Job Description

Nurse Educator — Critical Care

Howard University Hospital  |  Washington, DC

Role Summary

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.

What You’ll Do

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

Required Qualifications

• 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)

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

What We Offer

• 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

About Howard University Hospital

With over 150 years of caring for our community in the Washington, DC area, Howard University Hospital has a world-renowned reputation for high-quality, patient-centric care. As the nation’s only teaching hospital located on the campus of a Historically Black University, we offer a superior learning environment built on groundbreaking research, innovative education, and exceptional patient outcomes.

When you join HUH, you become part of a mission-driven institution with deep roots in equity, service, and excellence — where making a difference in someone’s life is not just a goal, it’s what we do every day.

Position Details

Critical Care Services

Critical Care Services

Director, Critical Care Services

Non-Exempt

DC Nurses Association (DCNA)

Full-Time | Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Pay & Schedule

This is a full-time, non-exempt position covered under the DC Nurses Association (DCNA) collective bargaining agreement. Pay range: $45.60 – $69.36/hr , commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Compliance Statements

Culture of Care: Howard University Hospital supports a Just Culture that promotes accountability, learning, and patient safety.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Howard University Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Reasonable Accommodation: Howard University Hospital is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. If you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Department at HUHLA@huhosp.org .

Pay Transparency: Salary ranges listed in job postings reflect the expected compensation range for the position and are provided in accordance with applicable pay transparency laws. Final compensation is determined based on experience, education, internal equity, and other relevant factors.

Disclaimer: The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position.

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