Clinical Adjunct Nursing Faculty

Clinical Adjunct Nursing Faculty Position Description

Salary: $6,120 per 6 credits

Clinical adjunct nursing faculty assist in preparing undergraduate students to successfully complete the Elms College Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) curriculum, supporting the School of Nursing's philosophy and Elms College's mission. Clinical adjuncts are responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing clinical instruction in the Skills Lab, Simulation Lab, and affiliated clinical organizations. The clinical instructor is an extension of the lead course faculty and supports student learning through Socratic questioning to connect theory principles with clinical judgment.

Qualifications:

Education:

In accordance with MA BORN guide lines, Faculty appointed to a Registered Nursing program, teaching the clinical or skills lab component of a nursing course, shall possess:

1. an earned graduate degree in nursing; or ii. an earned baccalaureate degree in nursing, and also meet at least one of the following:

• (i) be matriculated in a graduate nursing program with an expected graduation date within five years of the date of the appointment; or
• (ii) possess a related non-nursing graduate degree;
• (iii) possess a current Nurse Education certification by a Board-recognized certifying organization; or
• (iv)possess a minimum of five years full-time Registered Nurse experience within the last eight years, be mentored by faculty who possess a graduate degree in nursing; and - have been appointed before January 6,2023; or - be matriculated in a graduate nursing program within one year of appointment with an expected graduation date within five years of the date of matriculation; or - obtain a current Nurse Education certification by a Board-recognized certifying organization within three years of appointment.

Skills:  

• Possess thorough knowledge of patient medications, treatments, and diagnoses, and be able to relate these aspects of patient care to problem-solving and critical thinking skill development in the student.
• Be organized, able to deal appropriately with delicate student situations, and able to effectively communicate and negotiate resolutions with faculty, students, and facility staff regarding problems in the clinical setting(s).

Physical and Emotional Qualifications:  

• Ability to speak clearly to communicate instructions and clarify understanding.
• Hearing is adequate to discern subtle changes in heart, lung, and bowel sounds.
• Visual acuity is required to allow for accurate observation and assessment of student performance.
• Hand/eye coordination sufficient to operate technology and dexterity to demonstrate and perform nursing skills. a
• Consistent temperament capable of adapting, managing, and prioritizing multiple stressors simultaneously

Reports to:  Lead course faculty Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Associate Dean of Undergraduate Nursing

Performance is evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the Elms College Faculty Handbook and current best practice in nursing education.

• Demonstration of Competent Nursing Practice:

o Be accountable to follow the accepted standards, laws, and rules regulating the practice of nursing, and function within the scope of nursing practice.

o Be responsible and accountable for practice based on, and limited to, the scope of the instructor's education, demonstrated competence, and nursing experience.

o Obtain instruction, supervision, and consultation as necessary before implementing new or unfamiliar techniques or practices.

o Be responsible for maintaining current knowledge in broad and/or specialized areas of nursing.

o Maintain knowledge in current, best evidence influencing clinical nursing practice in the area of specialty.

o Conduct nursing practice without discrimination.

o Respect the patient's right to privacy by protecting confidential information.

Pre-clinical responsibilities:  

• Submit all required health history, immunization, and BLS documentation to Sentry MD.
• Provide documentation for the annual Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check.
• Complete assigned Centralized Clinical Placement (CCP) modules. These will vary based on the clinical placement.
• Complete all required agency training, including, but not limited to, electronic health records, HIPAA, medication administration, and orientation.
• Be familiar with and comply with agency policies and procedures.
• Attend Elms clinical adjunct professional development sessions.

Clinical Site Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates, teaches, and supervises patient care on clinical units or agencies to nursing students according to program objectives and course syllabus.
• Instructs students in principles and the application of physical, biological, and psychological topics related to nursing.
• Assign students weekly to selected patients based on the students' learning needs and patient assessment 
• Assist students in collecting pertinent objective and subjective data regarding patient health status. 
• Engage students in comprehensive, individualized instruction in the observation, assessment, decision-making, and health teaching of patients, including the maintenance of patient health or prevention of illness or disease. 
• Facilitate the development of students' critical thinking, technical, and professional communication skills while maintaining patient and student safety and patient confidentiality. 
• Assist students in using the nursing process when providing care. Supervise the administration of medications. 
• Delegate selected nursing functions to students in accordance with their level of nursing education and demonstrated competency. 
• Evaluates student progress and maintains records of student clinical experience.
• Encourage unit nurses to communicate immediately with faculty regarding any student performance questions or concerns.
• Promote cooperation and communication among the clinical site staff, students, faculty, and other team members.
• Communicates regularly with the clinical course classroom instructor.
• Facilitate simulations and learning activities in the skills and simulation labs for on campus clinical experiences.
• Collaborate with the lead course faculty to refer students to college support services as necessary.
• Serve as a professional role model and representative of Elms College School of Nursing.
• Fulfills the number of clinical hours as prescribed.

End of Clinical Semester Responsibilities .

• Provide feedback about the adequacy of the site in allowing students to meet course outcomes to the lead course faculty.
• Meet with the lead course instructor to review student evaluations of the clinical instructor to grow in teaching effectiveness. 

Elms College (also known as College of Our Lady of the Elms), a private, Catholic, co-educational liberal arts institution in Chicopee, Massachusetts, was founded in 1928 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield. The institution offers Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctor of Nursing practice degrees. Dedicated to non-discriminatory educational practices, the College aims to eliminate barriers to equal access and treatment for its community. Elms College provides rigorous academic challenges and fosters a supportive community for students to thrive. Graduates leave Elms College richer, rooted in faith, educated, compassionate, responsive to civic and social obligations, and capable of adjusting to change without compromising principle.

Elms Colleges mission embodies the charism of the founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph, including embracing the love of neighbor without distinction and whose Catholic heritage guides our intellectual, social, educational, and community endeavors.

Elms College is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

Salary/Compensation: $6,120 per year