence, service, and advocacy for the communities we serve

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level