Position Summary
The Dean of Nursing serves as the chief academic and administrative leader of the BSN program, responsible for shaping its strategic direction, maintaining accreditation standards, and fostering an environment of academic excellence. The Dean collaborates with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders to advance the program’s mission, promote innovative nursing education, and prepare graduates for successful careers as registered nurses (RNs).
Key Responsibilities
- Academic Leadership and Curriculum Development:
- Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of the BSN curriculum to ensure it meets accreditation standards (e.g., CCNE, ACEN) and prepares students for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.
- Monitor trends in nursing education and healthcare to integrate evidence-based practices, patient care technology, and emerging topics (e.g., health informatics, cultural competence).
- Ensure the curriculum aligns with state nursing board requirements and industry expectations.
- Faculty Recruitment and Development:
- Recruit, hire, and evaluate faculty members, ensuring they are qualified, passionate, and aligned with the program’s goals.
- Support faculty professional development, including research opportunities, certifications, and teaching excellence.
- Conduct performance appraisals and foster a collaborative, inclusive academic environment.
- Program Administration and Accreditation:
- Manage the nursing department’s budget, resources, and facilities, including securing funding through grants and donor relationships.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and university regulations, as well as accreditation standards.
- Lead efforts to achieve and maintain regional or national accreditation for the BSN program.
- Student Success and Support:
- Provide leadership and counsel to students, supporting their academic and professional growth.
- Oversee clinical placement programs, ensuring students gain required hands-on experience in diverse healthcare settings.
- Collaborate with student services to address admissions, retention, and graduation goals.
- Strategic Planning and Community Engagement:
- Develop and implement strategic initiatives to enhance the BSN program’s reputation, enrollment, and outcomes.
- Build partnerships with healthcare organizations, hospitals, and community stakeholders to support clinical training, research, and workforce development.
- Participate in university-wide planning and policy-setting, representing the nursing program’s interests.
- Research and Innovation:
- Encourage faculty and student research in nursing science, contributing to advancements in healthcare.
- Promote the integration of research findings into teaching and clinical practice.
- Support scholarly activities, such as publishing, presenting at conferences, and securing research funding.
- Event and Ceremony Oversight:
- Oversee nursing-specific events, such as pinning ceremonies, and represent the program at university and community functions.
- Engage in fundraising and alumni relations to support scholarships and program growth.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Education:
- Master’s degree in Nursing (MSN) required; Doctorate (PhD, DNP, or EdD) in Nursing or a related field strongly preferred (required in some states for regulatory compliance).
- Licensure:
- Current, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license.
- Experience:
- Minimum of 5 years of managerial or leadership experience in nursing education or clinical practice.
- At least 3–5 years of teaching experience at the baccalaureate level, with a record of curriculum development and administration.
- Demonstrated experience in budgeting, planning, and project management.
- Skills and Competencies:
- Deep knowledge of nursing education, accreditation processes, and healthcare trends.
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills to manage diverse stakeholders.
- Ability to foster a collaborative and inclusive academic culture.
- Proficiency in strategic planning, budget management, and resource allocation.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in education and healthcare.
Work Environment
- Setting: Primarily office-based within a university or college, with occasional clinical site visits or community engagement.
- Hours: Full-time, with potential evening or weekend commitments for events, ceremonies, or urgent administrative needs.
- Travel: May involve travel to clinical sites, conferences, or partner institutions.
