Program Director - Practical Nursing

Location: Little Rock, Arkansas - with some travel requirements to multiple campus locations across the state. Remote work may be assigned.

Program Mission:

The Arkansas Health Care Association School of Nursing is dedicated to educating and mentoring healthcare professionals. Throughout the program we incorporate our core values of Integrity, Connection, Dignity and Quality as we prepare graduates to demonstrate competency within the scope of practical nursing and to exemplify the highest standards of professionalism.

Job Summary:

The position of Program Director – Practical Nursing is a 12-month full-time, non-tenure track faculty and leadership position, appointed by the AHCA executive director.

The Program Director – Practical Nursing is responsible for the continued, successful accreditation/approval of the AHCA School of Nursing PN program. The program director will have direct oversight for the day-to-day operations of the AHCA School of Nursing, Practical Nursing Program, including program curriculum, instruction, course scheduling and faculty assignments; hiring, supervision and evaluation of program faculty and adjunct faculty; oversight for students’ progression; compilation of metrics/analytics for student completion, attrition, employment, and graduation rates; and completion of program assessment outcomes. Strategic planning towards thoughtful growth of the Practical Nurse program with emphasis on quality is an expectation. The Program Director is an integral part of the student education experience. AHCA support for enhancing community partnerships are important components of the role. This position will include approximately 65/35 administrative and teaching responsibilities.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Practical Nursing Site Coordinators and Practical Nursing Faculty

Duties/Responsibilities:

ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION:

• The PD shall have the authority, accountability, and responsibility for all aspects of the AHCA School of Nursing - Practical Nursing Program.
• Supports the AHCA Executive Director on general nursing education policy and program enhancements.
• Collaborates with AHCA Executive Director, AHCA Board of Directors and nursing faculty to establish and meet strategic goals for PN program.
• Develops and maintains program budgets.
• Nurse recruiter/clinical liaison.
• Recruits, retains, and evaluates full-time and Adjunct Faculty.
• Implements and ensures an orientation process for new faculty.
• Completes annual evaluations for supervised administrators or staff. Provides input on annual faculty evaluations.
• Maintains clinical faculty competency requirements, including background checks, use of hand hygiene and PPE, and glucometer testing.
• Conducts orientation and exit interviews for Practical Nurse Program.
• Administrative Assistant collaboration.
• Manages, monitors and reports withdrawal and failure rates for PN program.
• Completes an end-of-year report for the AHCA Executive Director.
• Maintains HIPAA and FERPA compliance, with the assistance of all faculty and the registrar.
• Works with marketing and communications to maintain updated web material and creation of social media.
• Oversees admission process and student selections for each cohort.
• Leads and assists nursing program faculty with problem solving to support optimal student outcomes.
• Maintains resources, including but not limited to classroom and skills laboratory equipment and supplies necessary for students to successfully complete the program.
• Serves as point of contact for student concerns or issues.

DEVELOPS CURRICULUM AND CONDUCTS ASSESSMENT:

• Assesses, revises, and develops courses to maintain a current, relevant curriculum; develops lesson plans; organizes and manages instructional activities.
• Oversight for maintenance and implementation of program curriculum, course objectives, course content and clinical experiences.
• Ensures regular meetings of the faculty to facilitate communication and faculty participation in planning, implementing, and evaluating the curriculum.
• Ensures systematic program assessment (goals, objectives, outcomes, results, and action plans) is documented and analyzed related to the Practical Nurse Program strategic goals.
• Analyzes metrics related to, but not limited to: Applications, Enrollment, Attrition, Diversity, Graduation rates, Licensure Exam rates, Employment and Budget.
• Networks with community and industry partners to build a strong advisory board; gather feedback from stakeholders to design curricula and develop program outcomes.
• Responsible for annual program assessment and comprehensive program reviews.
• Reviews, seeks/provides feedback and final approval of textbook selection.

LEADS ACCREDITATION & APPROVAL:

• Ensures program compliance with Arkansas State Board of Nursing regulations and standards.
• Gathers and analyzes data including student outcome, enrollment, retention, and completion data to support continuous improvement.
• Ensures all required documents and assessments are updated/submitted for Arkansas State Board of Nursing and accrediting bodies.
• Maintains communication with the controlling agency, nursing faculty, students, clinical agencies, accreditation agencies, and the Board of Nursing.
• Completes accreditation/certification requirements including reports, self-studies, and campus visits by accrediting/approval agencies.

PROVIDES INSTRUCTION:

• Engages in Teaching activities.
• Oversees clinical rotations as needed.
• Utilizes appropriate learner centered instructional methods, technology and learning theories and classroom management ideology in all classes.
• Responsibility for the evaluation of student learning and provides evaluation methods appropriate to course objectives and learning outcomes.
• Maintains accurate records of evaluation and course work, including attendance.
• Seeks and provides feedback on course delivery and student learning.
• Engages students in the advising process.
• Maintains documentation of student advisement.
• Evaluates graduation progress and completion.

PARTICIPATES IN INSTITUTIONAL ENGAGEMENT & ADVANCEMENT:

• Identifies avenues for growth for PN program and for potential new concentrations.
• Coordinates with faculty, staff, and colleagues within AHCA on initiatives or projects.
• Promotes a positive work environment and collaborative working relationships.

ENGAGES IN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

• Collaborates with business, industry, and professional organizations in order to understand changes in the field and explore future trends.
• Facilitating faculty development, including enhancing educational competencies.
• Serves on community, state and professional committees and boards.
• Maintains professional certification, licensure or credentials.
• Attends various meetings, conventions, and seminars.

DEMONSTRATES PROFESSIONAL AND QUALITY CUSTOMER SERVICE:

• Establishes and maintains relationships with nursing leaders in acute care, long-term care and academic settings.
• Leads development of standards of practice throughout the nursing program to achieve consistency, establish trust, and develop greater customer satisfaction and outcomes.
• Maintains confidentiality, positive communication, accurate records, and an organized, safe working environment.
• Exhibits flexibility, willingness to learn, ability to change and maintain current technology skills.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Highly organized with attention to detail
• Able to clearly prioritize workload according to volume, urgency, etc.
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written
• Demonstrated ability to teach
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Flexible and good problem solver
• Dedicated to service and a strong presence within organization and nursing professional practice/academic organizations within state

Education, Certificates, Licenses and Experience:

• Current Unencumbered Arkansas RN License – required upon start date
• MSN or higher degree preferred, BSN Required
• Degree certificate or emphasis in nursing education preferred
• Experience as RN in clinical nursing practice and/or education required
• Five (5) years clinical experience preferred
• Two (2) years administrative/leadership experience in the academic setting preferred
• Two (2) years teaching experience for nursing education or professional development in the nursing academic setting preferred
• Evidence of professional development in the field of nursing
• Preferred - Experience with Arkansas State Board of Nursing Program Compliance and Accreditation Requirements
• Preferred – National Board Certification (CNE or equivalent preferred) - *Required within 1-year of hire
• Required – current CPR certification

Physical Requirements:

• Primarily indoors except when traveling between campuses or being off-campus
• Work is performed under minimum supervision and requires incumbent to exercise independence and discretion
• Occasional evening and weekend hours
• Some off-campus travel required
• Driving to multiple campuses across state required

Important Note:

This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required for this position. Arkansas Health Care Association reserves the right to add and/or amend responsibilities to meet organizational and program needs.

Please note: We kindly request no phone calls to the office regarding this position. All inquiries should be submitted through the application process outlined here.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $95,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Ability to Commute:

• Little Rock, AR 72201 (Required)

Work Location: In person