Education Specialist in Batesville, Arkansas at White River Health System Inc

EDUCATION SPECIALIST

Department: Education
Reports To: Education Manager
Position Type: Grant-Funded
Primary Focus: Nursing Workforce Development, Student Coordination & Clinical Education Support

Position Summary

The Education Specialist supports White River Health's nursing workforce development efforts through coordination of the Summer Nurse Extern Program, student clinical placement activities, and relationships with local nursing education programs. This position serves as a key connection between White River Health, nursing students, clinical instructors, and local educational partners to help create positive clinical learning experiences and strengthen the student-to-employee pipeline.

The Education Specialist will recruit, coordinate, support, and track participants in the Nurse Extern Program; serve as a primary student pipeline coordinator; collaborate with nursing programs and clinical instructors regarding student clinical schedules and requirements; and support recruitment efforts designed to encourage students to pursue employment with White River Health.

In addition to workforce and student education responsibilities, this position will provide support to the Education Department with assigned activities such as BLS support, HealthStream troubleshooting, new-hire education support, and other educational initiatives as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Nurse Extern Program

• Coordinate the Summer Nurse Extern Program from recruitment through completion.
• Assist with development and implementation of the Nurse Extern Program, including schedules, orientation, clinical experiences, and participant support.
• Recruit and communicate with nursing students regarding program opportunities.
• Assist with application, selection, onboarding, scheduling, and placement processes.
• Serve as a consistent point of contact for Nurse Externs throughout the program.
• Track participant attendance, participation, completion, evaluations, and other required program documentation.
• Collect feedback and assist with program evaluation and continuous improvement.
• Support efforts to retain successful externs and encourage future employment with White River Health.

Student Coordination & Nursing School Relationships

• Serve as a student pipeline coordinator for nursing students completing clinical experiences at White River Health.
• Maintain positive working relationships with local nursing schools, nursing faculty, clinical instructors, and program representatives.
• Coordinate with clinical instructors regarding student clinical schedules, unit placements, requirements, and changes.
• Assist with student onboarding, required education, documentation, and access needs.
• Help ensure students and clinical instructors have the information and resources needed for successful clinical experiences.
• Communicate promptly and professionally regarding scheduling or placement concerns.
• Help identify opportunities to strengthen relationships with nursing programs and increase the number of students considering White River Health for employment.
• Support a positive, organized, and professional experience for students while they are completing clinical education at White River Health.
• Maintain accurate student records, schedules, and required documentation.

Recruitment & Workforce Development Support

• Support the Education Department and recruitment team in nursing workforce development initiatives.
• Assist with student-to-employee pipeline activities, including communication with students and participation in recruitment events or activities.
• Identify opportunities to connect students with White River Health career opportunities.
• Assist with career fairs, school visits, student events, Healthcare Camp, and other workforce development activities as assigned.
• Support grant-related documentation, tracking, outcomes, and reporting requirements associated with assigned programs.

Education Department Support

• Provide BLS support and assistance with BLS-related activities as assigned.
• Assist employees and new hires with HealthStream troubleshooting and required education.
• Support new-hire education and onboarding activities as needed.
• Assist with Education Department events, programs, and educational initiatives.
• Provide assistance with other clinical education activities based on department needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Education Manager.

Required Qualifications

• Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license.
• Associate Degree in Nursing required.
• Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN) preferred.
• Previous experience in nursing education, clinical education, student coordination, recruitment, workforce development, or a related healthcare education setting preferred.
• Current BLS certification required.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish positive working relationships with students, faculty, clinical instructors, staff, and community partners.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while functioning effectively as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, schedules, and deadlines.
• Basic computer skills and ability to learn and troubleshoot electronic education systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• BSN degree.
• Experience working with nursing students or nursing education programs.
• Experience coordinating clinical education or student placements.
• Experience with workforce development, recruitment, residency, or nurse extern programs.
• Familiarity with HealthStream, electronic health records, or other healthcare education platforms.
• Experience working collaboratively with colleges, universities, or other educational partners.

Core Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Communication: Communicates clearly, professionally, and consistently with students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
• Organization: Maintains accurate schedules, records, documentation, and follow-up.
• Relationship Building: Develops and maintains positive relationships with nursing programs and clinical instructors.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with the Education Department, nursing leadership, recruitment, and other departments.
• Student Advocacy: Supports students in a professional, encouraging, and educational environment.
• Attention to Detail: Recognizes and follows through on requirements, deadlines, schedules, and documentation.
• Adaptability: Responds effectively to changing schedules, student needs, and departmental priorities.