Associate Manager, Nursing / RN Educator

Overview This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once. This posting may be used to fill multiple positions. Salary $51.72 - $82.76 Hourly $107,584 - $172,135 Annually This position is a Pay Band C13 Posting location: Truth or Consequences, NM. The New Mexico State Veterans' Home provides long-term and skilled nursing services for honorably discharged veterans, their spouses, or parents of veterans killed in combat action. The facility has 131 nursing home and skilled-nursing beds. Services are provided 24/7, focusing on maintaining or improving residents' physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being under a personalized plan of care developed by licensed health professionals. Role Purpose The Registered Nurse (RN) provides direct nursing care, supports the administrative functions of the nursing department, and serves as the Nurse Educator to ensure quality care delivery, staff competency, and compliance with state, federal, and Veterans Affairs standards. This position promotes resident-centered care for the veteran population while supporting the facility's mission, values, and regulatory requirements. Responsibilities Clinical Floor Nurse Duties (Approx. 40%) Administrative Responsibilities (Approx. 30%) Assist the Director of Nursing with audits, compliance tracking, and quality assurance/performance improvement (QAPI) activities. Review contracts, invoices, and clinical documentation for accuracy and compliance. Support staffing and scheduling processes to ensure adequate coverage. Participate in state surveys, VA inspections, and internal facility reviews. Provide input for staff performance evaluations and mentor staff in meeting facility standards. Nurse Educator Responsibilities (Approx. 30%) Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive education program for nursing staff. Conduct new employee orientation, annual training, and competency assessments. Ensure staff receive mandatory training in infection control, resident rights, dementia care, cultural competency, and veteran-specific needs. Maintain documentation of all staff education and in-services per CMS and VA requirements. Identify performance or compliance gaps and create targeted training plans. Serve as a clinical resource and mentor for staff at all levels. Customers The primary customers are the brave men and women who answered our nation's call and who now require care due to health challenges. This role also supports the widows of service members and Gold Star Parents. Ideal Candidate Holds a current, unencumbered RN license with experience in long-term care or veteran care. Demonstrates strong clinical judgment and hands-on nursing skills. Experience in staff education, orientation, and competency development. Knowledgeable in CMS, VA, and state regulatory standards. Effective communicator with strong teaching, coaching, and mentoring abilities. Organized, detail-oriented, and able to balance floor, administrative, and training duties. Compassionate and committed to veteran-centered and resident-focused care. Skilled in documentation, auditing, and quality assurance activities. Comfortable with public speaking, in-service training, and group instruction. Flexible, adaptable, and able to manage changing priorities in a dynamic environment. Demonstrates leadership and teamwork, maintaining professionalism and confidentiality. Minimum Qualifications Must possess a current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in New Mexico, or eligibility for such licensure in accordance with New Mexico requirements, or eligibility for a temporary license for employment at a specific institution in New Mexico, and two (2) years of management experience related to the essential duties and responsibilities of the classification. Employment Requirements This position is designated safety sensitive. Employment is subject to pre-employment and random testing under applicable laws and regulations regarding alcohol and/or drug testing. Must possess and maintain a valid American Heart Association BLS/CPR Certification. Criminal background check required under the New Mexico Caregivers Criminal Screening Act; results may condition employment. Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico driver's license. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or achieve certification as a condition of continued employment. Successful completion of HIPAA training. Must sign and observe confidentiality agreement. Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend English. Occasional travel for training and meetings; may require driving a State of NM owned vehicle. Working hours may include weekends, holidays, overtime, and callback hours. Essential functions and physical requirements will be provided at interview or by Human Resources. Must possess and maintain a valid Safe Food Handling Certificate or obtain within 1 week of hire. Working Conditions Work is conducted in a long-term facility with extensive use of computers and phones. The role involves walking throughout the facility and frequent interaction with residents, staff, and the public. It may require lifting, bending, pushing, pulling, and other physical activities. May involve exposure to health hazards, contagious diseases, and stressful situations. Occasional travel and driving a State of NM vehicle may be required; on-call, night, weekend, holiday, overtime, and callback hours may apply. Detailed physical ability requirements will be provided at interview or by Human Resources. Supplemental Information For total compensation information, please refer to the agency materials. Contact: Berna Garcia, View phone number on click.appcast.io, Email. For statutory requirements, refer to the Classification Description link on the job advertisement. Bargaining Unit This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement. #J-18808-Ljbffr