Behavioral Health Nurse Educator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving landscape of healthcare, the importance of Behavioral Health Nurse Educators has never been more prominent.

As healthcare complexities increase, the demand for knowledgeable professionals who can educate, guide, and support our behavioral health nursing workforce intensifies.

But let’s dig deeper: What is truly expected from a Behavioral Health Nurse Educator?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager detailing the ideal candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricacies of behavioral health nursing education,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Behavioral Health Nurse Educator job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Behavioral Health Nurse Educator Duties and Responsibilities

Behavioral Health Nurse Educators are responsible for providing educational guidance and assistance to nurses and other healthcare professionals in the field of behavioral health.

They develop and deliver education programs, ensure adherence to standards of care, and contribute to the improvement of patient care in mental health settings.

The duties and responsibilities of a Behavioral Health Nurse Educator include:

• Developing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs for nursing staff and other healthcare providers in behavioral health
• Providing ongoing training and resources for nursing staff to enhance their understanding and skills in behavioral health nursing
• Assisting in the development and revision of policies, procedures, and protocols in behavioral health nursing
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to design comprehensive patient care plans
• Evaluating the effectiveness of educational programs and making necessary adjustments to improve learning outcomes
• Staying updated on the latest research and trends in behavioral health nursing and incorporating them into the educational curriculum
• Promoting evidence-based practice in behavioral health nursing
• Providing support and guidance to nursing staff dealing with behavioral and mental health patients
• Participating in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient care in behavioral health

 

Behavioral Health Nurse Educator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Behavioral Health Nurse Educator to provide ongoing education and training for nursing staff in the field of behavioral health.

In this role, you will develop educational materials, conduct in-service training sessions, evaluate staff competencies, and assist in creating patient care plans.

The ideal candidate is an experienced nurse with a specialized focus in behavioral health, who also possesses a passion for teaching and mentoring others.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver educational programs and training materials for nursing staff
• Evaluate and improve staff competencies in behavioral health nursing
• Assist in the development and implementation of individualized patient care plans
• Provide mentorship and support to nursing staff
• Stay updated with the latest developments, trends, and regulations in behavioral health nursing
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to improve patient care outcomes
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations and nursing standards

 

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) license
• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing
• Experience working in a behavioral health setting
• Previous experience as a nurse educator is preferred
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent organizational and leadership abilities
• Current knowledge of best practices in behavioral health nursing

 

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous paid time off
• Continuing education credits
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Behavioral Health Nurse Educator
• Work Environment: Hospital or clinical setting. May require weekend or evening hours, based on training schedules.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Nursing or Nursing Education Coordinator.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $90,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Behavioral Health Nurse Educator Do?

Behavioral Health Nurse Educators are specialists within the nursing field who focus on mental health conditions.

They work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, mental health facilities, community health centers, and universities.

Their primary duty is to educate other nurses, healthcare professionals, patients, and their families about behavioral health conditions and the treatments available.

They design and implement educational programs tailored to their audience’s needs, covering topics such as mental health disorders, coping strategies, medication management, and the importance of mental health.

Behavioral Health Nurse Educators also take part in training nurses in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of mental health conditions.

They work collaboratively with other healthcare providers to ensure a comprehensive approach to patient care.

As part of their roles, they may conduct research, contribute to policy development, and advocate for the rights of individuals with mental health conditions.

They also keep abreast of the latest trends and advancements in mental health to provide up-to-date and relevant education.

In addition to their educational roles, Behavioral Health Nurse Educators also provide direct patient care, offering counseling and mental health education to patients and their families.

They help patients understand their conditions and treatments, and guide them in managing their mental health, thereby promoting overall wellness.

 

Behavioral Health Nurse Educator Qualifications and Skills

A Behavioral Health Nurse Educator should possess a blend of specialized knowledge, technical skills, and interpersonal abilities, such as:

• Expert knowledge of the principles and theories of behavioral health and nursing practices to educate nurses and other healthcare professionals about mental health and behavioral disorder treatments.
• Excellent communication skills to explain complex mental health issues in an understandable manner to students, fellow nurses, and other healthcare professionals. This also includes listening skills to understand individual learning needs and adapt teaching methods accordingly.
• Strong interpersonal skills to establish productive relationships with students and colleagues, encouraging collaboration and mutual learning.
• Patience and empathy to support students and patients coping with mental health issues, creating a safe and supportive environment for learning and treatment.
• Research skills to keep up-to-date with the latest developments in behavioral health science and incorporate them into educational materials and teaching practices.
• Problem-solving skills to identify educational or treatment challenges and devise effective solutions.
• Organizational skills to manage coursework, lesson planning, and student progress tracking effectively.
• Educational qualifications such as a Master’s degree in Nursing, a specialization in Behavioral Health, and relevant teaching or clinical experience.

