Program Chair, School Nurse Program

JOB SUMMARY:  

We seek a dynamic and collaborative Program Chair with a demonstrated record of high-quality curriculum development at the university level and a strong interest in preparing graduate students for leadership and practice in school nursing. The program is designed for registered nurses currently working in healthcare who wish to advance their careers by strengthening existing skills while developing new competencies in school health practice. It also provides an excellent pathway for RNs seeking to transition into professional school nurse roles within K–12 educational settings.

The School Nursing Program Chair is responsible for teaching and mentoring registered nurses preparing for roles as school nurses in K–12 educational settings. The Chair develops and delivers coursework addressing current topics in school health services, public health, and school health policy. Responsibilities include curriculum development, program oversight, and advising students in accordance with Massachusetts school nurse licensure requirements and national school nursing standards.

The standard contract period is 12 months, equivalent to 9 credits or approximately 405 work hours. Any teaching assignments will be compensated separately from this contract. All services under this appointment will be performed in accordance with the University's policies, rules, and handbook provisions, and under the general supervision of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

This position reports directly to the Dean of the School of Health and Natural Sciences and works collaboratively with faculty and administrators across the University. The Program Chair will work closely with other departments and divisions that offer related courses to ensure alignment of curriculum and comprehensive coverage of relevant subject matter.

The Chair is responsible for confirming that all students successfully complete the program requirements and for maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of student progress, program documentation, and communications among students, faculty, and external partners, including practicum or school district placements.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provide leadership and oversight for the School Health Nursing program.
• Recruit and recommend faculty hiring to the dean, specific to the program.
• Orient, mentor, and (in collaboration with the dean) evaluate faculty teaching in the program.
• Prepares course schedules and faculty assignments each term in collaboration with the dean.
• Conducts and participates in program reviews, enrollment projections, and program assessment.
• Conduct student orientation, advising, and timely processing of concerns in collaboration with the dean.
• Advise students for registration.
• Confirm that students complete all program requirements and maintain appropriate documentation of student progress.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of program activities, student communication, and external partnerships.
• Collaborate with faculty and departments across the University to ensure curricular alignment and coverage of required subject matter.
• Participates in Program Leaders meetings and Curriculum Committee meetings, program reviews, institutional accreditation, and campus-related committees, as needed.
• Maintain and update all program handbooks
• Maintain strong communications specific to the program at multiple levels.
• Participate in professional activities and professional development specific to School Nurse Education on a regular, ongoing basis.
• Engages in campus, community, regional, and national conversations specific to the area assigned.
• Explores and secures program approval for licensure specific to the practice of school nurses in MA and nationally, when needed.
• Serve as an official agent of the college, specific to the area of expertise assigned.
• Participate in institutional service activities and contribute to program evaluation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide excellent customer service and maintain positive working relationships across the University community.
• Adhere to HIPAA and FERPA privacy standards.
• Support students by troubleshooting situations with other offices in academic matters (e.g., academic issues with instructors, transfer credits, etc.).
• Regularly send alumni activity updates to the Alumni Relations Office to highlight graduates' achievements.
• Present an end-of-year report summarizing accomplished work to the Dean.
• Understand and appreciate the University’s mission, purpose, and goals and the role of faculty in achieving those goals.
• Maintain professional licensure as applicable.
• Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned by the University.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing.
• Master’s degree in Nursing, Public Health, Education, or a related field.
• Experience in school nursing, pediatric nursing, community/public health nursing, or related practice areas.
• Experience teaching, mentoring, or supervising nurses in academic or clinical settings.
• Demonstrated experience with curriculum development or program coordination in higher education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree (PhD, DNP, or EdD) in Nursing, Public Health, Education, or related field.
• Experience practicing as a school nurse in K–12 educational settings.
• Knowledge of Massachusetts school nurse licensure requirements and school health regulations.
• Experience teaching in a university or graduate-level nursing program.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in nursing education or academic program administration.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all members of the University community including students, faculty, staff, and administrators.
• Ability to adhere to University policies and procedures.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and within FERPA and HIPAA guidelines.
• All new employees must complete the FERPA, Anti-Harassment, and any other required online trainings within 15 days of employment.
• General knowledge of the University’s mission, purpose and goals and the role this position plays in achieving those goals.