An Invitation to Apply:
Medical Surgical Nursing Faculty Members
Associate of Applied Science Program (AAS)
School of Nursing
College of Health and Social Welfare
University of Alaska Anchorage
“As a partner in shaping health care for Alaska, the School of Nursing educates students for current and future roles in local, state, national, and worldwide arenas. The School addresses the diverse and unique health care challenges across the state by sharing expertise in education, service, policy, and political arenas and through innovative research for the discovery and dissemination of new knowledge.”
Mission of the School of Nursing
THE SEARCH
The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) invites nominations and applications for two Medical Surgical Nursing Faculty positions in the Associate of Applied Science Program (AAS) in the School of Nursing, which is a part of the College of Health and Social Welfare. The University seeks an innovative, energetic faculty who have a passion for building strong nursing education programs that address health care challenges in the State and beyond. The ideal candidate is one who is passionately committed to making a difference.
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in nursing. Clinical experience in surgical nursing is required; experience in additional specialty areas (e.g., medical-surgical nursing, pediatric nursing, or psychiatric nursing) is preferred. Applicants must be eligible for licensure as a registered nurse in the State of Alaska. Candidates with teaching and curriculum development experience in nursing––particularly at the associate degree level, and with experience in distance delivery of instruction––is preferred.
Additionally, it is essential that the applicant have experience in a complex environment, along with a high degree of knowledge and comfort with current technology that includes distance education. S/he must have exceptional communication skills, and proven success in working with community and university constituencies. The executive search firm The Hollander Group, http://www.thehollandergroup.net, has been retained to assist the School in this recruitment effort.
Positions are Full-time, Regular appointment, Tenure-track, 9 months/year.
THE UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE
As Alaska’s largest university, UAA (www.uaa.alaska.edu) comprises seven teaching units at the main campus in Anchorage, which include the College of Education, the College of Health and Social Welfare, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business and Public Policy, the Community and Technical College, and the Schools of Nursing, Engineering, and Social Work. In addition, UAA consists of four community campuses: Matanuska-Susitna College, Kenai Peninsula College, Kodiak College, and Prince William Sound Community College. Additionally, UAA has three extended sites, located at Eagle River, Elmendorf Air Force Base, and Fort Richardson.
UAA’s colleges and programs offer more than 145 degrees, including 28 master’s programs and 52 baccalaureate degrees. UAA enrolls 20,401 students within the entire university, of which 14,420 students are on the main campus in Anchorage. Sixty-nine (69) percent of matriculated students are undergraduates, while thirty-one (31) percent are graduate students. UAA provides a broad range of educational and social
opportunities, while still retaining a sense of community and belonging to the rich infrastructure that is Anchorage and Alaska. It serves traditional and non-traditional students of all ages, and is strongly committed to providing quality education for diverse populations. Approximately 27 percent of UAA’s students are members of a minority group.
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA
Alaska is home to 17 of the 20 highest peaks in the United States, including Mt.
McKinley, the tallest mountain in North America. There are also three million lakes that are more that 20 acres in size. A myriad of engaging opportunities await including: hiking, skiing, watching amazing wildlife including whale-watching, biking, rafting, camping, fishing, hunting, viewing glaciers, seeing the Trans Alaska Pipeline, attending concerts and theater, going to art galleries and museums, and much more. Home of the University’s main campus, Anchorage itself is Alaska’s largest city with 42 percent of the state’s population. Anchorage itself stretches approximately 1,955 square miles––about the size of Delaware. Anchorage sits at the base of the Chugach Mountains along the coast of Cook Inlet in south-central Alaska. It boasts 200 miles of bike trails and many nights of the year, the spectacular aurora borealis can be seen.
There are many misconceptions about Anchorage weather. Anchorage is protected by the Chugach Mountains and warmed by Japanese currents of the Pacific Ocean giving it a much milder climate than most people realize. Spring through fall, Anchorage's climate is similar to San Francisco's spring weather, with temperatures that can reach into the 70's. Summer highs average 65 degrees F/18 degrees C. Winters bring on the snow with high temperatures dipping into the 20s, creating a climate very much like ski resorts in the Rocky Mountains, Canada, or Europe. Low humidity also contributes to Anchorage's comfortable climate. In Anchorage, there are 24 hours of functional daylight on Summer Solstice. See http://www.anchorage.net/605.cfm for more information about Anchorage’s uniquely moderate and appealing weather.
