The Director of Clinical Education provides strategic leadership and direction for nursing and interprofessional clinical education across the hospital and ministry. This role is accountable for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of education and professional development initiatives that elevate the quality of patient care and foster a culture of lifelong learning. Serving as a key partner to system and regional leadership, the Director ensures educational strategies are aligned with organizational priorities, regulatory requirements, and evidence-based practice models. The Director leads a team of educators and collaborates with clinical leaders, frontline staff, and academic partners to design innovative learning solutions, drive performance improvement, and support workforce readiness. Through data-driven decision-making and a commitment to equity and excellence, the Director of Clinical Education champions initiatives that enhance clinical outcomes, support nursing advancement, and build resilient, high-performing care teams.
Responsibilities:
Meets expectations of the applicable OneCHRISTUS Competencies: Leader of Self, Leader of Others, or Leader of Leaders.
Leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of nursing and interprofessional clinical education programs that support high-quality, evidence-based patient care.
Partners with, guides, and mentors members of the education team to ensure competency, foster innovation, and integrate contemporary learning methods into practice.
Oversees system-wide competency validation processes, including onboarding, annual skills assessments, and regulatory/accreditation alignment.
Leads a process to assess workforce learning needs and develop targeted, data-informed education plans.
Directs onboarding, orientation, and continuing education strategies for clinical staff, including nurses, allied health professionals, and support roles, ensuring readiness and retention.
Integrates adult learning principles, simulation, eLearning, and other innovative modalities to enhance engagement and learning outcomes.
Collaborates with system and ministry leaders to standardize curricula, share best practices, and align initiatives with organizational priorities.
Monitors education effectiveness using performance metrics, competency data, and feedback to inform continuous improvement and workforce excellence.
Supports clinical leadership development and career progression pathways through structured programs, coaching, and mentorship.
Maintains current knowledge of clinical standards, accreditation requirements, and emerging trends in healthcare education to guide strategic decisions.
Serves as a resource and consultant for clinical education, quality improvement, patient safety, and workforce development initiatives.
Actively contributes to system-wide committees, task forces, and strategic planning efforts focused on clinical excellence and workforce transformation.
Manage departmental budgets and resource plans to ensure cost-effective delivery of education programs.
Responsible for other related duties as assigned.
Job Requirements:
Education/Skills
Master's degree in Nursing, Education, or related field required
Doctorate preferred (DNP, EdD, PhD)
Strong knowledge of adult learning theory, competency-based education, and clinical practice standards required
Skilled in leading interdisciplinary teams and managing change.
Proficient in developing long-term educational strategies that support clinical excellence and workforce development.
Knowledge of adult learning principles and evidence-based teaching methodologies.
Ability to integrate simulation, technology, and innovative practices into training.
Experience
3 - 5 years of clinical experience preferred
5 - 7 years of clinical nursing education experience required
Leadership responsibilities or experience are highly preferred
Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications
RN licensure in the state of employment or compact required
ANCC Nursing Professional Development Certification (NPD-BC) preferred
BLS Instructor preferred
In accordance with the CHRISTUS Health License, Certification and Registration Verification Policy, all Associates are required to obtain the required certifications for their respective positions within the designated time frame.
CHRISTUS Health is an international faith-based, not-for-profit health care system based in Irving, Texas, with more than 60 hospitals in Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Chile, Colombia and Mexico. CHRISTUS Health is made up of 50,000 Associates providing compassionate and individualized care at more than 600 centers, including community hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities and health ministries. Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of Houston, Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of San Antonio and the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, our mission is to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to every individual we serve.