Lecturer or Assistant Professor in Nursing Education

Western Colorado University • Gunnison, CO

4d • $62,000 - $85,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Western Colorado University is seeking to fill a full-time faculty position in its Nursing Education Program. This role can be at the Lecturer (non-tenure track) or Assistant Professor (tenure-track) level, depending on the candidate's qualifications. The position is crucial for the launch and expansion of Western’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, involving instruction in didactic, laboratory, clinical, and simulation settings. The ideal candidate will possess expertise in Maternal-Newborn (Mother-Baby) and Pediatric nursing, teaching these concepts and courses within the BSN curriculum. Potential courses include Foundations of Nursing, Evidence-Based Nursing Practice, Health Promotion and Assessment Across the Lifespan, Nursing Care of Older Adults, Nursing Care of Children and Families, population health, and rural health nursing, with a primary focus on Maternal-Newborn and Pediatric content. The role requires teaching a 24-credit load, providing clinical supervision and advising, and contributing to curriculum development and accreditation. Opportunities exist for leadership in simulation and program development. The Nursing Program prioritizes undergraduate education, rural and population health, clinical excellence, and student success through mentoring, simulation, and community partnerships. Faculty will collaborate with the Director of the Nursing Education Program on accreditation, curriculum, student recruitment, retention, and clinical placements. The team is highly collaborative and dedicated to nursing education and student growth. Western is unable to sponsor work authorization for this position.

Requirements

• For Tenure-Track Assistant Professor: Doctorate in Nursing from a nationally accredited nursing education program; or a doctorate in a related field with a bachelor’s degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program and evidence that the graduate degree is relevant to the position
• For Tenure-Track Assistant Professor: Evidence of professional activity appropriate to a tenure-track appointment, including scholarly, clinical, or program development contributions
• For Tenure-Track Assistant Professor: Demonstrated commitment to undergraduate nursing education and teaching excellence
• For Lecturer: Master’s degree in Nursing from a nationally accredited nursing program (or BSN with a graduate degree in a related field and relevant experience)
• For Lecturer: Applicants who are actively pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) are also encouraged to apply, provided they have successfully completed at least 10 graduate-level MSN credits prior to the start date.
• For Lecturer: Demonstrated commitment to undergraduate nursing education and student mentoring
• For Both Positions: Active, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in Colorado (or eligibility to obtain prior to start date)
• For Both Positions: Clinical Affiliate Eligibility Requirement: Candidates must meet the credentialing and compliance requirements of Western Colorado University and its affiliated clinical partners to supervise nursing students in healthcare settings. Faculty must be eligible to obtain and maintain clinical privileges, including authorization to oversee student learning and access to electronic medical records as required for instructional responsibilities. Requirements include successful completion of background checks, health clearances, and partner-specific onboarding processes.
• Minimum of two years of full-time (or equivalent) clinical nursing experience
• Ability to teach in classroom, lab, clinical, and simulation settings
• Proficiency with instructional technologies, including hybrid and simulation-based delivery
• Commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and student-centered learning environment
• Collegiality, professional flexibility, and willingness to contribute to a growing academic program

Nice To Haves

• Experience in Women’s Health (OB/GYN), Rural Health/Public Health, Pediatrics, or Mental Health
• Preference will be given to candidates with expertise in Maternal-Newborn (Mother-Baby) nursing and demonstrated experience teaching Maternal-Newborn and Pediatric nursing concepts in classroom, laboratory, clinical, and simulation settings.
• Experience in population health, rural health nursing, or community-based practice
• Experience with clinical simulation design, delivery, and evaluation
• Experience supporting or participating in CCNE or state accreditation processes
• Experience developing new programs or curricula
• Engagement with professional nursing organizations or continuing professional development

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate nursing courses based on expertise and program needs
• Primary teaching responsibilities are expected to include Maternal-Newborn (Mother-Baby) and Pediatric nursing courses, including classroom, laboratory, clinical, and simulation instruction.
• Supervise and evaluate students in clinical, community, rural, and simulation settings
• Develop and refine curriculum and simulation experiences aligned with accreditation standards
• Participate in accreditation reporting, curriculum assessment, and program evaluation
• Support clinical placement coordination and community partnerships
• Contribute to department, college, and university service and shared governance
• Engage in scholarly, clinical, or professional activities appropriate to a tenure-track appointment (for Assistant Professor)
• Participate in professional organizations and conferences (for Assistant Professor)
• Develop as a teacher in applying contemporary pedagogy to nursing programs (for Assistant Professor)

Benefits

• Shared premiums for comprehensive health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance
• Other insurance options
• Free undergraduate tuition for dependents for up to four years (after one year of employment)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level