 

Behavioral Health Nurse Educator Experience Requirements

Behavioral Health Nurse Educators are typically required to have extensive experience in both nursing and behavioral health fields.

Entry-level positions may require at least 2-3 years of experience in a clinical nursing role, preferably within a psychiatric or mental health setting.

These professionals often gain practical experience through roles such as Psychiatric Nurse, Mental Health Nurse, or Behavioral Health Nurse.

During this time, they develop their skills in patient care, treatment planning, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals.

Beyond the entry-level, Behavioral Health Nurse Educators are expected to have at least 3-5 years of experience in a specialized behavioral health nursing role.

Some might have more specific experience in areas such as substance abuse, child and adolescent psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, or crisis intervention.

Candidates with 5-10 years of experience might have undertaken additional responsibilities such as mentoring junior nurses, developing and implementing education programs, or leading quality improvement initiatives.

They may be ready for more senior roles or leadership positions within the behavioral health education field.

In addition to clinical experience, Behavioral Health Nurse Educators often hold advanced degrees in nursing or education, and may possess additional certifications in mental health nursing or nursing education.

They are also expected to engage in continuous professional development to stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in the field of behavioral health.

 

Behavioral Health Nurse Educator Education and Training Requirements

Behavioral Health Nurse Educators typically need to have a master’s degree in nursing, with a focus on psychiatric or mental health nursing.

They also require a strong clinical background in behavioral health nursing.

Some positions may require a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a Ph.D. in Nursing.

All Behavioral Health Nurse Educators should be registered nurses.

This involves completing an approved nursing program and passing a national licensing exam.

In addition to these educational requirements, they should have several years of experience working in a behavioral health setting.

Certifications such as the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) from the National League for Nursing, or a psychiatric-mental health nursing certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center can be beneficial.

Continuing education is important for keeping up-to-date with the latest developments in the field.

This can involve attending workshops, conferences, and seminars, as well as keeping up-to-date with the latest research and advancements in behavioral health care.

In addition to their clinical skills, Behavioral Health Nurse Educators also need strong communication, leadership, and teaching skills to effectively educate nursing students and staff.

 

Behavioral Health Nurse Educator Salary Expectations

A Behavioral Health Nurse Educator can expect to earn an average salary of $76,810 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may fluctuate depending on factors such as level of experience, qualifications, location, and the employing organization.

 

Behavioral Health Nurse Educator Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Behavioral Health Nurse Educator need?

Behavioral Health Nurse Educators should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as they need to effectively teach complex health concepts to students or patients.

They should also have extensive knowledge of mental health disorders, addiction, and the recovery process.

Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential, as these professionals often need to adapt their teaching methods to suit different learning styles.

 

Do Behavioral Health Nurse Educators need a degree?

Yes, Behavioral Health Nurse Educators typically need to have a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) as a minimum.

However, many employers prefer those with a Master’s Degree in Nursing or Education.

They must also be registered nurses and often need to have several years of clinical experience in behavioral health nursing.

 

What should you look for in a Behavioral Health Nurse Educator resume?

Look for a solid educational background in nursing, with a focus on behavioral health, and any additional qualifications in education.

They should also have extensive clinical experience in behavioral health nursing.

Certifications like the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) would be a plus.

Evidence of leadership skills, such as leading workshops or seminars, is also a good sign.

 

What qualities make a good Behavioral Health Nurse Educator?

A good Behavioral Health Nurse Educator should be patient and empathetic, as they will be dealing with students or patients who are facing mental health issues.

They should also be passionate about teaching and be able to make complex health concepts easy to understand.

Good organizational skills are also important, as they often have to manage multiple teaching responsibilities.

 

What are the daily duties of a Behavioral Health Nurse Educator?

On a typical day, a Behavioral Health Nurse Educator may prepare and deliver lectures or workshops, develop lesson plans or curriculum, assess the learning progress of students or patients, and provide feedback.

They may also conduct research in the field of behavioral health nursing, publish their findings in academic journals, and attend conferences or seminars to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field.

 

Conclusion

So here we are.

Today, we’ve pulled back the curtain on what it truly means to be a behavioral health nurse educator.

And you know what?

It’s not just about teaching.

It’s about shaping the future of mental health care, one lesson at a time.

With our go-to behavioral health nurse educator job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every lesson taught is part of the bigger picture.

Let’s shape the future of mental health care. Together.

How to Become a Behavioral Health Nurse Educator (Complete Guide)

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