Date: February 2021
Title: Senior Research Associate & Curriculum Transformation Coordinator
Department: School of Nursing
School: School of Nursing
Location: Samson Pavilion
Supervisor Name and Title: Diana Morris, PhD, RN, FAAN, FGSA, Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Academics
POSITION OBJECTIVE
Working with a high degree of independence, the Senior Research Associate & Curriculum Transformation Coordinator will lead project management efforts to meet the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials curriculum and competency expectations of graduates from baccalaureate, master’s, and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs. With the endorsement of the new AACN Essentials by the membership in April 2021, academic nursing is moving toward a new model and framework for nursing education using a competency-based approach. This position will be expected to helm curricular compliance and implementation efforts for the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Oversee and direct all aspects curriculum transfer projects in accordance with the general structure of the program. Responsible for all activities, outputs and outcomes related to the transfer and implementation of the competency based education curriculum. Make high-level decisions in collaboration with the Associate Dean for Academics on strategic plans; articulate plans using theory and research to provide rationale. (15%)
2. Lead the interpretation of the AACN Essentials to serve as the expert within the School of Nursing on competency based education. Guide the analysis and restructuring of how we conceptualize our programs and meet the requirements of competency based education. Develop appropriate procedures and protocols to consistently apply competency base education standards. (15%)
3. Oversee the mapping out curricula in individual programs of study with the Domains, Competencies, and Sub-competencies in collaboration with the respective Program Directors (BSN, MN, MSN, DNP) in order to develop transformation strategy to achieve compliance with competency based education expectations. Engage program faculty in evaluation of extant curricula in comparison to the new curricula Essentials (AACN) within the school of Nursing. Identify content gaps and assess what is missing across the curriculum and how those gaps can be addressed. Identify activities that are already included in the curriculum to promote and assess achievement of competencies. Assure ongoing viability and consistency of essentials across all levels of programs and across all programs. (10%)
4. Lead faculty advisory groups to monitor the process, identify issues that may arise, and develop materials and resources to support the development and implementation process. Help faculty to brainstorm and create ways competencies might be assessed using current or new learning activities/scenarios. Foster generative thinking to develop pathways for how the program(s) may evolve to align with the new model for nursing education. (20%)
5. Plan a robust portfolio of learning opportunities for faculty (e.g. webinars, conference sessions, online resources, and workshops.) to foster ongoing education on the Essentials and ease the implementation process in collaboration with the Faculty Development Coordinator. (10%)
6. Develop a master implementation Toolkit that can include AACN Toolkits to provide current information, examples, and suggested learning resources to help facilitate the integration of competency based education content into nursing curriculum. Lead dissemination efforts for the implementation the master kit. Explore the development of digital tools for programs and students to facilitate documenting, tracking, and reporting curricula and competency attainment. (10%)
7. Serve as liaison to the AACN on behalf of the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing on matters related to competency based education initiatives to ensure synergistic efforts. (5%)
8. Serve as the primary consultant and point of contact for faculty on all matters related to competency based education implementation and assessment. (5%)
9. Use formative and summative evaluation data to guide future activities. Propose qualitative and quantitative processes to assess and assure continued success of curriculum implementation. (10%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Perform other duties as assigned (<1%)
CONTACTS
Department: Regular contact with the Associate Dean to collaborate on strategic direction. Constant contact with Program Directors (BSN, MN, MSN, DNP) and faculty to exchange information and direct curriculum transfer efforts. Collaboration with Faculty Development Coordinator to meet faculty development needs regarding competency based education.
University: Contact with other university departments to exchange information as needed
External: Regular contact with the American Associate of Colleges of Nursing to communicate information and serve as a liaison.
Students: Limited direct contact with undergraduate and graduate students.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
May supervise an administrative staff member.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: 5 years of experience required in research or relevant field. Experience at a level meeting or exceeding the requirements of a Research Associate and evidence of staff management and significant administrative responsibilities required. Primary healthcare experience required.
Education/Licensing: DNP or PhD Nursing required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES
1. Demonstrated expertise in curriculum evaluation.
2. Strong knowledge of the nursing education field and AACN Essentials framework.
3. Ability to effectively perform educational needs assessment.
4. Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills; must demonstrate the ability to effectively and professionally communicate and work with various individuals within and external to the University.
5. Strong organization skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills, and follow-through. Must be able to work under pressure and conform to shifting priorities, demands and timeline.
6. Effective management skills; ability to lead, train, work with, and elicit cooperation from team members and staff.
7. Must be able to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships with faculty, staff and external entities. Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team. Must be highly motivated, responsible, dependable and a self-starter.
8. Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate innovation and creativity, excellent analytical skills, sound judgment and good decision-making.
9. Good computer skills, including database management. Include other computer skills needed.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Typical office environment.
APPLICANTS
Interested applicants should submit a CV, 2-3 references, and proof of degree(s) to kxr200@case.edu.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity. Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.