A nurse educator’s dedication to empowering her staff through exceptional training

After entering nursing later in life, a nurse shares her path to becoming a clinical educator in the OR.

Welcome to Nurse Ascent, a twice-weekly newsletter created by nurses for nurses. This week, we spotlight the role of a clinical educator. We will also share the latest job opportunities, plus we cover elder homelessness, health insurance, and nurse layoffs.

But first, a friendly reminder to stay hydrated...

Nurse Spotlight: Kimberly Wade, BSN, RN, CNOR, Clinical Educator

What I do for work

I am the clinical educator for all the operating rooms at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland. The main OR consists of 16 operating rooms. Crane OR, where orthopedic, spine, and neuro cases are performed, has 8 operating rooms. Foot and Ankle has 3 operating rooms, and I’m also responsible for Endoscopy, Cystoscopy, and Central Sterile. My job entails a lot of different facets. I am responsible for coordinating the orientation and education of newly hired staff. This includes providing orientation packets for all new hires, including scrub techs, equipment techs, and nurses, with the exception of anesthesia techs and providers. I ensure staff receive a thorough and comprehensive training. I also provide one-on-one education with new grad nurses or nurses new to the OR, allowing them to learn in a safe classroom-style environment where they can touch instruments, supplies, and load sutures. They spend a week under my guidance, where we cover different techniques, as well as how to scrub and gown properly before going into the OR. Additionally, I oversee the completion of annual competencies for all staff who work in the OR, collaborating with team leads and managers to determine the necessary competencies for each year and to ensure that everybody is signed off. I also make preceptor assignments daily for all staff who are on orientation and ensure that their assignments are appropriate. We also work with various schools, so we get scrub tech students who do their clinicals with us. They usually come in anywhere from two to four days a week.

How I got here

I didn't go to nursing school until I was much older. I've only been a nurse for 11 years. When I started, I wanted to be a labor and delivery room nurse; however, an opportunity presented itself in the operating room, and I fell in love with it. I did a three-year stint in a small ambulatory surgery center and followed a friend of mine to Mercy. So, I came to Mercy, and in 2017 loved every aspect of it. Within two years, I became the robotics team lead and knew that I needed to pursue a higher level of education if I wanted to move up in any aspect of the operating room. It was kind of hard to grow without having a higher degree. So, I got my Bachelor’s of Nursing degree through Loyola, Chicago, and graduated during COVID. After that, I became interested in the role of nurse educator. I loved the educator that I had when I started, and she eventually left, but at the time, I knew that I would need more experience and education under my belt before applying for that job. So, I asked my leadership team what I needed to major in for my master’s, and they told me. I eventually did my master’s in leadership and administration with a concentration in education. I did that with the hopes that a job would open, and approximately 10 months before graduating, I was approached with an offer. I took on the role of educator while finishing up my master’s. I have since graduated in May of this year and have been in this role for almost a year.

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More on Kimberly Wade

A day in my life

There's no set routine because every day is different. I start my day by checking the assignments to ensure they are appropriate. I usually arrive at work around 6:30 or 7:00 AM. As an educator, I have some flexibility in my schedule, but I prefer to come in early to be there when the new hires begin their orientation. We have a team huddle every morning at 8:00 AM, where we preview all the cases for the following day. After that, my daily schedule can vary significantly. Some days involve teaching small classes, while other days, clinical educators assist in training the hospital staff. I might teach CPR, work with new hires in the NST program, or conduct sessions for our Nurse Residency Program. I also conduct skill sessions with nurse externs and sometimes host high school students, setting up a conference room for them to observe surgeries and arrange operating room tables for them to see instrumentation. My daily activities depend on the time of year and the specific schedule.

What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?

I've loved teaching since becoming a nurse. I enjoyed precepting and especially cherish those 'light bulb' moments when learners finally grasp a concept. It's rewarding to see new employees realize they're applying the skills I've taught them without needing to constantly glance back for confirmation. At the end of a case, their realization—'Wow, I did it!'—is exhilarating. Witnessing someone gain confidence in their skills is why I teach. I aim to instill the confidence they need to excel.

My self-care routine (or what I do for fun, or to relax)

My commute is pretty long, so every day on my way to work, I listen to audiobooks. I also taught myself to crochet. I used to knit for years, but now I've been making blankets for everybody. This way, I can listen to my book and make a blanket at the same time or even watch a movie and crochet. I also enjoy cooking. I love to spend time with the grandkids; that’s one of my favorite things to do. Spending time with them is so rewarding.

Headlines in Healthcare

Healthcare groups are addressing the rise in elder homelessness

In 2024, one in five homeless individuals was 55 or older, a 6% rise from the previous year. University of Pennsylvania's Dennis Culhane describes this as a "national scandal," highlighting the plight of the elderly and disabled in a wealthy nation. Analysts warn that Medicaid cuts may further worsen their situation.

California aids undocumented immigrants in accessing health insurance

A survey of 1,445 registered voters found that 29 percent believe the state should maintain subsidized health care for undocumented immigrants through its Medi-Cal program, even at the cost of other programs. This marks an increase from 21 percent in an April poll.

Kaiser Permanente's nurses protest layoffs

This October, 41 nursing positions will be eliminated at Kaiser Permanente in California due to layoffs. The California Nurses Association recently protested against these cuts. A laid-off nurse with 20 years of experience at the San Rafael location warned that the staffing shortages will severely impact patient care, as current staff are already overwhelmed.

Meet the author:
Renee DLamini
(RN, BSN, Writer)

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