Faculty Instructor

Faculty members perform a number of roles and functions, each of which reflects the core competencies of nursing faculty. Those competencies include the following: 1) facilitate learning, 2) facilitate learner development and socialization, 3) use assessment and evaluation strategies, 4) participate in curriculum design and program evaluation, 5) function as a change agent and leader, 6) pursue continuous quality improvement in the educator role, 7) engage in scholarship, and 8) function within the educational environment and within the community Denver College of Nursing serves. This position reports to the appropriate Program Director (i.e., ADN Program Director, BSN Program Director).

Competencies and Responsibilities

1. Facilitate Learning

Faculty members are responsible for creating an environment in classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings that facilitates student learning and the achievement of desired cognitive, affective, and psychomotor outcomes.

2. Facilitate Learner Development and Socialization

Faculty members recognize his/her responsibility for helping students develop as nurses and integrate the values and behaviors expected of those who fulfill that role.

3. Use Assessment and Evaluation Strategies

Faculty members use a variety of strategies to assess and evaluate student learning in laboratory and clinical settings, as well as in all domains of learning.

4. Participate in Curriculum Design and Evaluation of Program Outcomes

Faculty members are responsible for formulating program outcomes and designing curricula that reflect contemporary health care trends and prepare graduates to function effectively in the health care environment.

5. Function as a Change Agent and Leader

Faculty members function as change agents and leaders to create a preferred future for nursing education and nursing practice. Leadership may include mentoring or supervision of new and/or adjunct clinical faculty members.

6. Pursue Continuous Quality Improvement in the Educator Role

Faculty members recognize that his/her role is multidimensional and that an ongoing commitment to develop and maintain competence in the role and to life-long learning is essential.

7. Engage in Scholarship Faculty members acknowledge that scholarship is an integral component of the faculty role and that teaching itself is a scholarly activity.

8. Function within the Education and Community Environment

Faculty members are knowledgeable about the educational environment within which he/she practices and recognizes how political, institutional, social, and economic forces impact his/her role.

These competencies and responsibilities are adapted from The Scope of Practice for Academic Nurse Educators (National League for Nursing, 2005).

Specific Responsibilities of Faculty

Faculty has the primary responsibility of teaching both classroom and clinical courses and providing guidance to the students. Additionally, faculty members are responsible for:

• Adhering to all Denver College of Nursing policies and procedures.

• Participating in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the philosophy and objectives of the program.

• Participating in the construction, implementation, evaluation, and revision of the curriculum on a periodic basis.

• Provide students with academic advising as appropriate.

• Providing a positive role model for students and provide positive feedback to students.

• Providing oversight of adjunct faculty assigned to teach clinical rotations under the didactic course assigned to the regular faculty member in conjunction with the Clinical Faculty Oversight Coordinator.

• Detailed attention to: academic assessment of students learning, attendance records, grades, and reporting of facility and/or student issues to administration.

• A commitment to attendance at every assigned class, clinical, or lab class as assigned.

• Adherence to course syllabus, standard syllabus template formats, content, class schedule, and textbook use.

• Attendance and participation within faculty and staff meetings as scheduled within the college.

• Assessing student learning in terms of course and program objectives.

• Participating in reviewing and revising the program policies and procedure on a periodic basis.

• Participating in peer evaluation within the framework of the college.

• Initiating periodic self-evaluation, clinical competence and professional development.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

The following are the qualifications for appointment as a faculty member:

• A minimum of a master’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution. National certification in area of clinical specialty is preferred.

• Current unencumbered license as a registerered nurse in the state that your campus is located.

• Current CPR certification as a healthcare provider• Successful completion of a criminal background check.

• Current clinical nursing knowledge within area of specialty and ongoing maintenance of clinical competency.

• Minimum of two years of recent clinical experience in area of specialty.

• One year teaching professional nursing preferred.

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally, in writing, and through learning technologies such as computers and e-mail.

• Ability to work effectively with clinical agencies, staff, faculty, and students as a member of the team.

Why Work at Denver College of Nursing?
Make a meaningful impact. Help educate and mentor the next generation of nurses who will make a difference in healthcare and their communities.
Be part of a nursing-focused institution. Unlike larger colleges, DCN is dedicated exclusively to nursing education, allowing faculty and staff to focus on one shared mission: preparing exceptional nurses.
Collaborative, student-centered culture. Faculty and staff work closely together to provide personalized support, helping students succeed both academically and professionally.
State-of-the-art learning environment. Work with modern simulation labs, innovative teaching resources, and technology designed to prepare students for real-world clinical practice.
Opportunity to shape future healthcare. Your expertise directly influences patient care by preparing compassionate, competent, and practice-ready nurses.
Supportive academic community. DCN emphasizes faculty accessibility, smaller class sizes, and individualized student engagement, creating rewarding opportunities for educators and staff alike.
Mission-driven work. The college's mission centers on educating, empowering, and inspiring healthcare professionals while promoting excellence, professionalism, lifelong learning, and evidence-based practice.
Growing organization. With campuses in both Denver and Houston and multiple nursing degree pathways, DCN continues to expand opportunities for both students and employees.

Join a team that's shaping the future of nursing. At Denver College of Nursing, you'll work alongside passionate educators and professionals in a collaborative, student-centered environment where your expertise helps prepare compassionate, practice-ready nurses. If you're looking for meaningful work with a mission that truly makes a difference, you'll find it here.