Program Director to lead its Vocational Nursing (VN) Program

The Program Director for the Vocational Nursing Program at Stanbridge University is responsible for overseeing program planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement. This includes ensuring compliance with regulations set by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT), recruiting and mentoring faculty, monitoring student performance, and leading curriculum design to align with industry standards.

To be eligible for the Program Director role at Stanbridge University, candidates must hold an active Registered Nurse (RN) license in California, along with a bachelor's degree from a BVNPT-approved school. A master’s degree in nursing, education, or administration is preferred. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of four years as an RN, with at least one year in teaching or clinical supervision in a state-approved nursing program.

A successful Program Director for the Vocational Nursing Program at Stanbridge University should possess strong leadership skills, excellent interpersonal abilities, and a commitment to student success and faculty development. They should also be organized, adept at curriculum development, and able to engage effectively with various stakeholders, including students, faculty, and clinical partners.

The Program Director ensures compliance with accreditation standards by preparing required documentation and reports for BVNPT and other accrediting bodies. This role also involves leading readiness efforts for site visits and continuously monitoring program quality to align with evolving accreditation requirements.

Stanbridge University offers a robust benefits package to the Program Director for the Vocational Nursing Program, which includes health care plans for medical, dental, and vision, retirement plans (401k and IRA), life insurance options, paid time off, and family leave. This comprehensive package reflects the university's commitment to supporting its employees.

In answering this question, highlight specific interventions you've implemented in the past, such as personalized mentoring, adjusting curriculum based on student performance data, or enhancing clinical placements. Emphasize the importance of continuous feedback and collaboration with faculty to nurture student success.

When discussing a successful curriculum development project, include the rationale behind the changes, how you gathered input from stakeholders, and the outcomes achieved. Illustrate your leadership in fostering collaboration across departments to ensure the curriculum meets both industry standards and student needs.

For this question, discuss your approach to conflict resolution, such as open communication, mediation techniques, or informal discussions. Share an example from your past experience where you successfully resolved faculty conflicts and maintained a positive teaching environment.

When answering, mention key performance indicators like retention rates, completion rates, and licensure pass rates. Discuss how you conduct analysis of these metrics to identify areas for improvement, setting realistic goals, and implementing strategies to support student success.

This question is an opportunity to talk about your commitment to professional development. Mention attending workshops, joining nursing associations, participating in continuing education courses, and networking with other educators to remain current with industry trends and regulatory changes.

Answer thoughtfully by considering qualities such as empathy, strong communication skills, and a passion for teaching. Explain how these qualities directly contribute to student engagement and success, using examples from your experience to illustrate your point.

In your response, outline your approach to faculty recruitment, emphasizing your strategy for attracting diverse candidates, conducting thorough interviews, and assessing alignment with program goals. Discuss the importance of fostering a collaborative and supportive faculty environment.

Articulate potential challenges such as changes in regulations, student diversity, or faculty turnover. Discuss your proactive strategies for addressing these challenges, including remaining adaptable, encouraging open feedback, and fostering a supportive program culture.

In answering this question, highlight your approach to professional development initiatives, including workshops, mentorship programs, or opportunities for faculty to engage in research. Emphasize your belief in continuous improvement for both faculty and students.

Share a specific example where you identified an area of improvement in a previous role and the steps you took to implement changes. Discuss the outcome, emphasizing the positive impact on student success and faculty engagement.