Assistant Professor of Nurse Anesthesiology

Carson-Newman University is a Christian, liberal arts-based University built upon the Lordship of Jesus Christ as evidenced historically and revealed in the Scriptures.

Our mission as Christian educators is to help our students reach their full potential as educated citizens and worldwide servant leaders.

Job Title: Assistant Professor of Nurse Anesthesiology

Department: College of Health Sciences

Reports To: DNAP Program Director & Dean, College of Health Sciences

Location: On-site

FLSA Status: Exempt

Annual duration: 12-month

Expected hours per week: Full-time, including some nights and weekend work. *Only if needed for on-campus clinical immersions.

Part-time hours, if applicable: N/A

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Summary Description: The Doctor of Nurse Anesthesiology Practice (DNAP) Faculty member supports the mission and goals of Carson-Newman University, the College of Health Sciences, and the Nurse Anesthesiology Program through excellence in teaching, clinical education, mentorship, scholarship, service, and program evaluation. Faculty members contribute to the development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of the curriculum while fostering an educational environment that promotes academic excellence, professional growth, ethical practice, and compassionate patient care. The DNAP Faculty member collaborates with program leadership, faculty colleagues, students, and clinical partners to ensure compliance with institutional policies, accreditation standards, and professional practice expectations.

Essential Functions

• As an intentionally Christian academic community hiring Christian educators, all employees will be expected to advance the mission, vision, and identity of Carson-Newman University as defined in university policy and expressed in our strategic plan and are expected to work as cooperative and collegial members of the University.
• The University expects all employees to conduct themselves in a manner that is appropriate for a Christian institution and to be worthy examples in moral conduct and behavior for the students of the University and fellow employees both on and off campus.
• Regular attendance during scheduled work hours reflects a commitment to our shared mission and the campus community.
• All work must be performed in alignment with the terms of the signed contract, if applicable.
• As Christian educators, all employees of the University should regularly attend and actively participate in a local church.
• In Addition, DNAP Faculty Have The Following Essential Responsibilities

Teaching and Student Learning

• Design and implement cognitive, affective, and psychomotor teaching and learning strategies in classroom, simulation, laboratory, and clinical settings to facilitate student achievement of course and program outcomes in accordance with the curriculum established by the Nurse Anesthesiology Program.
• Provide didactic, simulation, laboratory, and/or clinical instruction in assigned courses as designated by the Program Director.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate measurable course outcomes that align with program outcomes and accreditation standards.
• Facilitate and guide student progression toward successful achievement of course, clinical, and program outcomes.
• Assess student performance and maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records related to student learning outcomes, clinical evaluations, and course grades.
• Utilize evidence-based teaching strategies and educational technologies to promote student engagement and success.
• Exercise appropriate academic freedom and professional autonomy to foster innovation, excellence, and evidence-based educational practices within the program.

Student Advising and Mentorship

• Serve as a professional role model, demonstrating excellence in teaching, mentorship, advocacy, clinical practice, collaboration, scholarship, and service.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the academic, professional, and personal development of students through advising, mentoring, and individualized support.
• Maintain effective professional relationships with students and provide guidance regarding academic progression, professional development, and career planning.
• Mentor and supervise student DNAP Scholarly Projects as assigned.

Clinical Education and Practice Partnerships

• Collaborate with the Program Director and Assistant Program Director to serve as a liaison to clinical affiliates, healthcare agencies, and community organizations that support student clinical education.
• Support the coordination, implementation, and evaluation of clinical learning experiences.
• Maintain productive relationships with clinical partners and preceptors to promote high-quality educational experiences.
• Participate in clinical site visits and evaluations as assigned.
• Assist in ensuring that clinical experiences meet program, certification, and accreditation requirements.

Program Assessment, Evaluation, and Accreditation

• Engage in ongoing curriculum evaluation, program assessment, and continuous quality improvement activities to support student success and program effectiveness.
• Assist in the timely collection, analysis, maintenance, and reporting of program data related to student outcomes, clinical experiences, certification examination performance, accreditation requirements, annual reports, and institutional effectiveness measures.
• Participate in activities related to accreditation compliance, self-study preparation, evidence collection, program evaluation, and reporting requirements.
• Assist with the preparation and maintenance of documentation required by institutional, state, regional, and professional bodies.
• Contribute to systematic assessment processes and data-informed decision-making that support continuous quality improvement and achievement of program outcomes.
• Support compliance with standards established by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA), regional accreditors, and university policies.

Scholarship and Professional Development

• Maintain professional certification, licensure, clinical competence, and expertise appropriate to assigned teaching responsibilities.
• Participate in professional development activities that enhance teaching effectiveness, clinical practice, leadership, and scholarship.
• Contribute to professional organizations, presentations, publications, research, quality improvement initiatives, and other scholarly endeavors.

Service and Institutional Engagement

• Participate in program, university, and professional committees as assigned.
• Contribute to recruitment, admissions, orientation, retention, and graduation activities within the Nurse Anesthesiology Program.
• Engage in service activities that contribute to the advancement of the profession, the university, and the communities served by the program.

This description is designed to describe the general nature of the job and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills and duties. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned and included in assessments and reviews.

Education: Must hold a doctorate degree from an accredited institution in nurse anesthesia or related field.

Experience: Maintain licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Tennessee and continual certification as a Nurse Anesthesiologist (CRNA). Demonstrate ongoing clinical competence through current clinical practice as a CRNA per clinical work release policies. Prior teaching experience in graduate nursing education with formal instruction in curriculum development and evaluation preferred.

Required Skills: Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communications skills; Advanced organizational skills; Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with all stakeholders.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time. Must be able to access and navigate campus facilities.