Nurse Educator

Description

The Nurse Educator, RN provides instruction and training of OPWDD-approved and/or agency-developed healthcare courses to direct support and program staff. This role also supports nursing oversight across residential and day programs, promotes regulatory compliance, and partners with interdisciplinary teams to meet organizational and participant healthcare needs.

Education & Training

• Provide instruction for OPWDD-approved courses, including Medication Administration, diabetes management, and tube feeding programs.
• Maintain or obtain OPWDD-approved credentials to serve as a Diabetic Trainer and to teach tube feeding curriculum.
• Maintain Train-the-Trainer status for required annual agency courses (e.g., Bloodborne Pathogens, Fire Safety, SDS, Patient Rights).
• Prepare all course materials, ensuring sufficient and accurate participant resources and maintaining training inventory.
• Utilize OPWDD-approved curricula and adhere to established training standards.
• Incorporate effective visual and audio teaching aids to enhance learning outcomes.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate tracking for AMAP recertification, refresher medication courses, and OPWDD 811 certifications.
• Submit complete and timely paperwork following course completion, including attendance records and certification documentation, to appropriate departments and leadership.
• Perform, read, document, and submit PPD testing results as required, including communication to Human Resources.

Collaboration & Communication

• Communicate course outcomes, follow-up needs, and staff concerns to appropriate personnel, including nursing leadership, program managers, training staff, and Human Resources.
• Attend training in-services and meetings as directed.
• Support nursing peers with medication certification pours, tube feedings, and diabetes training as needed.

Program & Clinical Support

• Maintain a residential nursing caseload as assigned.
• Provide nursing oversight and education support to day programs, including regular on-site presence to address clinical performance and compliance needs.
• Manage nursing responsibilities related to the College Experience Program (CEP) in collaboration with program leadership.
• Support the Health Services department in maintaining compliance with OPWDD regulations and agency policies.

Professional & Organizational Standards

• Demonstrate agency values in all interactions and responsibilities.
• Promote a collaborative, respectful, and compliant work environment aligned with organizational policies and procedures.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications / Requirements

• Current New York State Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (ADN or BSN).
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working in OPWDD-regulated programming.
• Valid New York State driver’s license in good standing.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Case management experience.
• Three (3) years of experience as a healthcare educator or trainer.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Combination of office, classroom, residential, and program-based environments.
• May require local travel to residential homes, day programs, and training locations.
• Ability to perform physical tasks associated with clinical training and staff support.