"Assistant/Associate Professor of Nursing (2 positions)"

Job Details

Posting Number: 0603021

Recruitment Type: Open to All Applicants

Position Title: Assistant/Associate Professor of Nursing (2 positions)

Position Type: Faculty

Benefits Status: Benefits Eligible

FLSA: Exempt

Hiring Range: $133,333 - $146,667 per year + benefits package.

Location: Tacoma, WA 98447

Department: Nursing, School of

Posting Date: 12/08/2025

Closing Date: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Work Schedule:
Full-time, tenure-track positions available beginning June 1, 2026. Hours are typically Monday – Friday, with possibility of weekends. May include some early mornings, evenings, nights, and weekends. Clinical shifts are 12 hours not including travel time to and from the site.

General Description:
PLU School of Nursing is seeking to hire two full-time, tenure-track faculty members starting June 1, 2026. Teaching responsibilities will be across programs, but primarily in the prelicensure (BSN, ABSN, and Entry Level Master of Science in Nursing) programs. These faculty positions may include teaching didactic courses (both in-person and online), clinical courses, lab courses, and simulation.

Responsibilities include teaching and coordinating course activities for didactic, lab (if applicable), and clinical components of courses. This involves effective communication with clinical and lab faculty associated with the course, teaching and evaluating students, and providing clinical supervision or instruction. Additional responsibilities include participation in department committees and meetings, contributing to program evaluation activities, engaging in university service, student advising, and supporting School of Nursing and University events such as orientation, pinning ceremonies, and graduation.

The PLU School of Nursing is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment. We actively encourage applications from individuals whose backgrounds or interests align with this commitment. For over 70 years, the PLU School of Nursing has been preparing BSN graduates, and for more than two decades, it has educated graduate nurses. Our graduates are highly regarded throughout the Puget Sound region, demonstrated by a 100% employment rate within six months of graduation.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Teach assigned courses, in-person, hybrid, or online.
• Evaluate course design and content annually for courses assigned to teach.
• Design, develop, coordinate, implement and evaluate student learning activities for courses assigned.
• Collaborate with course faculty in implementation of didactic, lab, and clinical content of course.
• Collaborate with course faculty in evaluation of students in didactic, lab, and clinical portions of assigned courses.
• Communicate with students, staff, faculty and supervisors in a respectful and effective manner.
• Communicate with the Associate Dean or Program Coordinator regarding any questions, concerns, changes to ensure continuity of program outcomes.
• Supervise and instruct students in lab and clinical settings as assigned.
• Participate in the SON committees as assigned, attend meetings and collaborate on committee activities.
• Attend PLU Faculty Assembly meetings.
• Advise students as assigned.
• Participate in university service.
• Perform other related duties as required or assigned.
• Maintain a sustained and coherent program of scholarship that contributes to nursing education, practice, or related areas and aligns with tenure expectations.
• Disseminate scholarly work through peer-reviewed publications, presentations, or other recognized outlets that advance the discipline and support the mission of the School of Nursing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in teams and provide course leadership.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Demonstrated skill in working with diverse faculty, staff, and student populations.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude and be a self-starter.
• Self-motivation and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Knowledge of patient simulation, technologies and applications.
• Working knowledge of how to use Google Workspace applications including Google docs, sheets, forms, slides, meet as well as other internet and database applications.

Required Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree (PhD, DNP) in hand by the date of appointment. ABD will be considered, but a doctorate degree must be in hand by the date of appointment.
• At least one graduate or doctoral degree must be in nursing.
• Hold unencumbered or be eligible for RN license in WA.
• 3 years clinical experience in related area.
• A record of scholarly productivity or a demonstrated capacity to develop a strong scholarly trajectory.
• Applicant must be legally eligible to work in the United States on hire date AND legally authorized to work in the United States for Pacific Lutheran University without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in education.
• Experience in obstetrics, med/surg, or psychiatric nursing strongly preferred.
• Specialty certification.

Work Conditions:
Conditions vary by course and include a variety of clinical practice settings.

Physical Requirements:
Able to meet essential qualification to participate in student clinical rotations in any setting.

Special Instructions to Applicants:
To apply, submit the following materials:

• Cover letter summarizing your knowledge, skills and abilities for the position.
• CV.
• Statement of teaching philosophy in which you describe your goals for student learning, the methods you use to help students achieve them, and how you assess student learning. This statement should explicitly address how you create an inclusive learning environment that is attuned to diversity and equity.
• Three professional references including contact information.

For questions or more information, please contact: Shumenghui Zhai, PhD, MPH, RN, Chair Search Committee at szhai@plu.edu.