The purpose of this program is to partner with local colleges to provide clinical practicum instruction services to the future nursing workforce by serving in the role of adjunct nurse faculty when collegiate semesters are in session.

Nurse Partnership Program Aims:

This dual role has two aims:

Continuation of employment as a full-time staff nurse working on a medical-surgical unit while adjusting scheduled shifts from 3 shifts a week, to two shifts a week only during time periods when clinical practicum instruction is occurring.

During this period participants are expected to follow the clinical staffing guidelines set forth through policy and nursing leadership, but generally will result in two, 12-hour patient care shifts per week with rotating weekends.

Participants are expected to work with nursing leadership to ensure all patient care shifts are scheduled, according to protocol.

Participant is expected to remain in good standing, adhering to all  medical center policies.

Hold a secondary assignment as a clinical instructor that is available to work with partner schools of nursing (SON).

The hours and shifts for this position are flexible and can vary, but generally fall between the hours of 6 am and 7:30 pm, 1 shift per week. (Evening/Night options available for clinical rotations)

Participants will ensure they meet all orientation and onboarding requirements for the SON they will be partnered with for the semester

Participants will complete the NC AHEC Nursing Clinical Instructor Course within 1 year of agreeing to participate, with preference of completion within the first 4 months.

Participants are expected to work with the SON  to schedule instructor-led shifts, ensuring that they do not coincide with any patient care shifts that fall under the clinical staffing guidelines for weekend rotations and holidays. 

Assume responsibility for teaching assignments as designated by the SON department chairperson and approved by the dean.

Assume responsibility for being familiar with and adhering to all policies of the affiliated School of Nursing.

Requirements to Participate:

Participants in the Nursing Partnership Program will have graduated from an accredited School of Nursing, and are required to have a BSN, with preference for a MSN, and at least 2 years of acute care experience. Registered Nurse licensure from the State of North Carolina and current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS). Employed, in good standing, on an adult medical-surgical acute care unit (including general medicine, cardiology, surgical, neurology and oncology floors) with recommendation from their nurse manager. Endorsement through participating SON

Compensation:

 Non-Exempt Role

When a participant is performing the work of a staff nurse they will continue to receive their current rate of pay and shift differentials, if applicable. When a participant is in the role of clinical instructor, they will receive an alternate rate for each hour worked.

Participant will utilize the failure to badge process to notify time and labor coordinators of hours worked as a clinical instructor.

Overtime accrued at time and a half, per normal practice.

Selection Criteria

Each year, partnering SON will evaluate number of adjunct faculty positions ‘seats’ they need to fill CNO or designee will alert nurses currently employed on medical-surgical units to enter requests to participate, including recommendation from nurse manager.  Endorsement from partnering SON will occur at an agreed upon date between employer and SON.