Position Description

Director, Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Specialty Emphasis

Position Summary: The Director of the Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) emphasis within the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program provides academic leadership and specialty expertise and oversight for the emphasis area. The Director ensures alignment of the PNP curriculum with program, College, and accreditation standards; supports faculty in delivering high-quality, evidence-based education; and mentors students in meeting defined program outcomes. Additionally, the Director collaborates with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs; the Assistant Dean for the Master of Science (MS, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Post-graduate Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Certificate programs; and the Executive Director for Nurse Practitioner (NP) Education to maintain emphasis on quality, advance innovation in teaching and practice, and strengthen partnerships with clinical training sites. The Director will hold a faculty position within the College of Nursing. Rank and Track dependent on qualifications.

Principal Functions and Responsibilities

1. Provide overall leadership and direction for the specialty emphasis within the DNP program.
2. Develop, implement, and evaluate curriculum quality, rigor, and consistency to align with the 1) core curriculum of the College's DNP program, 2) American Association of Colleges of Nursing The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education, 3) Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) Standards for Accreditation, 4) National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) Population-Focused Nurse Practitioner Competencies, and 5) other relevant national nursing standards and competencies in collaboration with faculty, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, the Assistant Dean for MS, DNP, and Post-graduate APRN Certificate programs, and the Executive Director for NP Education.
3. Oversee admission processes for students in the specialty emphasis, in collaboration with Academic Operations and the Program Manager.
4. Mentor and support emphasis faculty in teaching, scholarship, and practice excellence.
5. Oversee and guide student progress and promote achievement of program outcomes.
6. Collaborate with the Assistant Dean for MS, DNP, and Post-graduate APRN Certificate programs and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs (as indicated) regarding student issues.
7. Collaborate with other emphasis directors, the Assistant Dean for MS, DNP, and Post-graduate APRN Certificate programs, the Executive Director for NP Education, and faculty on curriculum planning, program assessment, and accreditation activities.
8. Develop, coordinate, and sustain relationships with clinical sites and preceptors to ensure high-quality practice experiences for students.
9. Lead ongoing program review, quality improvement, and innovation initiatives related to the specialty emphasis.
10. Participate in emphasis-specific student recruitment and marketing in collaboration Academic Operations, Marketing and Communication, and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
11. Provides support for clinical placements and collaborate with Academic Operations for clinical sites and contracts.
12. Complete necessary documentation for student credentialing and licensure.
13. Ensure accurate preceptor documentation and placement in Exxat.
14. Provide input and recommendations for faculty teaching assignments and faculty development in collaboration with Division Chair(s).
15. Provide input and feedback for faculty performance appraisals within the specialty emphasis.

Criteria/Experience and Qualifications

1. Graduate (DNP or PhD) of an accredited College or School of Nursing and either hold a current Utah APRN License or be qualified to obtain a Utah APRN license.
2. Licensed in the state of Utah and nationally certified in a specialty emphasis.
3. Strong and contemporary working knowledge of the nursing profession, nursing education related to emphasis, higher education, and health care delivery.
4. Demonstrated leadership and participation in accreditation, curriculum development, and evaluation, academic advisement, and admissions processes.
5. Demonstrated leadership and management skills, and the ability to work collaboratively and productively with individuals and groups.

Responsible to: The Associate Dean, Academic Affairs; Chair, the Division of Graduate Education and Advanced Practice; and Assistant Dean, MS and DNP, and Post-graduate APRN Certificate programs.

Formal Review: The Dean's Office will conduct a periodic formal review, which the Academic Leadership Team will review.