Job Title: Clinical Teaching Assistant for Nursing
Agency: East Texas A&M University
Department: Nursing
Proposed Minimum Salary: Commensurate
Job Type: Staff
Job Description
The Clinical Teaching Assistant for Nursing provides direct supervision, instruction, and mentorship to nursing students in various clinical practice settings (hospitals, clinics, long‑term care facilities). The role facilitates the application of theoretical nursing knowledge to real‑world patient care, fosters critical thinking and clinical judgment, and ensures safe and effective practice. Clinical Teaching Assistants collaborate with clinical faculty and agency staff to create a high‑quality learning environment aligned with course objectives and professional standards.
Summary
This part‑time position is grant‑funded through July 2027. Continued employment beyond this date is contingent upon continued funding and programmatic needs.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Clinical Instruction and Supervision
- Supervise and guide nursing students in the delivery of patient care in assigned clinical settings under MSN‑prepared clinical faculty supervision.
- Facilitate the application of the nursing process (assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, evaluation) by students.
- Promote and evaluate students’ critical thinking, clinical judgment, and decision‑making skills in complex patient situations.
- Observe and evaluate student performance of nursing skills, including patient assessments, vital sign measurement, medication administration, wound care, Foley catheter insertion, and documentation.
- Provide immediate, constructive, and individualized feedback to students on their clinical performance, identifying strengths and areas for improvement.
- Ensure students adhere to all clinical agency policies, procedures, and safety protocols, including HIPAA and infection control.
- Collaborate with clinical agency staff (unit nurses, charge nurses, physicians) to optimize student learning opportunities and ensure safe patient care.
- Lead and facilitate pre‑ and post‑conference discussions with students to encourage reflection, active learning, and connection between theory and practice.
- Address student concerns or performance issues promptly and professionally, escalating to the Clinical Coordinator or course faculty as needed.
- Assessment and Evaluation
- Conduct ongoing formative and summative evaluations of student clinical performance using established departmental tools and rubrics.
- Accurately and thoroughly document student progress, performance, and any critical incidents in accordance with departmental guidelines.
- Provide rationale for grades assigned for clinical performance.
- Collaboration and Professionalism
- Collaborate effectively with the Clinical Coordinator, course faculty, and other clinical instructors to ensure consistency and quality of clinical experiences.
- Maintain professional boundaries and strictly uphold confidentiality regarding student and patient information.
- Adhere to all departmental, college, clinical agency, and professional nursing policies, procedures, and ethical standards.
- Demonstrate a commitment to student success and the mission of the nursing program and the institution.
- Participate in required clinical orientations, faculty meetings, and professional development opportunities.
Minimum Requirements
- Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution.
- Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
- Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
- Strong organizational and time‑management abilities.
- Demonstrated proficiency in a wide range of nursing skills and procedures.
- Ability to effectively mentor, teach, and provide constructive feedback to students.
- Competency in basic computer applications (Microsoft Office Suite, electronic health records, learning management systems).
- Ability to adapt to various clinical environments and student learning needs.
- Licensing: Current, active, and unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Texas.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and lift up to 25 pounds regularly, with occasional lifting or assisting with patient repositioning up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to demonstrate and perform nursing skills requiring manual dexterity and fine motor skills.
- Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to assess students, monitor the clinical environment, and respond to alarms or patient needs.
- Ability to withstand prolonged periods of standing and walking in a busy clinical environment.
Work Environment
- Primarily within various clinical healthcare facilities (hospitals, clinics, long‑term care facilities).
- Exposure to medical equipment, supplies, and potential biohazards common in healthcare settings.
- Requires working a flexible schedule, including days, evenings, and/or weekends, based on clinical rotation schedules.
Other Requirements
- Must have exceptional organization skills, including the ability to handle a significant caseload and manage multiple deadlines.
Preferred Education / Skills/ Experience
- Previous experience as a clinical instructor or preceptor in a nursing education program.
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or enrollment in an MSN program.
- Certification in a nursing specialty (Medical‑Surgical, Critical Care, Pediatrics).
Supervision of Others
Generally does not supervise.
Critical Infrastructure Competency
Ability to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, including communications systems, computer networks, cybersecurity systems, electrical grid, hazardous waste treatment, or water treatment systems.
Required Documents
- Cover Letter
- Resume/CV
- Three professional references with complete contact information
- Transcripts (Unofficial accepted with application; Official required at time of offer)
- If transcripts are from an international institution, the applicant must have them translated and evaluated by an approved credential evaluator.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, current resume/CV, copies of their unencumbered Texas RN license and BSN transcript, and contact information for three professional references to the specified application portal.
Competitive Benefits & Work-Life Balance
- Employee tuition assistance for master’s and doctoral programs.
- Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and long‑term disability insurance.
- ETAMU contributions to employee health and basic life insurance premiums.
- 12‑15 days of annual paid holidays, plus up to eight hours of paid sick leave and vacation each month.
- Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), with optional additional retirement plans (ORP).
- Physical wellness program and wellness release time for eligible employees.
Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.