The Clinical Facilitator is responsible for facilitating teaching and learning of both theoretical and clinical nursing components within academic and clinical environments. The role focuses on strengthening the integration of theory and practice, providing up-to-date nursing education, and supporting the development and evaluation of nursing students within clinical hospital environments.
The successful candidate will establish and maintain effective partnerships between clinical nursing teams and education teams to support the continuous development and improvement of theoretical and clinical nursing skills, nursing standards and quality nursing care.
Key Responsibilities
- Facilitate theoretical and clinical teaching and learning within academic and clinical environments.
- Support students in integrating theoretical knowledge with practical clinical experience.
- Provide current and relevant nursing education to students.
- Facilitate, supervise and support students within the clinical hospital environment.
- Evaluate students’ theoretical knowledge and clinical competence.
- Provide constructive feedback and guidance to students to support their professional development.
- Identify learning needs and provide appropriate support and intervention.
- Promote high standards of nursing practice and patient care.
- Support the development and maintenance of nursing competencies and clinical skills.
- Establish effective working relationships with clinical nursing teams and education stakeholders.
- Promote collaboration between academic and clinical environments.
- Contribute to the continuous development and improvement of nursing education and clinical practice.
- Support the implementation and maintenance of appropriate nursing standards.
- Remain current with developments in nursing education, clinical practice and relevant legislation.
- Apply appropriate assessment and moderation principles in the evaluation of learners.
- Participate in research and contribute to evidence-based nursing education and practice.
- Maintain accurate records relating to student development, assessment and clinical performance.
- Promote professional conduct, ethical practice and patient-centred care.
Minimum Requirements
Qualifications
- Current registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a Registered Nurse / Professional Nurse.
- Recognised qualification in Nursing Education or completion of a recognised Clinical Facilitator Development Programme.
- Critical Care training.
- Assessor training.
- Moderator training.
- Master’s Degree in progress will be advantageous.
Experience
- Minimum of 2 years’ working experience as a Registered Nurse / Professional Nurse.
- Previous experience in a clinical nursing environment is essential.
- Experience in clinical teaching, facilitation or student support will be advantageous.
Technical and Professional Competencies
- Research literacy.
- Knowledge of nursing education principles and practices.
- Knowledge of educational and business management principles.
- Knowledge of stakeholder relationship management.
- Knowledge of the legislative and regulatory environment relating to nursing and general education.
- Sound understanding of current nursing standards and clinical practices.
- Ability to facilitate the integration of theory and clinical practice.
- Ability to assess and evaluate clinical competence.
- Ability to provide constructive feedback and coaching to students.
- Intermediate computer proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Additional Requirements
- Valid driver’s licence.
- Own reliable transport.
- Ability to work effectively within both academic and clinical environments.
- Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary and educational teams.
Key Competencies
Teaching and Facilitation
- Ability to effectively facilitate theoretical and clinical learning.
- Ability to adapt teaching methods to different learning needs.
- Strong presentation and facilitation skills.
Assessment and Evaluation
- Ability to assess learner performance objectively and consistently.
- Ability to identify competency gaps and provide appropriate developmental support.
- Understanding of assessment and moderation principles.
Communication
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with students, clinical staff, educators and other stakeholders.
Relationship Management
- Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with different stakeholders.
Leadership and Development
- Ability to act as a positive professional role model.
- Ability to encourage and support the professional development of students.
- Ability to promote high standards of nursing practice.
Research and Evidence-Based Practice
- Ability to apply research findings and evidence-based principles to nursing education and clinical practice.
- Commitment to continuous professional development.
Organisational Skills
- Strong planning, organisational and administrative skills.
- Ability to manage multiple students and competing priorities effectively.
- Good attention to detail and accurate record keeping.
Personal Attributes
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
- Professionalism and integrity.
- Strong teaching and mentoring ability.
- Patience and empathy.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- A passion for nursing education and student development.
- Commitment to quality patient care.
- Strong clinical judgement.
- Adaptability and resilience.
- High levels of accountability.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.