Title: Associate Instructor of Practical Nursing

Employee Classification: Faculty

Institution: TCAT-Knoxville

Department: Practical Nursing

Campus Location: TCAT Knoxville - Union County

Job Summary

Are you an experienced registered nurse ready to share your clinical expertise and help shape the next generation of nursing professionals? The Tennessee College of Applied Technology Knoxville is seeking a dedicated, full-time Associate Instructor of Practical Nursing to join our team at the Union County Campus.

At TCAT Knoxville, our mission is to prepare students for successful careers in high-demand fields, and our Practical Nursing program is a vital part of that work. As an Associate Instructor, you will play an essential role in preparing compassionate, competent, practical nurses who go on to serve patients and families in hospitals, long-term care facilities, physicians’ offices, and home health settings throughout East Tennessee. You will join a supportive faculty team and have the opportunity to combine your passion for nursing with the rewarding work of teaching and mentoring.

In this role, you will deliver high-quality instruction that fosters student learning and cultivates a positive, professional learning environment. You will guide students through classroom and laboratory experiences as well as off-site clinical assignments, ensuring that every learner receives the support and encouragement needed to thrive on the path to licensure.

This is a full-time, twelve-month position working 7.5 hours per day, 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday, from 2:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., with a thirty-minute lunch; some assignments take place at off-site clinical locations. The position offers a competitive salary, a comprehensive State of Tennessee benefits package, and the deeply rewarding experience of helping students launch meaningful careers in healthcare.

ABOUT THE PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAM
The TCAT Knoxville Practical Nursing program is approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing. Upon completion, graduates earn a diploma in Practical Nursing and may be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensing Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), which is required for nursing licensure in Tennessee. Practical Nursing is an entry-level nursing program that prepares graduates with the knowledge and skills to provide knowledgeable, basic nursing care to patients with varying degrees of physical need. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) practice under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians, with employment opportunities in hospitals, long-term care facilities, physicians’ offices, home health agencies, and a variety of other healthcare settings.

BENEFITS
As a TCAT Knoxville employee, you will have access to the comprehensive Tennessee Board of Regents benefits package, which includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance; a retirement plan plus optional deferred compensation savings; paid annual and sick leave and paid state holidays; educational assistance programs, including tuition discounts for employees and eligible dependents; a wellness program; and optional benefits such as flexible spending accounts and short- and long-term disability coverage.

Job Duties

• Instruction & Student Learning
  • Facilitate the classroom, laboratory, and clinical instructional process in a manner that fosters student learning and creates a positive, engaging environment.
  • Select and apply the instructional methods best suited to students’ needs, interests, and abilities.
  • Evaluate and monitor student progress, assign grades, and maintain accurate attendance and grade records.
  • Provide academic assistance, counsel, and advise students, and work proactively to support student retention.
  • Develop and administer fair, objective assessments that measure student learning and mastery of program competencies.
  • Maintain required classroom and office hours. - (Essential)

• Course & Curriculum Development
  • Assist program in selecting texts, equipment, supplies, and other learning resources, and participate in the purchase of needed program supplies and equipment.
  • Develop instructional materials and create or revise courses and curricula as needed.
  • Maintain current, accurate course syllabi aligned with program competencies to meet Tennessee Board of Regents and Tennessee Board of Nursing standards. - (Essential)
• Communication & Compliance
  • Communicate professionally, tactfully, and courteously with students, colleagues, faculty, and the general public.
  • Ensure all activities are conducted within the established guidelines of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other applicable laws and regulations.
  • Maintain an active program advisory committee.
  • Work to meet the requirements for the annual Council on Occupational Education (COE) for student program job placement and fulfill other accreditation requirements and advisory board meetings.
  • Work to meet and exceed COE accreditation standards and TBR performance expectations. - (Essential)
• Professional Development
  • Remain current in the nursing field and instructional technologies, and acquire, maintain, and apply knowledge of current instructional methodologies and materials.
  • Attend scheduled college and division professional development and in-service activities.
  • Support and participate in related professional organizations.
  • Participate in the annual faculty evaluation process. - (Essential)
• Service to Students
  • Participate in the advising, recruitment, admission, and orientation of prospective students.
  • Assist students with job placement upon graduation.
  • Support student activities and organizations, including SkillsUSA and the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS). - (Essential)
• Service to the College & Community
  • Assist in the recruitment and selection of college personnel as assigned.
  • Participate in accreditation, institutional assessment, and performance funding processes.
  • Support and participate in the College’s decision-making processes, and provide input and assistance with budgets.
  • Attend convocation, commencement exercises, and mandatory college programs.
  • Develop and maintain positive, cooperative relationships with colleagues across all TCAT Knoxville campuses.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor and/or administration. - (Essential)

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) from an accredited institution.
• Current, unencumbered licensure in good standing as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the State of Tennessee.
• A minimum of three (3) years of clinical practice as a Registered Nurse within the past five (5) years.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Or graduate nursing education.
• Prior post-secondary teaching experience in a nursing curriculum.
• Knowledge of Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated skill in managing deadlines and working effectively in a team-oriented environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong organizational, analytical, and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills necessary to instruct and support adult learners effectively in classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings.
• Ability to apply a variety of instructional methods to meet the diverse needs, interests, and learning abilities of students.
• Ability to develop, revise, and maintain curricula, syllabi, lesson plans, and assessments aligned with program competencies and Tennessee Board of Nursing standards.
• Ability to exchange ideas and information clearly and accurately, present material effectively to individuals and groups, and arrive at sound decisions and solutions.
• Ability to manage interpersonal situations with tact, diplomacy, and discretion, and to consistently demonstrate ethical conduct and professionalism.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective, cooperative working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and the public, with a strong customer-service orientation.
• Ability to interpret and apply college policies, procedures, and applicable employment and education laws, and to adapt readily to change.
• Proficiency with current instructional and office technology, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Microsoft Teams, along with the ability to learn Ellucian Banner and the College’s learning management system (LMS) and student information systems.
• Ability to handle confidential student records judiciously and in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Environment: Work is performed in classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings with frequent interruptions, and may include assignments at off-site clinical locations. Approximately 30 hours per week are spent in direct instruction and training, with the remaining 7.5 hours used for grading, recordkeeping, lesson preparation, and individual student meetings.
• Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in classroom, laboratory, and clinical health-care settings; to stand or sit for prolonged periods; to move about in order to demonstrate procedures and assist students; and to communicate effectively to exchange information.

Commensurate with education and experience, in accordance with Tennessee Board of Regents guidelines, within the range of $56,263 – $67,517.

To be considered for a position at TCAT Knoxville, you must create and submit an online application that includes uploads of your required documents. Your skills, abilities, qualifications, and years of experience will be evaluated using what is recorded on your application. Please be sure to include the full start and end dates for each employment history entry. Scan and attach the required documents to the online application in Word or PDF format. Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

Resume

Educational transcripts/diploma

Industry licensure and certifications

Applications will remain open until the position is filled.

EMPLOYMENT DOCUMENTS: Current federal law requires identification and eligibility verification prior to employment. Only U.S. citizens and aliens authorized to work in the United States may be employed. An offer of employment is contingent upon a successful background check.