Nurse Manager / Educator

Position Summary :

The Nurse Manager / Educator is a licensed Registered Nurse responsible for ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, and therapeutic patient care while managing the education and professional development of clinical staff. This role combines leadership, clinical oversight, and staff education to maintain high standards of practice, competency, and compliance with all applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements within a behavioral health setting. The Nurse Manager / Educator provides coaching, training, and positive feedback to improve staff performance, skills, and professional growth.

Essential Functions :

Leadership and Clinical Oversight

Assists the Director of Nursing with daily operations and assumes full responsibility in their absence.

Directs and supports nursing and MHT staff to ensure consistent, high-quality patient care aligned with behavioral health best practices.

Oversees staffing and scheduling to ensure adequate coverage based on census and patient acuity.

Provides clinical guidance and conducts nursing rounds to monitor care, ensure adherence to policies, and support patient safety.

Participates in leadership call rotation and provides on-site or remote support during critical staffing or clinical situations.

Collaborates with physicians, interdisciplinary teams, and department leaders to coordinate patient care and promote effective communication.

Participates in recruitment, interviews, and selection of nursing and MHT staff to ensure qualified candidates are hired.

Education and Staff Development

Identifies staff training and competency needs through observation, performance reviews, and input from leadership.

Develops, implements, and evaluates orientation programs for new hires, ongoing education, and annual competency assessments.

Maintains the nursing department’s education and competency tracking system, ensuring timely updates, renewals, and reporting to HR and Compliance.

Provides coaching and educational feedback in a positive and non-judgmental manner, addressing identified concerns from a corrective and developmental approach rather than a punitive one.

Plans and facilitates in-service sessions, mandatory training, and certifications, including CPR, CPI, and crisis intervention skills.

Ensures staff are trained in trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and patient-centered care, including de-escalation techniques, crisis response, and management of psychiatric emergencies.

Participates in policy updates related to nursing education and competency requirements.

Prepares and maintains training records and reports as required for survey readiness.

Promotes continuing education and professional growth opportunities among nursing personnel.

Compliance and Professional Standards

Ensures staff education and documentation align with DNV, CMS, and state licensing standards.

Supports adherence to safety, infection control, and patient rights policies.

Maintains current knowledge of psychiatric nursing practices and trauma-informed care principles.

Participates in initiatives that enhance patient care, staff competency, and organizational performance.

Professional Development and Culture

Serves as a mentor and role model, fostering teamwork, accountability, and professional excellence.

Promotes a culture of accountability, respect, and collaboration consistent with the organization’s mission and values.

Addresses staff performance and behavior concerns promptly, using coaching and corrective action in collaboration with HR and Nursing Leadership.

Encourages open communication and positive working relationships within and across departments.

Engages in professional development activities to maintain clinical competence and knowledge of best practices.

Minimum Qualifications :

Education : Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing; BSN preferred.

Experience : Minimum of three (3) years of behavioral health / psychiatric nursing experience; Minimum of one (1) year in a supervisory, administrative, or staff education role.

Licensure / Certification : Current and unrestricted Registered Nurse license in the State of Louisiana; American Heart Association BLS (AHA BLS) and Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) certification. Successful candidates who do not have current AHA BLS or CPI certification will be required to attend company-provided classes during the week of orientation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Ability to plan, organize, and evaluate nursing services and staff performance.

Knowledge of behavioral health nursing theory, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care principles.

Competence in developing and delivering effective education and training programs.

Ability to provide coaching and feedback in a positive, non-punitive manner.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing operational needs.

Knowledge of applicable state, federal, and accreditation standards.

Competency :   Position and Age-Related

HIPAA : Access to all Protected Health Information (PHI) necessary to perform job functions. Responsible for maintaining patient confidentiality and adhering to all HIPAA regulations.

Northlake Behavioral Health is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for all employment; free from discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, religion, associational preferences, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.