The University of Alaska Anchorage College of Health and Social Welfare
The College of Health and Social Welfare (chsw.uaa.alaska.edu) is comprised of the School of Nursing, the Division of Health Sciences, the Justice Center, the Department of Human Services, the Department of Health Sciences, and the School of Social Work. The College offers a variety of certificate, undergraduate, and graduate degree program
options for students who are attracted to people-oriented careers. It also provides a unique opportunity to engage in cross-disciplinary studies that interrelate the human aspects of our culture, thereby helping prepare graduates for the increasingly integrated approaches to service delivery demanded by society.
Professional programs housed within the College share a common focus upon and interest in issues that have an impact on the development, health, and well-being of individuals and communities. The coordinated instructional, service and scholarship efforts of the faculty in the various curricula are enhanced and supported by the inclusion of the collaborative research and service activities in the Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies including its Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, the Center for Human Development including the Geriatric Education Center, and the Alaska Center for Rural Health. Through multi-disciplinary approaches, UAA’s Schools, Departments, Centers and Institutes take direct action to address the needs and potentials of Alaska's peoples and communities.
THE UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE SCHOOL OF NURSING
As a partner in shaping health care for Alaska, the UAA School of Nursing
(nursing.uaa.alaska.edu) offers programs to help ensure that the citizens of Alaska have continuous access to the nursing workforce they need to meet their health care needs. Toward that end, the School of Nursing offers programs to prepare individuals for entry- level practice as registered nurses (R.N.'s), as licensed practical nurses (L.P.N.'s),
advanced nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and nursing administrators. Although programs are centered in Anchorage on the main UAA campus, several programs are offered at other campuses in the University of Alaska statewide system or designed to make it easy for Alaskans residing anywhere in the state to pursue nursing studies.
The UAA School of Nursing offers Alaskans affordable, high quality nursing education. It is the only school in the State that regularly offers Alaskans the opportunity to become registered nurses (R.N.'s) or to enter a variety of advanced practical nursing roles. The faculty at the UAA School of Nursing are clinical experts, outstanding teachers, and actively engaged in research particularly relevant to Alaska.
Students are involved in decision-making in the School and make important contributions to the University and the larger community. Graduates can be found in nearly every health facility in the State as well as in other states and countries.
HISTORY
The Master of Science (M.S.) program in nursing was initiated in 1981 with funding from a federal grant. In 1996, following a restructuring of the University of Alaska
Anchorage, the nursing programs were consolidated into the School of Nursing, within the College of Health, Education, and Social Welfare.
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program in nursing was initiated, in 1973, at Alaska Methodist University (AMU), which was later named Alaska Pacific University. In 1976, when financial difficulties forced the temporary closure of AMU, the nursing program was transferred to the Anchorage Senior College of the University of Alaska. Over the next several years, the Anchorage Senior College evolved into a comprehensive four-year university and was renamed the University of Alaska Anchorage. In 1987, following a major restructuring of the University of Alaska system of higher education, the
baccalaureate nursing program became part of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences.
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program in nursing was established at
Anchorage Community College in 1971. In 1987, following a major restructuring of the University of Alaska system of higher education, the AAS program became part of the College of Career and Vocational Education. Three years later, in 1991, the program became part of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences.
SCHOOL OF NURSING: NOTEWORTHY FACTS
The UAA School of Nursing has nearly 400 students enrolled in the Master of Science, Bachelor of Science, Associate of Applied Science, and Practical Nursing programs. Approximately 55 of those students are pursuing their studies while continuing to reside in communities distant from Anchorage.
The faculty is comprised of nearly 40 individuals, located in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Kodiak, Bethel, and Ketchikan. As a result of enrollment expansion, the faculty is expected to grow by nearly 25 percent over the next couple of years, with new faculty being located in Anchorage, Juneau, Sitka, and the Kenai Peninsula.
