Nursing Practice Leader - Surgical Services - Downtown Campus

Surgical Services Education Specialist

The Surgical Services Education Specialist is a registered professional nurse who is responsible for developing, implementing, and leading evidence-based nursing practice, quality educational programs and activities which promote individual development and competency among Perioperative nursing department personnel. Provides assistance to Surgery Nurse Specialist.

Position Responsibilities

• Adheres to professional and legal standards of nursing practice.
• Assists in the development, implementation and evaluation of standards of care for surgical patient population, based on systematic evaluation and evidence based research.
• Develops, implements, administers, delegates, and evaluates the orientation and continued educational competencies of surgical services staff to ensure that professional and regulatory standards are met.
• Develop and implement new equipment and technology training programs. Reviews new equipment and supplies as needed with sales representatives and medical staff.
• Plans and assists with the clinical experience of students in the unit.
• Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of research-based standards, policies and procedures.
• Assists in implementation of technologies that assist in point of care technologies.
• Educates staff about changes.
• Participates in and contributes to hospital/department/unit committees, meetings and/or projects in keeping with organizational/units) strategic goals.
• Practices according to department/unit policies, procedures, protocols and practice guidelines to maintain a safe environment for patients, visitors and staff.
• Participates in the ongoing implementation of current regulatory standards in order to meet state and national agency accreditation.
• Provides feedback and support to staff on the unit to assist them to improve their performance.
• Serves as a role model for staff by demonstrating clinical expertise when providing direct patient care.
• Serves as a resource person to nursing and medical staff; confers with surgeons relative to equipment and supplies.
• Assist the Surgery Nurse Specialist with coordination and maintenance of supplies and equipment for the Operating Room.
• Assist the Surgery Nurse Specialist with capital budget preparation.
• Assists and coordinates services with Materials Management and Engineering to assure maintenance of unit supplies and repair of equipment.
• Functioning as Staff RN during times of high patient activity.
• Lead or facilitate special projects to enhance professional nursing practice.
• Assists in development and implementation of procedures sharing responsibility for Quality Assurance planning with supervisors
• Assists with development and implementation of tracer activities for improving patient care
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Percent of Time: 100%

Schedule: Monday - Friday; 0800-1630; no call/weekends/holidays

Location: Downtown Campus

Benefits Highlights:

• Regular salaried position located in our University of Iowa Health Care Medical Downtown Campus location in Iowa City, Iowa
• Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans

Education Requirements

Master's Degree in Nursing or related field. If Master's degree is in a related field Baccalaureate in Nursing is required.

Experience Requirements

• 3 years of operating Room experience.
• Computer proficiency in MS Office Suite.
• Demonstrated expertise in education and leadership.
• Team oriented with good interpersonal skills.

Desired Qualifications:

• Adult education/staff development experience.
• Supply chain management experience.
• Sound background in nursing principles and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with people.
• Effective critical thinking skills.

Please attach a resume and cover letter as part of the application process. Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. For questions or additional information, please contact Penni Berger at penelope-berger@uiowa.edu. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.