Clinical Education Director, Department of Nursing

VSC-UP SUP Bargaining Unit – Exempt

Grade 15

BASIC FUNCTION 

This individual will take a leadership role in overseeing professional practice and clinical education in all the nursing programs offered at Vermont State University. The role requires the synthesis of expert knowledge in the areas of adult education, evidence-based practice, and clinical standards in the practice setting. This role collaborates with the Dean and Associate Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences, the Department Chair, the Program Coordinators, and the Simulation Program Director within the organization to coordinate and support organizational interprofessional educational and development initiatives. This individual is responsible for the oversight of Clinical Placement Coordinators. Periodic travel to various campus sites throughout Vermont required. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Develop and manage a comprehensive and innovative strategic plan that builds a culture of clinical excellence amongst VTSU nursing graduates. 

• Establish and maintain positive relationships with clinical affiliates across the State of Vermont. 

• Support the clinical education team to facilitate student placement in clinical, including the management of schedules and ensuring the availability of adequate clinical opportunities. 

• Collaborate with the simulation director and nursing faculty to align clinical experiences with curriculum learning outcomes. 

• Sustain and manage clinical affiliation agreements with placement sites, including the execution of contracts and maintaining accurate and current records. 

• Provide support for students and faculty as needed to include management of a variety of disciplinary, policy enforcement, and safety related matters in the interest of students, program integrity, and the clinical site expectations. 

• Support personnel in recruiting, onboarding, orienting, and ongoing continuing education of clinical educators. 

• Develop and manage a comprehensive mentoring program and educational support program for clinical educators. 

• Continually monitor and assess the effectiveness of all clinical experiences. 

• Manage accurate student and employee clinical records and evaluations, while ensuring compliance with university, accreditor, agency, and regulatory standards.  

• Oversee the clinical credentialing methods used to meet clinical agency requirements (i.e. Castlebranch);  

• Remain current with nursing education best practices and industry trends to enhance the quality of clinical education across all VTSUs nursing programs. 

• Ensure compliance with university, curriculum, agency, and regulatory requirements and standards. 

• Engage in the governance work of the department to ensure clinical practice and policies relevant to clinical education are current and evidence based. 

• Serve as the Dean’s designee to perform clinical educator observations to assist with the evaluation process. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED 

Direction is received from the Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences.   

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY  

Direct supervision of simulation associates 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Current, active, and unencumbered licensure as a Registered Nurse in the state of Vermont. 

• Master’s degree in nursing required. 
• Five (5) years previous teaching/training experience in an educational/health care institution required. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Doctoral degree in Nursing, Education, or Healthcare-related field of study preferred 
• Previous experience as a director or in a leadership position preferred. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES 

• Knowledge of learning theory, curriculum design, program evaluation, patient care consultation. 

• Strong change management and influencing capabilities. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

• Ability to promote shared decision-making and foster staff empowerment. 

• Strong time management skills and ability to effectively prioritize tasks. 

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across the organization.  

Location:

Non-Specific – Hybrid, travel to other sites throughout Vermont required.

 

This general outline illustrates the type of work which characterizes the job classification. It is not an all-e