Clinical Teaching Assistant for Nursing

SUMMARY:

The Clinical Teaching Assistant for Nursing provides direct supervision, instruction, and mentorship to nursing students in various clinical practice settings (e.g., hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities). This individual is responsible for facilitating the application of theoretical nursing knowledge to real-world patient care, fostering the development of critical thinking and clinical judgment, and ensuring students practice safely and effectively. The Clinical Teaching Assistant will work collaboratively with clinical faculty and agency staff to create a high-quality learning environment that aligns with course objectives and professional standards.

This part-time position is grant-funded through July 2027. Continued employment beyond this date is contingent upon continuation of funding and programmatic needs.

As a proud member of the third-largest institution in The Texas A&M University System, ETAMU fosters a strong professional environment that supports career growth and academic excellence.

ETAMU is a fast-growing public university with a strong reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and student success. With over 140+ degree programs, a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and nationally ranked online and graduate programs, ETAMU is committed to transforming lives through quality education. Our employees benefit from a collaborative community, cutting-edge research opportunities, and outstanding resources.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Clinical Instruction and Supervision:

• Supervise and guide nursing students in the delivery of patient care in assigned clinical settings under the supervision of the MSN-prepared clinical faculty.
• Facilitate the application of the nursing process (assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, evaluation) by students.
• Promote and evaluate students' critical thinking, clinical judgment, and decision-making skills in complex patient situations.
• Observe and evaluate student performance of nursing skills, including but not limited to patient assessments, vital sign measurement, medication administration, wound care, Foley catheter insertion, and documentation.
• Provide immediate, constructive, and individualized feedback to students on their clinical performance, identifying areas of strength and areas for improvement.
• Ensure students adhere to all clinical agency policies, procedures, and safety protocols, including HIPAA regulations and infection control.
• Collaborate effectively with clinical agency staff (e.g., unit nurses, charge nurses, physicians) to optimize student learning opportunities and ensure safe patient care.
• Lead and facilitate pre- and post-conference discussions with students to encourage reflection, active learning, and connection between theory and practice.
• Address student concerns or performance issues promptly and professionally, escalating to the Clinical Coordinator or course faculty as needed.

Assessment and Evaluation:

• Conduct ongoing formative and summative evaluations of student clinical performance using established departmental tools and rubrics.
• Accurately and thoroughly document student progress, performance, and any critical incidents in accordance with departmental guidelines.
• Provide rationale for grades assigned for clinical performance.

Collaboration and Professionalism:

• Collaborate effectively with the Clinical Coordinator, course faculty, and other clinical instructors to ensure consistency and quality of clinical experiences.
• Maintain professional boundaries and strictly uphold confidentiality regarding student and patient information.
• Adhere to all departmental, college, clinical agency, and professional nursing policies, procedures, and ethical standards.
• Demonstrate a commitment to student success and the mission of the nursing program and the institution.
• Participate in required clinical orientations, faculty meetings, and professional development opportunities.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution.
• Experience:
• Knowledge/ Skills / Abilities:
  • Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
  • Strong organizational and time management abilities.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in a wide range of nursing skills and procedures.
  • Ability to effectively mentor, teach, and provide constructive feedback to students.
  • Competency in basic computer applications (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, electronic health records, learning management systems).
  • Ability to adapt to various clinical environments and student learning needs.
• Licensing: Current, active, and unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Texas.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and lift up to 25 pounds regularly, with occasional lifting or assisting with patient repositioning up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to demonstrate and perform nursing skills requiring manual dexterity and fine motor skills.
• Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to assess students, monitor the clinical environment, and respond to alarms/patient needs.
• Ability to withstand prolonged periods of standing and walking in a busy clinical environment.

Work Environment:

• Primarily in various clinical healthcare facilities (e.g., hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities).
• Exposure to medical equipment, supplies, and potential biohazards common in healthcare settings.
• Requires working a flexible schedule, including days, evenings, and/or weekends, based on clinical rotation schedules.

Other Requirements: Must have exceptional organization skills, including the ability to handle a significant caseload and manage multiple deadlines.

PREFERRED EDUCATION / SKILLS/ EXPERIENCE:

• Previous experience as a clinical instructor or preceptor in a nursing education program.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or enrollment in an MSN program.
• Certification in a nursing specialty (e.g., Medical-Surgical, Critical Care, Pediatrics).

SUPERVISION OF OTHERS:

Generally does not supervise

CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE COMPETENCY:

Ability to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, which may include communications systems, computer networks and systems, cybersecurity systems, electrical grid, hazardous waste treatment system or water treatment system.