Perioperative Services Educator

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Education & Staff Development

• Assesses learning needs of perioperative staff (OR, SDS, PACU) in collaboration with the Director and department leaders.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates orientation programs specific to perioperative roles, including circulating RN, scrub role, and recovery care.
• Ensures all education and training programs align with:
• Evidence-based practice
• Organizational policies
• Perioperative standards (e.g., sterile technique, surgical safety, anesthesia recovery)
• Designs and oversees competency validation programs, including annual skills, high-risk/low-volume procedures, and new equipment/processes.
• Provides ongoing clinical education, in-services, and just-in-time training.

Clinical Practice & Quality Support

• Serves as a clinical resource and role model for perioperative staff.
• Supports adherence to:
• Surgical safety practices (e.g., time-out, site verification)
• Infection prevention standards (sterile field, instrument handling)
• Safe medication practices in the perioperative setting
• Collaborates with Quality, Infection Prevention, and leadership to:
• Address practice gaps
• Support performance improvement initiatives
• Participate in RCA and education follow-up
• Assists with implementation of new procedures, equipment, and evidence-based practice changes.

Simulation & Skills Training

• Coordinates simulation-based training and skills labs relevant to perioperative care (e.g., airway emergencies, malignant hyperthermia, code response in OR).
• Utilizes simulation equipment, task trainers, and competency tools to enhance clinical readiness.

Regulatory & Compliance

• Ensures staff education and competencies meet regulatory and accreditation standards (CMS Conditions of Participation and professional standards).
• Maintains accurate, timely, and audit-ready documentation of orientation, competencies, and required education.
• Assists with survey readiness activities and education related to identified gaps.

Collaboration & Communication

• Works collaboratively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, nursing leadership, and ancillary departments.
• Supports interdisciplinary education and team-based training.
• Communicates effectively with staff to promote a positive learning environment and Just Culture principles.

Professional Development

• Maintains current knowledge of perioperative standards and best practices.
• Participates in professional development activities and continuing education.

Other Responsibilities

• Participates in department and organizational meetings as required.
• Supports fiscal responsibility in education planning, including efficient use of supplies, equipment, and staff time.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

 

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities but provides functional leadership through:

• Coordination of orientation and competency programs
• Guidance and support of preceptors and staff
• Oversight of clinical education activities

 

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required
• Minimum of 3 years of perioperative nursing experience (OR, PACU, or SDS) required
• Prior education, preceptor, or leadership experience preferred

 

Position Requirements, Licenses, Certifications, Registrations

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Iowa
• BLS (Basic Life Support) certification through the American Heart Association required. New hires may obtain certification during onboarding with organizational support.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) through the American Heart Association required.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) through the American Heart Association required.
• CNOR, CAPA, or CPAN certification – preferred
• Understanding of adult learning principles and competency-based education
• Strong knowledge of perioperative clinical practices and standards
• Knowledge of teaching and learning concepts in the health care environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of computer software programs (Microsoft Word, Excel).
• Exceptional customer service skills with the ability to work effectively and positively with a variety of employees, departments, and the public.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Must possess effective time management skills.
• Ability to carry out assignments with minimal supervision and guidance.

 

Language Skills
Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English sufficiently to perform job duties. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence, and procedure manuals.  Ability to speak effectively before customers, patients, families and employees of the organization. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from learners.

 

Physical Demands
The physical demands described are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position requires a combination of sedentary, light, and moderate physical activity. The employee frequently stands, walks, and sits throughout the workday while providing education, observing clinical practice, supporting skills labs, and completing administrative duties. The employee frequently bends, stoops, kneels, crouches, and reaches to demonstrate skills, access equipment, and observe perioperative workflows.

The role requires frequent use of hands and fingers for fine motor tasks including skills demonstrations, equipment handling, computer use, and documentation. The employee must be able to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 20 pounds frequently, and up to 50 pounds occasionally, using proper body mechanics and assistance as appropriate.

Specific vision abilities include close and distance vision, depth perception, peripheral vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Effective hearing, verbal communication, sustained attention, and the ability to respond to interruptions are required. The employee must be able to tolerate intermittent physical activity, time pressures, emotional stress, and high-acuity clinical environments.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee works in perioperative and administrative settings, including operating rooms, PACU, SDS, skills labs, simulation areas, offices, and meeting spaces. The role involves routine exposure to bloodborne pathogens, infectious diseases, bodily fluids, and regulated medical waste, requiring consistent use of PPE and adherence to infection prevention standards.

The employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, medical equipment, electrical hazards, sterilants, disinfectants, trace anesthetic gases, and radiation consistent with perioperative practice. Workspaces may include restricted areas, variable temperatures, low lighting, and controlled airflow environments.

Noise levels are typically moderate, with occasional increases related to alarms, equipment, and simulation activities. The role may involve exposure to unpleasant sights or odors and participation in stressful clinical education or performance improvement activities requiring emotional resilience and professional composure.