Staff members of the School of Nursing number 18 individuals, serving in clerical and professional positions, wherein they provide a myriad of functions including academic advising for students, managing the nursing computer and skills laboratories, offering technical support for computer operations, and delivering clerical support for the academic program. Four staff members operate the Project for the Recruitment and Retention of Alaska Natives into Nursing (RRANN) http://nursing.uaa.alaska.edu/rrann/. This is a grant-funded project that seeks to increase the number of Alaska Native nurses, which encourages personal growth within an academic setting, and recognizes individual strengths and cultural diversity. Additionally, one staff member serves as coordinator of the Nursing Enrollment Expansion Project, http://nursing.uaa.alaska.edu/growth/, which seeks to double the number of nursing graduates by 2006, while expanding the use of geographically diverse clinical sites and allowing individuals to progress through levels of education with minimal disruption and duplication.
ACCREDITATION
The University of Alaska Anchorage itself is accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, whose next visit to UAA will be in 2010. The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, whose next visit is scheduled in 2008. The Bachelor of Science program and the Master of Science program in nursing are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, whose next visit is scheduled for 2010. As a new program, the Practical Nurse Certificate Program will not be reviewed for
accreditation until after several classes have graduated. All of the programs leading to initial licensure as a nurse (L.P.N. or R.N.) are fully approved by the Alaska Board of Nursing.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS Masters of Science Program
Graduate studies at the master's level place primary emphasis upon advanced professional nursing practice, theory, research, and health care delivery systems. Additionally,
students are encouraged to develop a specialized practice focus in Community Health Nursing, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing, Health Care Administration, or as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Master's level studies provide the student with a basis for further study at the doctoral level. Graduates in each program are eligible to write the national certification examinations in the respective area.
Bachelor of Science Program
Students pursuing the baccalaureate degree in nursing science are provided both the theory and clinical base to enable them to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate health care to meet the needs of individuals, families, groups, and communities whose health status varies qualitatively and quantitatively. Students working on a B.S. in Nursing Science may choose from two options: the Basic Student Option and the Registered Nurse Option.
Associate Applied Science and Practical Nursing Certificate Programs
Graduates of the AAS Program are prepared to provide direct nursing care to individuals in inpatient settings and structured outpatient settings. The program provides students with a closely related mix of theory and clinical practice, whereby they gain clinical experience in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. The program requires a minimum of two years of full-time study. [NOTE: MORE IS NEEDED HERE]
Graduates of the Practical Nursing Certificate Program are prepared to provide basic nursing care in structured care settings under the supervision of a registered nurse or other authorized licensed health provider. Students acquire theoretical concepts by completing a series of computer-based lessons, coupled with weekly class discussions. Simultaneously, clinical learning experiences under the direct supervision of faculty reinforce theoretical learning and facilitate development of clinical skills relevant to the legal scope of practice of the practical nurse. Graduates are eligible to sit for the national practical nurse licensing examination (NCLEX-PN) and are prepared for initial
employment in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care settings.
UAA NURSING STUDENT PROFILE ACADEMIC
PROGRAMS
NUMBER OF STUDENTS % MINORITY OTHER
Master of Science 67+ FNP - 45 Psych - 11 Admin - 5 Community - 3 Grad study - 3 ~4% 3% male Bachelor of Science 264 23.6% 10% male Associate Applied Science 130 total 62 on main campus 68 at 5 distant sites 19% 14% male Practical Nursing Certificate Program Fall 2003 31 total 13 on main campus 18 at 3 distant sites Spring 2004 32 total 16 on main campus 16 at 2 distant sites Fall 03 – 80% Spring 04 – 31% Males Fall 03 – 10% Spring 04 - 19%
GOVERNANCE
All Faculty members report to the Director of the School who reports to the Dean of the College of Health and Social Welfare. Dr. Cheryl Easley has been the Dean of the College of Health and Social Welfare at UAA since 2003. Prior to that time, she had wide-ranging experience in academia and nursing service. Dr. Easley has her Ph.D. and Masters degrees in nursing from New York University, and her undergraduate degree from Columbia Union College, also in nursing.
