Assistant Director, Nursing Learning Laboratories

Boston College William F. Connell School of Nursing; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Boston College William F. Connell School of Nursing seeks an Assistant Director of Learning Laboratories to develop, implement, and evaluate procedures for clinical learning and simulation labs.

The role leads simulations, mentors faculty, and manages lab resources to support nursing education. You will collaborate with directors and staff to schedule labs, oversee equipment and inventory, and promote evidence-based pedagogical approaches in undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education

Qualifications

• BSN or MS, APRN, or Ph.D. with at least one nursing degree.
• Three+ years of clinical nursing experience.
• 1+ year in education or simulation lab preferred.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities.
• Knowledge of experiential learning and simulation pedagogy.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with faculty to plan, develop, and implement simulation and lab materials.
• Facilitate simulations and debriefings using best practices.
• Mentor new lab and simulation faculty and supervise teaching assistants.
• Schedule labs, manage resources, and maintain safety and compliance.
• Oversee inventory, equipment, and vendor relations for lab spaces.

Skills

Communication skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

English proficiency

Leadership

Resource management

Teaching assistance

Education

Nursing degree (BSN/MS/PhD)

Nursing licensure/eligibility

Tools

Simulation labs equipment management

Lab scheduling software

Job description

This position assists the Director of Clinical Learning and Simulation Centers in developing, implementing, and evaluating procedures for the effective and efficient functioning of the clinical learning and simulation labs. The Assistant Director, Learning Laboratories facilitates simulations and supports clinical learning, manages nursing supply inventory, and assists in the design and adaptation of lab courses to include simulated scenarios. Works with the Director and also the Assistant Director of Simulation Operations, Simulation Center on all aspects of the learning labs and simulation center. The assistant director collaborates to schedule use of these labs and related resources with input from faculty and other lab staff. Provides leadership for simulated learning to faculty and students in an environment that fosters clinical judgment and enhances psychomotor skill competence.

Responsible for day-to-day decision making within the scope of all aspects of the clinical learning and simulation centers. Collaborates with the lab team to schedule labs, allocate consumable resources, and equipment, and establish policies to promote the safe and efficient use of learning labs and simulation centers. Works with the Director to solve problems that have a larger impact on the lab space, lab resources, and/or nursing curriculum.

Exercises problem-solving with regard to pedagogical efficacy in developing a positive learning environment.
Exercises problem-solving with regard to technical issues and changes due to anticipation of future needs.
Works with faculty to prioritize lab needs and schedule use of labs, equipment, and resources accordingly.
Works with the lab team and CSON staff to determine purchasing needs and evaluate vendors.

Responsible for operation of nursing and simulation labs staffed for multiple hours per week. Hours of operation extend past normal business hours. Ability to stand for 4+ hours required. Must be able to safely move equipment and boxes up to 80 pounds (lifting equipment is available). Cleaning equipment and environment with appropriate materials.

Teaching and Mentoring:

• Collaborates with course faculty in planning, developing, and implementing simulation, teaching/learning strategies and laboratory course materials.
• Facilitates simulations using best practices for simulation.
• Conducts debriefing within their scope of knowledge or assist in the facilitation of debriefing with a content expert.
• Orients and mentors new lab and simulation faculty.
• Supervises teaching assistants if teaching in the same section.
• Communicates with clinical faculty regarding student progress and learning issues.
• Orients and mentors faculty and students in the use of simulation and experiential learning pedagogy including proper use of equipment, best practices, and instruction.

Lab & Simulation Center Operations & Management:

• Collaborates with the Director and Assistant Director of Simulation Operations to manage and provide general oversight of the laboratory set-ups for undergraduate, graduate and Continuing Education classes.
• Schedules, provides oversight, and tracks open lab time and resources by students.
• Enhances professional growth and development and keeps up-to-date on simulation equipment and best practices by reviewing current literature and relevant educational research, attending training sessions and regional conferences, and using other resources.
• Supervises, maintains, and manages storage of lab inventory including consumable supplies and linens. Works with the Assistant Director of Simulation Operations in the ordering, inventory, and storage of all simulation or laboratory equipment.Provides management guidance around any equipment obsolescence and innovation planning.
• Works with the Director and Assistant Director of Simulation Operations in the management of graduate teaching assistants and work study laboratory assistants including initial interview and orientation to role, weekly workload assignments, and coordination of work study team.
• Integrate standards from professional organizations including the International Association for Clinical Learning in Simulation, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Society for Simulation in Healthcare, and Association for Standardized Patient Educators, and others into lab practices and education.

Promotes Lab and Simulation Pedagogy in CSON & Community:

• Participates with the Director and Assistant Director of Simulation Operations in scholarship related to experiential learning and simulation including research, intramural and extramural grant writing, and contribution to the body of knowledge in simulation.
• Participates in CSON committees as assigned.
• Assists with Open Houses for prospective students other annual or occasional events (may occur on weekends).
• Provides expertise and assistance to faculty to promote use of simulation and other experiential learning methods in both the lab and in situ for courses throughout the undergraduate and graduate curriculums.
• Assist faculty in use of virtual simulation, including selection of products, implementation, pre-briefing, and debriefing.

Education: BSN or MS, APRN, or Ph.D. At least one degree must be in nursing. Current or eligible for MA RN license.

Three or more years of clinical nursing experience.

One or more years in education and/or in simulation lab preferred.
Effective verbal/written communication skills and proficiency in English language.

Knowledge and specific training related to experiential learning and simulation in nursing.

• Ability to provide psychomotor skills training and instruction in a nursing laboratory setting.
• Knowledge of current operational, facilities, and equipment requirements of a clinical nursing laboratory and simulation lab.
• Knowledge of current and emerging trends in technologies, techniques, and approaches in areas of expertise.
• Skills in organizing resources and establishing priorities