Assistant Professor, DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Florida Gulf Coast University’s School of Nursing invites applications for an Assistant Professor to support planned program growth in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) major. This full-time, 12-month, on-campus continuing appointment focuses on educating future Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) through innovative, evidence-based nursing practice.

About the Role

The Assistant Professor, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) will develop and implement educational courses, including classroom, lab instruction, and clinical practice. Responsibilities include planning diverse teaching strategies for lecture, online, and hybrid formats, as well as identifying and overseeing clinical preceptors. The role involves advising, supervising, and evaluating PMHNP practicum students in collaboration with preceptors.

FGCU values curiosity, commitment, and collaboration, fostering an environment of innovation, accountability, and mutual respect.

Responsibilities

• Teach a full load of theory, laboratory, and clinical courses each academic year (Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters) primarily in the DNP Program, with potential assignments in graduate or undergraduate programs.
• Engage in research and scholarship as outlined in the Faculty Performance Evaluation Document (FPED) and College documents.
• Plan, prepare, and teach assigned courses, including developing syllabi, instructional materials, and assessments.
• Deliver consistent, interactive, and engaging lectures aligned with curriculum goals and accreditation standards.
• Maintain high standards of classroom instruction and engage in reflective self-assessment for continuous improvement.
• Hold regular office hours and provide academic advising and individual support to students.
• Utilize the University’s learning management system and other instructional technologies effectively.
• Collaborate with departmental faculty on curriculum development and program advancement.
• Ensure curriculum outcomes and accreditation standards are met.
• Establish and maintain an active research program, including opportunities for student involvement.
• Demonstrate evidence of scholarly publication and grantsmanship.
• Engage in continued professional development and maintain professional skills appropriate to rank and field.
• Actively participate in departmental, college, and university committees and meetings.
• Contribute to community, institutional, and professional service in support of the University’s mission.
• Participate in faculty evaluation, student learning assessment, and required training activities.
• Communicate professionally and in a timely manner with students, colleagues, staff, and administrators.
• Uphold the highest standards of integrity, responsibility, and excellence in all professional activities.
• Comply with University policies, procedures, and the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Earned doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, DNP) in nursing, education, or a health-related field from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent.
• Current national certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
• Current unrestricted APRN licensure or eligibility for APRN licensure in the state of Florida.
• Current certification in American Heart Association CPR for Healthcare Provider.
• Clinical practice experience in the role of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).

Preferred Qualifications

• Five or more years of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner practice experience.
• Experience teaching in the clinical setting.
• Experience with the development and delivery of online coursework.
• Evidence of scholarship leading to professional presentations, research, and/or publications.
• Service in professional organizations (e.g., membership and/or committee involvement).
• Experience working with local mental health providers and organizations to establish clinical placements and preceptors.
• Bi- or multi-lingual, with Spanish preferred as one of the languages.

Skills

• Knowledge of nursing and clinical nursing practice.
• Understanding of major concepts, assumptions, debates, and processes of inquiry in the discipline.
• Ability to use digital and interactive technologies for achieving learning goals.
• Knowledge of critical thinking processes and strategies to develop high-level questioning skills.
• Skill in inquiry-based instructional models and strategies.
• Expertise in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing with an emphasis on engaging and innovative pedagogy.
• Ability to use technology in various teaching modalities (e.g., face-to-face, synchronous online, or asynchronous online).
• Proficiency in computer applications and web-based tools for work tasks.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with stakeholders within and outside the University to improve student learning.
• Ability to contribute to student recruitment, retention, and support.
• Ability to participate in strategic planning initiatives to build programs and community partnerships.
• Demonstrated ability to provide effective classroom and clinical instruction in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing.
• Ability to contribute to the development, implementation, and evaluation of academic programs.
• Ability to maintain professional competence and certification in the PMHNP specialty.
• Proven ability to think strategically and approach challenges with creativity.
• Demonstrated track record of reliability, meeting goals, and accountability.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working effectively across teams.

Institutional Values & Behavioral Expectations

• Seek out new approaches to improve outcomes and remain open to feedback and new ideas.
• Lead with integrity, produce high-quality work, and persevere to meet deadlines.
• Share information thoughtfully, build partnerships, and communicate respectfully.
• Support colleagues to achieve common goals.

Schedule

This is a full-time, 12-month, on-campus continuing appointment with an anticipated start date of August 2026.