21 NCAC 36 .0317. ADMINISTRATION

(a)  The controlling institution of a nursing program shall provide those human, physical, technical and financial resources and services essential to support program processes, outcomes and maintain compliance with Section .0300 of this Chapter.

(b)  A full time registered nurse qualified pursuant to Paragraph (c) of this Rule shall have the authority for the direction of the nursing program. This authority must encompass responsibilities for maintaining compliance with rules and other legal requirements in all areas of the program. The program director shall have non-teaching time sufficient to allow for program organization, administration, continuous review, planning and development.

(c)  Program director qualifications in a program preparing for nurse licensure shall include:

(1)           faculty qualifications as specified in 21 NCAC 36 .0318;

(2)           two years of full-time experience as a faculty member in an approved nursing program. Beginning January 1, 2015 this experience is as a faculty with a master's degree;

(3)           for a program preparing individuals for registered nurse practice, a master's degree; and

(4)           for a program leading to a baccalaureate, a doctoral degree in nursing; or a master's degree in nursing and a doctoral degree in a health or education field.

(d)  The nursing education program shall implement, for quality improvement, a comprehensive program evaluation which shall include:

(1)           students' achievement of program outcomes;

(2)           evidence of program resources including fiscal, physical, human, clinical and technical learning resources; student support services, and the availability of clinical sites and the viability of those sites adequate to meet the objectives of the program;

(3)           measures of program outcomes for graduates;

(4)           evidence that accurate program information for consumers is readily available;

(5)           evidence that the head of the academic institution and the administration support program outcomes;

(6)           evidence that program director and program faculty meet board qualifications and are sufficient in number to achieve program outcomes;

(7)           evidence that the academic institution assures security of student information;

(8)           evidence that collected evaluative data is utilized in implementing quality improvement activities; and

(9)           evidence of student participation in program planning, implementation, evaluation and continuous improvement.

(e)  The controlling institution and the nursing education program shall communicate information describing the nursing education program that is accurate, complete, consistent across mediums and accessible by the public.  At least the following must be made known to all applicants and students:

(1)           admission policies and practices;

(2)           policy on advanced placement, transfer of credits;

(3)           number of credits required for completion of the program;

(4)           tuition, fees and other program costs;

(5)           policies and procedures for withdrawal, including refund of tuition/fees;

(6)           grievance procedure;

(7)           criteria for successful progression in the program including graduation requirements; and

(8)           policies for clinical performance.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 90‑171.23(b)(8); 90‑171.38;

Eff. June 1, 1992;

Amended Eff. April 1, 2008; March 1, 2006.