Description

Nurse Educator - Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Howard University Hospital | Washington, DC

Role Summary

As a NICU Nurse Educator at Howard University Hospital, you will be the clinical education cornerstone of our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit - 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 fragile patients. Reporting to the Director of Women and Infant Services, you will serve as educator, facilitator, change agent, and leader, interfacing with nursing managers, clinical staff, neonatologists, and families to ensure our team is always equipped to deliver safe, high-quality, family-centered neonatal care.

If you are a seasoned NICU 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 NICU-specific orientation program for new hires at all experience levels - new graduates, experienced NICU 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 neonatal resuscitation, emergency management, and critical procedures including vascular access and respiratory support
• Supervise employees during unit-level orientation for the purpose of education and training

Staff Education & Competency

• Assess learning needs of NICU 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 NICU-specific topics including thermoregulation, respiratory support (conventional ventilation, HFOV, CPAP, HFNC), hemodynamic monitoring, vascular access (UVC, UAC, PICC), developmental care, NEC surveillance, and sepsis recognition
• 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 NICU-specific training materials

Clinical Practice & Quality Improvement

• Serve as a clinical resource and expert consultant for complex neonatal 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 NICU policies, procedures, and evidence-based clinical guidelines
• Share responsibility for the quality and safety of patient care delivered in the NICU

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., NANN, AWHONN)

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) certification through the American Heart Association
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification required
• Minimum of five (5) years of nursing experience, including at least two (2) years in a NICU setting (Level III or IV 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., NANN, AWHONN)

Preferred Qualifications

• RNC-NIC (Certified Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse) or equivalent neonatal specialty certification
• STABLE Program Provider certification
• Experience with LMS platforms and competency tracking systems
• Demonstrated experience with simulation-based education in a neonatal or perinatal setting
• Familiarity with developmental care frameworks including NIDCAP principles and family-integrated care models

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

Position Details
DepartmentNeonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)DivisionWomen and Infant ServicesReports ToDirector, Women and Infant ServicesFLSA StatusNon-ExemptBargaining UnitDC Nurses Association (DCNA)ScheduleFull-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.

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.