FACULTY
Positions reporting directly to the Director, School of Nursing includes: 35 full time and five part-time faculty positions, seven non-faculty professional staff, and nine clerical staff. Faculty rank and years at UAA are listed as follows.
Note: Tripartite faculties are doctorally prepared (except for two, one term and one tenured long ago) and have responsibilities in instruction (60 percent), service (20 percent), and scholarship (20 percent). Bipartite faculty are Master’s prepared and have responsibilities for instruction (80 percent - 12 credits/semester) and service (20 percent).
Rank Number of Faculty UAA
Professor B.S./M.S. Programs 2 tenured 1 term AAS Program 1 tenured B.S./M.S. Programs 2 tenured – 19 years 1 term – 2 years AAS Program 1 tenured - 21 years Associate Professor B.S./M.S. Programs
5 tenured AAS Program 1 tenured 1 tenure track B.S./M.S. Programs 5 tenured – 16.6 years AAS Program 1 tenured – 9 years 1 TT – 2 years Assistant Professor B.S./M.S. Programs
5 term 9 tenure-track AAS Program 3 term 7 tenure track P.N. Program 2 tenure-track 1 term B.S./M.S. Programs 5 term – 1.2 years
9 tenure track – 2.7 years AAS Program
3 term - .67
7 tenure track – 1.2 years P.N. Program
2 tenure track – 1.5 years 1 term – 2 years
Instructor P.N. Program
1 term
P.N. Program 1 term – 1.5 years Adjunct Faculty (part-tie
temporary)
B.S./M.S. Programs FY 04 – 46
The majority have taught at UAA for more than one
AAS Program FY 04 – 7 P.N. Program FY 04 – 0
semester, some for several years
FINANCE
The School’s primary source of funding for operations is through appropriations from the state of Alaska. The overall budget for the current fiscal year is approximately $4.5 million, of which $4.5 is from State appropriations, $0.83 million is from industry contributions, and $0.13 million is generated from student lab fees. An additional $0.75 million is available to support Native Student Recruitment and Retention activities over the next two years; those funds are from a direct appropriation (earmark) funneled through the DHHS Office of Rural Health Policy.
CHALLENGES FOR THE SCHOOL OF NURSING Accommodating Increased Enrollment
The School faces a number of challenges associated with a state mandate to expand the School in order to double the nursing graduate rate by 2006. The School is on track to attain this goal. This has been partially achieved by employing distance education technology. Fortunately, there are many students who wish to enroll in the program. Special emphasis is being placed on the recruitment and retention of Alaskan Native students with the RRANN (Recruitment & Retention of Alaskan Natives Nursing) program (see above) well underway.
Incorporating Technical Programs in an Academic Environment
Although Practical Nursing programs are typically not found in university academic environments, the UAA School of Nursing has chosen to embrace this program in order to assure and enhance its quality. This is viewed as a key aspect of increasing the breadth and depth of health care delivery to Alaska’s various constituencies and communities.
Developing Nursing Academic Programs Which Are Responsive to the Health Care Needs of Alaska
The School is acutely aware of, and attentive to, the health care needs of the citizens of Alaska in order to tailor academic programs to address their often-unique aspects. (See http://www.chems.alaska.gov) Among these are:
• Improvement of access to primary care in order to reduce health care delivery disparities between urban vs. rural and underserved populations. Often this involves frontier-nursing challenges faced by small villages of a few hundred people.
• Emergency nursing services and trauma care systems development in a state where many established communities have little road access.
• Need for public health education for a variety of pressing health care needs including diabetes, depression, and injury prevention.
• Increased need to validate, define, develop and execute staffing strategies for urgently needed nurse practitioners.
RESPONSIBILITIES: The faculty member will provide classroom and clinical teaching to first and second year associate degree nursing students located in Anchorage and at distant sites; teaching assignment will include perinatal nursing.[???] The
professor works with other faculty to plan, implement, and evaluate existing associate degree nursing curriculum and participates in university and community service activities. Scholarship is included in the work expectations of doctorally prepared faculty.
