Director, Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Specialty Emphasis

Position Summary

The Director of the Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) emphasis within the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program provides academic leadership and specialty expertise and oversight for the emphasis area. The Director ensures alignment of the PNP curriculum with program, College, and accreditation standards; supports faculty in delivering high-quality, evidence-based education; and mentors students in meeting defined program outcomes. Additionally, the Director collaborates with the Assistant Dean of the Master of Science (MS) in Nursing and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), the Assistant Dean, and the Executive Director of Nurse Practitioner (NP) Education to maintain emphasis on quality, advance innovation in teaching and practice, and strengthen partnerships with clinical training sites.

Principal Functions And Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and direction for the specialty emphasis within the DNP program.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate curriculum quality, rigor, and consistency to align with the core curriculum with American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation standards, National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF), and appropriate national nursing standards and competencies in collaboration with faculty, Assistant Dean, and the Executive Director of Nurse Practitioner (NP) Education.
• Oversee admission processes for students in the specialty emphasis, in collaboration with Student Affairs and the Program Manager.
• Mentor and support emphasis faculty in teaching, scholarship, and practice excellence.
• Oversee and guide student progress and promote achievement of program outcomes.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Dean of MS and DNP Programs and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs (as indicated) regarding student issues.
• Collaborate with other emphasis directors, Assistant Dean, Executive Director of NP Education, and faculty on curriculum planning, program assessment, and accreditation activities.
• Develop, coordinate, and sustain relationships with clinical sites to ensure high-quality practice experiences for students.
• Lead ongoing program review, quality improvement, and innovation initiatives related to the specialty emphasis.
• Participate in emphasis-specific student recruitment and marketing in collaboration with the Office of Student Affairs, Academic Operations, Marcom, and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs.
• Provide support of clinical placements and collaborate with Student Services for clinical sites and contracts.
• Complete necessary documentation for student credentialing and licensure.
• Ensure accurate preceptor documentation and placement in EXXAT.
• Provide input and recommendations to faculty teaching assignments and faculty development in collaboration with Division Chair(s).
• Provide input and feedback for faculty performance appraisals within the specialty area.

Criteria/Experience And Qualifications

• Graduate (DNP or PhD) of an accredited College or School of Nursing and either hold a current Utah RN License or be qualified to obtain a Utah RN License.
• Licensed in the state of Utah and nationally certified in the specialty area.
• Strong and contemporary working knowledge of the nursing profession, nursing education related to emphasis, higher education, and health care delivery.
• Demonstrated leadership and participation in accreditation, curriculum development and evaluation, academic advisement, and admissions processes.
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills, and the ability to work collaboratively and productively with individuals and groups.
• Responsible to: Assistant Dean, MS and DNP Programs; Associate Dean of Academic Affairs; and Chair, Division of Graduate Education and Advanced Practice.

Formal Review

A periodic formal review will be organized by the Dean's Office, conducted and reviewed by the Academic Leadership Team

The College of Nursing

The CON is an integral part of University of Utah Health. We are committed to working together to serve the people of Utah and beyond by continually improving individual and community health and quality of life. We strive for excellence in education, research, and clinical care, with each mission being vital to the others and to our overall success.

The University of Utah

The University of Utah is a Big 12 institution located in Salt Lake City nestled in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains. Please visit the following webpages for more information about the University of Utah, Faculty Careers at the University of Utah, and Living in Utah.

Application and Inquiries

Interested candidates should apply online at:

The application requires:

• curriculum vitae,
• cover letter,
• teaching statement, and
• three letters of recommendation from individuals external to the University of Utah and U of U Health.

Please note that letters must be signed, dated and on letterhead.

For additional information, please contact Cami Zollinger, Faculty Affairs Manager at .