Lead Clinical Educator

The Elizabeth Hospice • Escondido, CA

5d • $115,000 - $125,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Clinical Educator is a member of the Education team responsible for advancing clinical excellence through the design, delivery, and evaluation of clinical education, skills training, competency validation, simulation, and preceptor development. This role works collaboratively with the Educational Institute leaders, subject matter experts, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure all educational programs prepare clinicians to provide safe, compassionate, compliant, evidence-based care. The Elizabeth Hospice is San Diego's oldest non-profit hospice of 45 years, serving all of San Diego County and south Riverside County with multiple hospice office locations. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for those nearing the end of life's journey and for those who grieve.

Requirements

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN); Clinical Nurse Specialist strongly preferred.
• RN license required.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience in healthcare education.
• Minimum of three (3) years in hospice or palliative care.
• Current CA driver’s license with proof of auto insurance.
• Excellent written and verbal skills and English language proficiency.
• Demonstrated success in developing and growing education programs, including external partnerships or revenue-generating initiatives.
• Proficient in Electronic Medical Records, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Proficient in point-of-care charting.
• Demonstrates a positive attitude in relation to the profession of nursing and their role within the organization.
• Possesses a keen desire to work with and teach new employees.
• Demonstrates excellent communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Maintains certification as CHPN, or CHPPN, preferred.
• Experience setting up computer-based learning modules preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develops and delivers evidence-based curricula for clinical orientation, continuing education, and competency-based training across all clinical disciplines.
• Conducts and leads Clinical Skills Labs to ensure nursing and clinical staff master essential competencies within defined timelines.
• Provides direct clinical observation, assessment, and mentoring to new and existing clinical staff, focusing on clinical judgment, patient safety, and documentation excellence.
• Observes clinical staff in field settings performing comprehensive patient assessments and provides constructive feedback on clinical performance.
• Evaluates clinical knowledge, skills, and competencies through multiple methods including bedside observation (OSCE), case discussions, and practical demonstrations.
• Ensures curriculum is evidence-based, regulatory-compliant, and aligned with current hospice and palliative care standards and best practices.
• Develops and instructs on clinical topics, clinical operations, and compliance requirements for all members of the TEH Interdisciplinary Team.
• Serves as a primary instructor for the organization's monthly New Hire Orientation (NHO) program and Continuing Education.
• Develops and delivers educational presentations for community partners, healthcare professionals, students, and other external audiences.
• Facilitates case-based discussions, simulations, and role-plays to deepen staff understanding of complex clinical scenarios.
• Creates in-person and online learning materials, course guides, competency tools, and educational resources.
• Coordinates clinical training modules within the EMR and Learning Management System (LMS).
• Develops and delivers training curricula for preceptors to strengthen their coaching, mentorship, and teaching skills.
• Provides ongoing feedback, support, and coaching to preceptors on all clinical teams to improve the quality of new hire orientation.
• Collaborates with preceptors to coordinate clinical assignments and rotations throughout the initial orientation period.
• Models excellence in mentorship and professional development to foster a culture of continuous learning.
• Supports education for medical residents, fellows, nurse practitioners, nurses, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Participates in professional and community education initiatives including advance care planning sessions and public awareness building.
• Supports training for external partners including skilled nursing facilities, visiting scholars, and community partners.
• Coordinates rotation and education for external nursing students and clinicians, as assigned by Educational Institute leadership.
• Develops and implements evaluation strategies to assess staff knowledge, skills, competencies, and program outcomes.
• Provides useful feedback to participants and the Education Institute leadership on the effectiveness and value of educational programs.
• Participates in auditing processes with the Compliance department to ensure documentation quality and regulatory adherence.
• Monitors competency completion timelines and staff progress, coordinating with supervisors on identified gaps.
• Collaborates with the Education Institute leadership team to assess ongoing educational needs and develop curricula that align with organizational priorities.
• Contributes to the development and implementation of the Education Institute's strategic plan and educational initiatives.
• Identifies and supports opportunities for professional growth, innovation, and grants/partnerships that advance the Education Institute.
• Works with Education Manager and team on scheduling, resource allocation, and coordination of education activities.
• Serves as a clinical resource to HR, supervisors, and clinical managers on education, training, and clinical standards.
• Acts as OSHA and compliance resource to support regulatory adherence across clinical teams.
• Provides input on program standards, policies, and procedures affecting clinical education.
• Maintains current knowledge of adult learning theory, instructional design best practices, and healthcare education trends.
• Works with Education Manager to monitor key performance indicators related to staff competency completion, education program outcomes, and external partner satisfaction.
• Participates in committees and special projects as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive hospice industry compensation
• Benefits package with multiple plan offerings and generous employer contribution
• 401(k) Retirement plan with employer match
• Supportive work culture which encourages work life balance
• Paid Time Off, paid holidays & floating holiday
• Employee development program managed by in-house education department to support individualized orientation and professional growth needs.
• Tuition Reimbursement program
• Monthly mileage reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior