Clinical Nurse Educator (RFT 1.0 FTE)

About the Position

The Clinical Nurse Educator advances professional nursing practice at The Royal by designing and delivering evidence‑informed education that strengthens clinical competence in mental health care. The role supports frontline nurses through orientation, skills development, simulation training, coaching, and ongoing competency assessment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Education & Professional Development

• Ensures nursing staff competency in patient care, clinical procedures, documentation, and safe use of equipment through orientation, skills validation, and ongoing assessment.
• Serves as a clinical resource to interdisciplinary teams, supporting clinical decision-making and evidence-informed care.
• Provides education, coaching, and support on documentation standards, electronic health records, accountability, and regulatory compliance.
• Conducts learning needs assessments to identify education priorities aligned with CNO standards, mental health best practices, and organizational goals.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates evidence-informed education programs using adult learning principles, teaching strategies, and simulation methodologies to enhance clinical judgment, teamwork, crisis management, reflective practice, and patient safety.
• Integrates nursing theory, mental health evidence, and organizational priorities into curriculum design and competency-based education initiatives.
• Provides constructive feedback to address competency gaps and support professional growth.
• Evaluates the impact of education and simulation initiatives on clinical performance, professional accountability, and patient outcomes.
• Promotes continuous learning, reflective practice, and professional accountability consistent with CNO standards.
• Maintains education, competency, and simulation records and collaborates with Advanced Practice Nurses and interprofessional colleagues to support clinical excellence and organizational priorities.

2. Nursing Professional Practice & Clinical Excellence

• Maintains current knowledge, skills, and judgment in mental health nursing and nursing education.
• Models exemplary nursing practice consistent with CNO standards, legislation, and organizational policies.
• Promotes patient-centered, recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and culturally safe care.
• Contributes to the development and evaluation of clinical policies, procedures, and standards of practice.
• Supports safe, ethical, and accountable practice through risk mitigation, regulatory compliance, and professional documentation.
• Acts as a clinical resource and consultant to nursing and interprofessional teams.

3. Leadership

• Demonstrates leadership by advancing professional nursing practice across the organization.
• Coaches and mentors nurses in clinical competence, critical thinking, and professional development.
• Collaborates with managers and interprofessional leaders to support staff learning and practice development.
• Fosters a positive practice environment that supports psychological safety, engagement, and retention.
• Leads or supports initiatives that enhance patient safety, quality of care, professional accountability, ethical conduct, and nursing excellence.
• Contributes to succession planning and development of future nursing leaders.

4. Research & Quality Improvement

• Promotes integration of research findings and evidence-based practice into clinical education and nursing care.
• Participates in quality improvement activities, evaluates practice outcomes, and identifies opportunities for improvement.
• Contributes to data-informed decision-making to strengthen patient safety and service delivery.
• Supports knowledge mobilization initiatives that enhance clinical outcomes in mental health care.

Qualifications

• Current registration and good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).
• Master’s degree in nursing or a related health discipline preferred; or 3–5 years of progressive clinical and/or educational experience.
• Membership with the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) preferred.
• Strong knowledge of professional nursing standards, current nursing theories, and evidence‑based practice.
• Comprehensive understanding of psychiatric and mental health nursing, including recovery‑oriented, trauma‑informed, and person‑ and family‑centered care models.
• Knowledge of the Mental Health Act, including patient rights, consent, capacity, and staff obligations.
• Awareness of current and emerging trends in mental health care, clinical practice, and health‑system transformation.
• Knowledge of conflict resolution strategies and professional practice consultation processes.
• Understanding of electronic health record systems and documentation standards.
• Knowledge of adult learning principles, curriculum development, competency‑based education, and evaluation methodologies.
• Understanding of change‑management principles and the ability to support staff through practice and organizational transitions.
• Knowledge of quality‑improvement processes, project‑management fundamentals, and performance‑evaluation strategies.
• Proficiency with educational technologies, audiovisual tools, and simulation equipment for individual and group learning.
• Competence using Microsoft Office 365 applications.
• Ability to design and deliver effective presentations and learning sessions to diverse audiences.
• Ability to coach staff in clinical skills, unit‑specific procedures, and safe use of clinical equipment.
• Proficient in the use of electronic health systems for training, documentation, and competency assessment.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and present data to support educational outcomes and quality‑improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects efficiently.
• Strong collaboration skills with interprofessional teams, peers, and leadership to advance patient care and nursing practice.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including presenting to groups and committees.
• Proven leadership, coaching, and mentorship abilities that support staff development, engagement, and professional growth.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trusting relationships and foster a positive learning environment.
• Ability to facilitate change, manage conflict constructively, and promote professional accountability.
• Self‑directed, with sound judgement, initiative, and a high degree of professional accountability.

Language Requirements

English level A- is mandatory in oral expression, comprehension, reading and writing. Bilingual (French/English) is considered an asset