Dean of Nursing

Job ID: 66
Job Title: Dean of Nursing
Location: Los Angeles, CA

Dean of Nursing
Smith Chason College School of Nursing
Los Angeles, CA

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of our Los Angeles campus, located in the Mid-Wilshire District. Spanning over 25,000 square feet, it hosts ultrasound labs and nursing simulation labs that mock hospital environments and imaging clinics, all complemented by nearby coffee shops and breathtaking views of the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory!

The Dean of Nursing (DON) serves as a regional academic leader responsible for the oversight and success of multiple nursing programs across campuses. This role ensures programs are aligned with institutional goals, regulatory standards, and student-centered outcomes. The DON drives performance through data-informed decision making, focusing on key metrics such as ATI Pulse scores, NCLEX pass rates, student satisfaction, and graduation and employment outcomes. In partnership with campus teams, the DON provides strategic guidance, fosters academic excellence, and strengthens faculty and clinical partnerships to deliver a high-quality student experience across all sites.

Los Angeles Campus:

Smith Chason College’s Los Angeles campus offers a range of healthcare programs designed to prepare students for high-demand careers. The campus features hands-on education and flexible learning options, which are ideal for those looking for careers in nursing and medical imaging within the LA healthcare system.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee the quality, success, and overall health of multiple ADN programs, including growth of new programs.
• Create and execute a Strategic Plan for the success of the programs and departments.
• Ensure the program maintains appropriate graduation, exam passage, and employment benchmarks.
• Coordinate NCLEX preparation activities and track exam outcomes. Goal: 90% student participation. Responsible for NCLEX State Board Minimum Pass rate of 85%.
• Provide guidance, strategic direction and hands-on oversight in the recruitment and onboarding of qualified Directors of Nursing, lab directors, and faculty members.
• Track and analyze programmatic metrics, providing insights to enhance overall program effectiveness.
• Maintain organized records of faculty files and credentials, ensuring compliance with accreditation and regulatory agencies. Collaborate with the corporate compliance team in this process.
• Actively review student progress in every cohort to ensure progression and NCLEX preparedness. Create intervention plans in partnership with each department to ensure strong graduate outcomes.
• Oversee the coordination and documentation of effective classroom observations and quarterly assessments to ensure quality teaching practices and adherence to program objectives.
• Implement effective scheduling and LMS usage for instruction.
• Provide recommendations for clinical placements, ensuring alignment with program goals.
• Ensure curriculum consistency through monitoring and reviewing faculty proposed course content changes, maintaining a curriculum that is current and adapts to new developments in healthcare.
• Represent the Nursing program to the professional community as well as regulatory agencies. Regularly attend state board meetings as needed.
• Maintain, enforce, and evaluate written policies and procedures to enforce requirements of all students, faculty, and preceptors who participate in clinical practice setting to be physically and mentally able to provide safe client care.
• Participate in orientation, graduation ceremonies, PAC, curriculum committee and other educational events.
• Travel to the campuses for meetings, observations, and regular hands-on leadership presence.
• Regularly participate in professional growth activities and provide documentation of these activities.
• Take an active role in the advisement activities of students with academic or professional conduct issues.
• Possess a thorough knowledge and understanding of all school policies and participate in their implementation and enforcement.
• Maintain an attitude of enthusiasm and willingness to cooperate with others and drive institutional success.
• Treat students and employees with fairness, respect, impartiality, and objectivity.
• Follow the ACCSC faculty and administrative Individual Development Plan.
• Support the student selection process to ensure compliance with admissions standards and goals.
• Assist with faculty agreements working alongside DOEs and Directors of Nursing.
• Coordinate meetings, training and professional development for Directors of Nursing and faculty.

Requirements
Skills/Competencies/Qualifications:

• Must be able to meet NEC/BRN requirements and approval for Dean position.
• A master’s or higher degree from an accredited college or university which includes course work in nursing, education, or administration.
• One (1) years’ experience as an administrator with validated performance of administrative responsibilities.
• Two (2) years’ experience teaching in pre- or post-licensure registered nursing programs.
• One (1) years’ continuous, full-time or its equivalent experience direct patient care as a registered nurse.
• A minimum of two (2) years’ experience teaching in a pre- or post-licensure registered nursing program or equivalent.
• Hold a current California registered nurse license in good standing or multi-state privilege to practice in California.
• Must motivate Program Directors and instructors to provide a quality education while also fostering student interest and engagement.
• Demonstrate strong leadership and motivation skills.
• Possess strong oral and written communication skills.
• Meet all applicable regulatory requirements (ACCSC, BVNPT or BRN, state regulatory agencies).
• Embrace the use of technology in education with strong technical skills, experience with Paylocity, Canvas, Microsoft Teams is preferred.
• Possess a sound knowledge and understanding of the professional career paths and demands of employers in the field(s) in which they teach.
• Must have strong technical skills including all computer applications, internet research, database management, and analytical skills.
• Experienced with Canvas or related LMS usage for instruction (assignments, quizzes, discussion boards, gradebook, modules) is preferred.
• Online, hybrid, remote or blended teaching experience is highly desirable.

CULTURE OF CARE:

Culture of Care is our commitment to create a supportive environment in which every student can achieve their educational and career goals. Culture of Care encourages one-on-one relationships. Creating a culture that focuses on the student and their wellness. This includes understanding the student’s complex lives. It is about creating a school where everyone feels welcomed by: 

• Creating a sense of community in all interactions and communications with students. 
• Identifying problem areas and offering assistance.
• Opening up safe conversations for cooperative solutions. 
• Holding students to standards and goals that will ultimately make them successful in their careers .

Application Instructions:

Confidential inquiries, nominations and applications (Resume/CV and Letter of Interest) and can be directed to Smith Chason’s executive search partners Jennifer Bradshaw, BSN, and Scott Heroldt at Kaye/Bassman International via email at:academicnursing@kbic.comor call 972-265-5311.

EEO/AA Employers.