NURSING EDUCATION SPECIALIST
2024F2 DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is specialized professional work in accrediting nursing education programs. Work involves development of evaluation criteria and implementation of evaluation systems to monitor nursing school programs and procedures and continuing education programs. Work includes providing guidance to schools of nursing in development of curricula, evaluation of teaching methods, assessment of clinical teaching facilities, analysis of philosophies and educational objectives, evaluation of qualifications of faculty, and quality of their teaching skills. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - LEVEL E: "Under administrative direction..." At this level, employees are free to plan, develop and organize all phases of the work necessary for its completion within program guidance. Generally, they can develop and utilize any procedures and methods which do not conflict with major policies. Supervision is generally exercised over them through staff conference-type discussions and a review of progress reports. Difficulty - LEVEL C: Considerable - Duties which require a high degree of concentration because of the many factors which must be considered and weighed before a decision can be reached. Usually positions that require planning, developing, and coordinating programs and directing fairly large groups of people fall into this category. Complexity - LEVEL E: Work is of a highly diverse and/or complex nature characterized by a broad range of activities and frequently changing conditions, situations and problems. Considerable analytical thought is necessary for interpreting a variety of factors, problems and alternatives for methods and procedures. Work requires the origination of ideas, techniques and programs for solving technical problems or complicated situations. Workers at this level exercise a high degree of responsibility for independent judgment and may participate in major program changes or policy decisions. Work may be reviewed by occasional conferences or reports to superiors. When guidelines exist at this level, they are normally characterized by regulations, policies or complex technical manuals. Consequences of Actions and Decisions - LEVEL D: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are significant as the work may be rarely if ever reviewed, making errors difficult to detect. Errors may cause major program failure or a high degree of confusion. Injuries to others due to errors are serious or incapacitating or both and costs due to errors are substantial. Contacts - LEVEL C: The purpose of the contact is to influence, motivate, conduct interviews, make formal presentations or counsel to achieve common understanding or solutions to problems when the information is sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are skeptical or uncooperative. Communication techniques and well developed communication skills become an important requirement at this level. Physical Demands - LEVEL A: The work is predominantly sedentary and requires minimal or negligible physical exertion. The employee is normally seated; however, the nature of the work allows for periods of standing or walking at will. Environmental Conditions - LEVEL A: The work environment involves normal everyday hazards or discomforts typical of offices, meeting and training rooms, or libraries. Comfortable levels of temperature, ventilation, lighting and sound are inherent in the work environment. Exposure to deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is only occasional. The likelihood of injury is remote. Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL A: No supervisory or leadership responsibility; may explain work instructions or assist in training others. Distinguishing Features Differs from the Nursing Practice Specialist class which is professional consultative and supervisory work in advising individuals and organizations in the interpretation of the Nurse Practice Act and in the investigation of official complaints made against persons licensed by the State Board of Nursing. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Develops criteria and monitoring procedures for the evaluation of nursing education programs. Makes on-site visits to schools of nursing and other education providers to evaluate their training programs; assesses sufficiency of clinical facilities, total curricula, credentials of faculty, teaching methods, and procedures for selection of students. Analyzes school philosophy and educational objectives to determine appropriateness in relation to type of program, community resources, physical facilities, qualifications and availability of faculty and other personnel. Assists community and professional groups in determining local needs for specific continuing education courses and recommends resource persons for specialized programs. Submits a written report to each nursing school and continuing education program provider to identify strengths and weaknesses and recommend measures to improve the program. Makes recommendations to the State Board of Nursing concerning status of nursing education offerings and implications for change which result from state and national meetings. Interprets trends in nursing education to professional organizations. Administers national nursing examinations. Performs related work as required. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS Knowledge *Knowledge of professional nursing theory and practices, instructional methods and techniques, and counseling techniques. *Knowledge of curricula, course content, and physical and clinical resources needed in nursing school and continuing education programs. Abilities *Ability to interpret the laws, rules, regulations and standards relating to accreditation of schools of nursing and approval of continuing education programs. *Ability to evaluate nursing education programs and to determine compliance with state objectives and standards, and to advise school or program personnel in correct techniques and procedures. *Ability to gain the confidence of and guide nursing school and continuing education program personnel and to establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships with members of the nursing profession, administrators, other employees and the public. *Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
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