QUALIFICATIONS: Applicant must hold at least one graduate degree in nursing and background in medical-surgical nursing. Clinical experience in medical-surgical nursing is required; experience in additional specialty areas (e.g., medical-surgical nursing, pediatric nursing, or psychiatric nursing) is preferred. Applicants must be eligible for licensure as registered nurse in the State of Alaska. Candidate with teaching and
curriculum development experience in nursing, particularly at the associate degree level, and with experience in distance delivery of instruction is preferred.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate for this position is one who is passionately committed to making a difference in the world, using Alaska’s unique health care environment as the portal. S/he will personify the mission and vision set forth by the School of Nursing and UAA. While it is realized that no candidate will exhibit all desired qualities in equal
proportions, the ideal candidate will possess the following:
• Proven ability to work with people, with a flexible, collegial interpersonal style
• Broad perspective on issues at a state wide level
• Collaborative within the College of Health and Social Welfare • The interest and ability to build cross disciplinary degrees • Leadership skills
• Sensitivity and perceptiveness necessary to function successfully in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic environment
• Proven interpersonal, communication and listening skills
• A management style that motivates and engenders success in others within the School, the campus, the community and beyond
• Superior ability to lead and manage all aspects of funding and fiscal oversight for the School in both operational and planning contexts
Salary:
Salary is commensurate with academic preparation and experience. UAA has excellent benefits including health and life insurance, retirement, and educational benefits. This is a bargaining unit represents this position
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
. Application packet for this position must include:
• A University of Alaska Applicant Form - mandatory when applying for any UA position;
University of Alaska Applicant Form (interactive PDF) University of Alaska Applicant Form (print and complete)
• A cover letter (please note the PCN 300385-02 and 301391-02 on your cover letter);
• A detailed professional vita containing educational preparation, work experience, research and publications;
• Copies of college transcripts (official transcripts will be required prior to hiring); and
• The names, email addresses, and telephone numbers of three (3) professional references that can comment on your clinical and instructional skills.
Print and complete form:
http://www.alaska.edu/hr/forms/PDF/applicant_form.pdf Interactive PDF application form:
http://www.alaska.edu/hr/forms/PDF_ent/applicant_form_ent.pdf
The search committee is accepting applications immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Please send application materials, preferably by email, in strict confidence to:
Sharon M. Flynn Hollander and Clifford R. Hollander The Hollander Group
Info@thehollandergroup.net Phone: 202-270-8772 Fax: 202-337-4046
The University of Alaska Anchorage is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages a diverse pool of candidates for this search.
Appendix I: Purposes of the School of Nursing
The vision statement is actualized through the purposes of the School of Nursing (revised 12/00). Those purposes include the following:
1. Promote the purposes and philosophy of the University of Alaska Anchorage by implementing and maintaining the academic programs in nursing, which are responsive to the unique educational and health care needs of the citizens of the State of Alaska.
2. Provide individuals with a sequence of learning opportunities that culminate in a degree or certificate that qualifies them to provide nursing care services at levels consistent with their abilities and interests and that confers eligibility to write the appropriate national licensing examination.
3. Provide individuals who have previously completed a nursing education program with the opportunity to advance their knowledge and expertise to higher levels of nursing practice and to advance their educational credential in nursing.
4. Provide the beginning nurse with the knowledge and skill competencies necessary to respond to consumer needs in a variety of service settings.
5. Prepare individuals to deliver advanced nursing services, including primary care services to meet consumer, community, and organizational needs in a variety of traditional and nontraditional service settings.
6. Facilitate the development of a culturally, ethnically, and socially diverse nursing workforce that reflects those characteristics of the population served by the nursing community.
7. Promote research activities to advance nursing education, clinical practice, and scholarship.
8. Provide service to the community and the profession through sharing of health services expertise by faculty and students.
9. Recruit and support the development of nursing faculty who will serve the community, the state, and the nursing profession in consultation, leadership, scholarship, and unique service roles.
