Director of Practical Nursing Program

The Director of the Practical Nursing Program (PNP) shall have the responsibility for the administration of the Practical Nursing Program, including its compliance with state and accreditor regulations. The PN Director will provide leadership in the program's development, implementation and evaluation. Major Responsibilities: Assume responsibility, accountability and leadership for the direction of the PNP. Including in the developing and implementing academic, student, faculty and program related policies and procedures. Evaluate faculty as established by Unit A Teacher's Contract Provide direction for faculty in the development, implementation and evaluation of the curriculum consistent with the MBORN and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) Assist Administration in the preparation of the annual budget and be responsible for departmental adherence to budgetary constraints. Assist in the selection and supervision of the Financial Aid/Tuition Specialist. Ensure the Financial Aid and Tuition Collection systems are effective and appropriate for the PN Students. Develop the faculty teaching assignment, calendar, and participate in the development of class and clinical schedules. Create and maintain the PNP Systematic Evaluation Plan in preparation for the required EIGHT (8) year site visit by ACEN and any requests or site visits by the BRN. Ensure faculty participation in the Systematic Evaluation Plan. Facilitate the development, implementation and review of PNP policies, student handbook and total program evaluation as required by the Systematic Evaluation Plan. Ensure faculty involvement in policy development. Facilitate program implementation and address the teaching needs of the nurse faculty, using the evaluation process to ensure a maximum level of quality nursing education. Serve as a counseling resource for the PN students. Manage daily problems that affect teachers, students, and curriculum in cooperation with the Superintendent. Orient new and substitute faculty to their role and responsibilities. Marketing and recruitment through face to face and virtual modalities including: information sessions, social media, website and community opportunities. Assume responsibility for the admission process of PN Students. Participate in the selection of students by interviewing candidates, testing and serving as a member on the Admissions Committee. Chair monthly department meetings. Conduct term promotions meetings and provide minutes of all meetings. Require faculty to submit annual agency minutes. Participate in the monthly PN Education Committee as a member of Massachusetts/Rhode Island League for Nursing (MARILN) and promote interaction with faculty and other members of the league. Serve as the liaison to the Program Advisory Committee and to accrediting committees and forward minutes to faculty and committee members. Function as a liaison between administration and nursing faculty in the provision of all information received from administration that would affect students or faculty. Attend Administrative Team meetings. Collaborate with Library Media Specialist in determining the need for updated nursing references, media and periodicals for PN student's use in the nursing library and computer lab. Assist in maintaining current and available Library resources for students. Ensure that record-keeping procedures are in conformity with regulations at 244 CMR 6.00 and Assabet record keeping policy. Assist in developing a PN Brochure, Program of Studies Booklet, Student Handbook and website. Conduct clinical site visits and develop all agreements with affiliating agencies, clinical and observational experiences and plan student rotations cooperatively. Forward agreements to the Superintendent/Director for approval and signature. Interact and investigate possible utilization of other community health facilities for student experience. Validate and investigate the continuing education programs for the career ladder concept in Nursing and future articulations with community colleges and 4 year colleges. Maintain an ongoing mentor referral program between PN graduates and students currently enrolled. Administer National Achievements (ATI) tests to Assabet's PN students to monitor progress and prepare for licensure. Discuss results and remediation with students. Supervise graduates in filing applications for licensure and make payments from funds held in escrow. Facilitate job placement, provide transcripts and references in a timely manner. Collaborate with faculty and the Program Advisory Committee to determine the yearly department needs (resources, equipment and supplies necessary to implement the program). Assist in the preparation of the PNP graduation ceremony. Survey graduates 6-12 months' post-graduation to identify employment and further nursing educational experience as well as program satisfaction. Prepare and submit the annual report to the BRN, ACEN, NLN, Perkins and all necessary documents for continued approval of the PNP. Continue to develop expertise in administration, nursing practice and teaching through any single or combination of the following: academic study, clinical practice and other appropriate nursing activities. Demonstrate motivation, self-direction and perseverance toward achieving the philosophy, objectives and student learning outcomes of the Assabet Valley Regional Technical School and the PNP. Other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or by his or her designee.