PROF DEV-ACAD MGR in Hattiesburg, Mississippi at Forrest General Hospital

Job Summary:

The Manager of Professional Development and Academic Affairs is a Registered Nurse responsible for leading the hospital's clinical and non-clinical education, professional development, and academic partnership programs. This role oversees the Education Department and ensures that staff education, competency validation, orientation, continuing education, and academic affiliations support organizational goals, regulatory requirements, evidence-based practice, and high-quality patient care.

The Manager collaborates with nursing leadership, interdisciplinary teams, Allied Health programs, colleges and universities, and community partners to develop a culture of lifelong learning, clinical excellence, and workforce development.

Performance Expectations:

• Provides leadership and operational oversight of the Education Department.
• Supervises clinical educators and other education personnel.
• Assists director with management of departmental budget, staffing, resources, and educational technologies.
• Promotes a culture of professional growth, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Designs, implements, and evaluates clinical education programs for nursing and interdisciplinary staff.
• Oversees orientation, onboarding, and competency assessment programs for new employees.
• Coordinates annual mandatory education and competency validation.
• Supports specialty certification and continuing professional development.
• Leads transition-to-practice, career path, and leadership development programs.
• Promotes evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and professional advancement.

• Develops and maintains partnerships with nursing schools, colleges, universities, and other educational institutions.
• Coordinates student clinical placements and faculty relationships.
• Serves as the primary liaison for academic affiliations and educational agreements.
• Facilitates clinical learning experiences for nursing and allied health students.
• Collaborates with academic partners to enhance workforce recruitment and pipeline initiatives.

• Ensures compliance with standards established by The Joint Commission, CMS, state licensing agencies, and other regulatory bodies.
• Maintains education records and competency documentation.
• Supports regulatory surveys and accreditation activities.

• Develops policies and procedures related to education and professional development.
• Uses data to evaluate educational outcomes and identify learning needs.
• Partners with Quality, Risk Management, Infection Prevention, and Nursing Leadership to improve clinical outcomes.
• Participates in hospital committees and interdisciplinary initiatives.
• Supports implementation of evidence-based practice and patient safety initiatives.

• Coaches and mentors educators, preceptors, and emerging leaders.
• Assists department leaders with educational planning and competency development.
• Supports succession planning and leadership development initiatives.

Qualifications:

Education/Skills

• Master's degree in Nursing (or required within a specified timeframe according to organizational policy).

• Comprehensive knowledge of adult learning principles and instructional design.
• Strong understanding of nursing practice standards and evidence-based practice.
• Knowledge of healthcare accreditation and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent leadership, communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to analyze educational outcomes and quality metrics.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Experience with learning management systems (LMS) and educational technology.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change and professional development initiatives.

Work Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years clinical nursing experience in an acute care setting.
• Minimum of three (3) years of leadership or management experience in nursing education, staff development, or clinical education.
• Experience managing education programs in an acute care hospital preferred.

Certification/Licensure-DUE UPON HIRE

• Licensed RN able to practice within the State of MS

Preferred Certifications

• Nursing Professional Development Certification (NPD-BC)
• Certified Nurse Educator (CNE)
• ANCC specialty certification in clinical area

Additional Certification/Licensure - obtained based on the required timeframe below

Mental Demands:

Frequent periods of concentration required with attention to detail. Opportunity for

Diversification of tasks. Work subject to constant unanticipated interruptions.