Nurse Educator, Pre-Operative and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit; PACU

Job Summary

Responsible for developing, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating educational programs and clinical training initiatives for nursing staff and healthcare professionals within the Pre-Operative and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) settings. Serves as a clinical resource and educator, ensuring staff competency, regulatory compliance, and adherence to evidence-based perioperative and post-anesthesia care practices. Identifies educational and professional development needs, designs learning experiences to support clinical excellence, and promotes continuous improvement in patient care outcomes.

Collaborates with leadership, preceptors, and interdisciplinary teams to facilitate orientation, onboarding, competency validation, and ongoing professional development for staff.

• Develop, implement, and revise orientation, education, and competency programs specific to Pre-Op and PACU clinical practice.
• Design educational curricula, training materials, and learning activities that align with evidence-based standards, regulatory requirements, and organizational goals.
• Plan, facilitate, and evaluate educational sessions, workshops, simulations, and continuing education opportunities for nursing and healthcare personnel.
• Conduct clinical competency assessments and skills validations to ensure safe and effective patient care throughout the perioperative continuum.
• Coordinate and support preceptor and mentorship programs for new hires, novice nurses, and students, fostering a positive learning environment.
• Assess learning needs and identify opportunities for professional growth and clinical development among staff.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and resource for perioperative nursing, patient preparation, anesthesia recovery, patient safety, and quality initiatives.
• Collaborate with department leadership to address performance improvement opportunities through targeted education and training.
• Maintain accurate records of educational activities, competency assessments, attendance, certifications, and learner outcomes.
• Support compliance with accreditation, regulatory, and organizational standards related to staff education and competency.

• Bachelor s Degree in Nursing required.
• Master s Degree in Nursing preferred.

Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree? No

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the applicable state.

• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification.
• ACLS Instructor Certification.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification.

• 2–3 years of clinical nursing experience, preferably in Pre-Operative, PACU, Perioperative Services, Ambulatory Surgery, Critical Care, Emergency Department, or Surgical Services.

• 1–2 years of clinical education experience.
• 1–2 years of nursing leadership, charge nurse, preceptor, or supervisory experience.

• In-depth knowledge of perioperative nursing care, anesthesia recovery, and clinical nursing principles.
• Strong clinical assessment, critical thinking, and patient advocacy skills.
• Expertise in developing, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based care practices and educational programs.
• Knowledge of regulatory and accreditation requirements related to perioperative and recovery services.
• Excellent communication, presentation, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with physicians, anesthesia providers, nursing staff, patients, and families.
• Leadership and coaching skills to mentor staff and foster professional development.
• Proficiency with electronic health records (EHRs), learning management systems, and healthcare technology.
• Ability to analyze data and identify trends to support quality improvement and educational initiatives.
• Commitment to lifelong learning and staying current with advancements in nursing practice and patient care.

• Frequent interaction with patients, families, physicians, anesthesia providers, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
• Exposure to clinical environments including Pre-Operative and Post-Anesthesia Care Units.
• May require occasional…