CLINICAL NURSING INSTRUCTOR, Associate Nursing Degree Program
Part-Time (AS NEEDED) West Virginia
SUMMARY
The Clinical Nursing Instructor (CNI) is responsible for delivering high-quality clinical education to nursing students in a hands-on healthcare setting. This role involves supervising students during clinical rotations, evaluating their performance, and supporting their development in key areas such as psychomotor skills, cognitive abilities, clinical reasoning, and judgment.
Clinical Nursing Instructors are expected to uphold and adhere to the policies and standards established by Valley College, the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), the West Virginia Board of Registered Nurses, and all other applicable regulatory and accrediting bodies.
RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES
- General
- Develop and implement effective clinical teaching strategies to cultivate students’ clinical judgment.
- Facilitate student learning by aligning instructional methods with course objectives and promoting mastery of essential clinical skills.
- Evaluate students’ clinical reasoning, including cue recognition, hypothesis prioritization, solution generation, action-taking, and outcome assessment—providing timely, constructive feedback and assigning appropriate grades.
- Offer individualized support to students struggling with clinical competencies and recommend targeted resources to address skill gaps.
- Maintain comprehensive and accurate records of student progress throughout the clinical course.
- Conduct ongoing reviews of course content to ensure alignment with current evidence-based practices and industry standards.
- Compile and submit student progress reports and updates in accordance with program requirements.
- Provide follow-up support to students through phone, email, or in-person communication as needed.
- Promote a respectful, professional, and collaborative learning environment while upholding institutional policies and ensuring effective clinical oversight.
- Clinical Instruction
- Supervise and mentor nursing students in diverse clinical settings.
- Observe and assess student performance, offering constructive feedback to support growth.
- Conduct daily, midterm, and final evaluations of clinical performance.
- Grade clinical assignments and maintain accurate documentation of student work.
- Guide students toward resources that enhance clinical skill development.
- Monitor student progress and maintain detailed records of clinical activities.
- Ensure clinical instruction is consistent with curriculum standards and intended learning outcomes.
- Assign appropriate patient cases to students during clinical rotations.
- Oversee all student activities during clinical rotations, including assessments, direct patient care, and medication administration.
- Foster positive, professional relationships with clinical site staff and maintain open communication.
- Ensure students fulfill all required clinical tasks, including patient care, assessments, nursing procedures, and care plan development.
- Serve as a professional role model and liaison between Valley College and clinical rotation sites.
- Maintain current clinical knowledge and competency in nursing practice.
- Attend mandatory orientation sessions at assigned clinical sites.
- Comply with all regulatory and institutional requirements of assigned clinical facilities.
- Introduce students to the clinical setting and ensure a smooth transition into practice.
- Organize and/or conduct orientation sessions for students at affiliated agencies.
- Identify and recommend supplementary learning resources to enhance clinical education.
- Course Development
- Contribute to the ongoing evaluation of course materials in accordance with the Valley College Nursing Program bylaws.
- Collaborate in the selection of clinical skill labs that reflect current evidence-based practices and industry standards.
- Assist in the creation and refinement of clinical skill check-off rubrics to ensure consistency and accuracy in student assessment.
- Professional Development
- Develop a professional development growth plan.
- Provide support documentation that the professional development plan has been executed.
- Attend scheduled faculty meetings and in-service workshops as required.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
COMPETENCIES
- Effective Professional Communication
- Strong Organizational Skills
- Commitment to Confidentiality
- Clinical Judgment and Decision-Making
- Constructive Feedback Delivery
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities but collaborates with the academics’ team to support student success.
WORK ENVIRONMENT and PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This position operates in a professional academic classroom and clinical setting. It is an onsite position. The position routinely uses standard office equipment, including but not limited to phones, computers, printers, photocopiers, projectors, and an online teaching platform. The position may perform procedures or processes and operate or demonstrate the use of appropriate equipment as designated by the curriculum. The employee must be able to:
- Sit, stand, and walk for extended periods
- Frequently use hands and fingers to operate office equipment
- Occasionally reach, bend, or lift to move items such as but not limited to files, office supplies, or equipment.
- Maintain visual acuity to read and prepare documents
Reasonable accommodation requests will be considered per ADA guidelines.
TRAVEL
It may require occasional travel to a different campus site, or off-site work-related locations such as clinical sites, professional development events, or campus events.
POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK
For the part-time, as needed, hourly position, the traditional days and hours of work will vary depending on the clinical site and the academic term and student needs. Typical work hours align with class schedules, including occasional evenings or weekends, to accommodate student availability.
REQUIREMENTS – ACADEMIC, LICENSING AND PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE
- Part-time nursing faculty must hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing or higher, along with a minimum of four years of direct patient care experience aligned with the West Virginia RN Scope of Practice.
- Candidates must possess valid credentials confirming their status as a Registered Professional Nurse in the state of West Virginia.
- Must demonstrate the ability to communicate ideas clearly, concisely, and in a way that motivates and engages students.
- Should utilize effective questioning techniques that encourage critical thinking and independent learning.
- Must be highly organized, capable of maintaining accurate records, and able to foster a structured and disciplined learning environment.
- Required to uphold the confidentiality of all student information and academic records in accordance with institutional and legal standards.
Valley College will verify prior work experience, license, and education background.
SUPERVISORY CONTROL
Direct Report: ADN Program Administrator
May receive collaborative direction from campus management to support institutional goals.
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. They may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
