Employment Opportunities

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, a nationally recognized leader in graduate nursing education, research and innovation, seeks diverse and talented professionals who are dedicated to raising up the next generation of nurse leaders and advancing knowledge and science.

About Vanderbilt University School of Nursing

As part of Vanderbilt University, one of the nation's top private research institutions, VUSN has a long-standing reputation for excellence in nursing teaching, practice, informatics and research. It seeks to recruit diverse and talented professionals who are dedicated to raising up the next generation of nurse leaders and advancing knowledge and science. Successful candidates will be those who thrive in a collegial, interprofessional culture and are interested in personal and career growth in a caring, culturally sensitive and professional atmosphere.

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing is highly ranked for its DNP and MSN nursing programs, with its MSN holding the #4 spot for graduate nursing programs. Its MSN nurse-midwifery program is ranked as the nation's #1 program. Vanderbilt offers Master of Science in Nursing, Master of Nursing/Master of Nursing Prespecialty, Doctor of Nursing Practice and PhD in Nursing Science degrees as well as Post-Master's Certificates.

Vanderbilt University is located in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, named one of the nation's hottest cities by no less than Forbes and the New York Times. Health care, technology, entertainment, auto, sports and education are only a few of the industries booming in Nashville. Last year Nashville ranked second in the United States for job growth. The city is home to more than 400 health care businesses, including Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the region's top research hospital. Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center, a separate nonprofit, share a respected name and enjoy close collaboration through practice, education and research.

Senior Associate Dean for Academics

  • Description

    The Vanderbilt University School of Nursing (VUSN) is searching for exceptional individuals for the role of Senior Associate Dean for Academics. This position, which directly reports to the VUSN Dean and is a key member of the Dean’s leadership team, offers an opportunity to shape and significantly influence the academic landscape of one of the leading nursing schools.  

    The Senior Associate Dean for Academics (SADA) is responsible for providing leadership in developing and implementing new programs, overseeing all academic programs (MN, MSN, PMC, DNP, and PhD), education technology, and student enrollment and services.  The SADA's role is deeply collaborative, working with academic administrators, faculty, and the Academic Affairs and Student Affairs staff to ensure quality, continuity, innovation, and integrity in academic and student matters. This senior leader plays a crucial role in our collaborative academic environment, working closely with deans and academic leadership in long-range academic planning, program review, and the development and implementation of school policies, with a particular focus on accreditation, assessment, regulatory matters, and curriculum.

    As residential faculty, the essential job functions include in-person instruction, attendance at department and university meetings, and overall participation in the day-to-day activities of the university, which requires physical presence on campus. The SADA will be able to engage in our vibrant academic community and contribute to our mission of excellence in nursing education.

    We offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience, as well as a supportive and collaborative work environment. 

    Key Functions and Expected Performance:

    • Oversees the academic programs. Oversight includes responsibility for daily operations, strategic planning, curriculum revision, program development, student and program assessment
    • Oversees financial management and administration of operating budgets and resource allocations for academic programs and planning
    • Collaborates with Academic Deans and Directors in the evaluation of activities related to teaching
    • Submits or facilitates the submission of funding proposals to support academic programs and educational research
    • Develops, implements, and monitors contractual relationships related to academics
    • Collaborates with academic leaders to coordinate the schedule of courses each semester for academic programs
    • Leads VUSN initiatives in support of innovation in pedagogy, curriculum, and instructional design
    • Provides leadership, direction, and administrative oversight for the Associate Dean of Enrollment, Alumni, and Student Affairs
    • Partners with Director of Assessment and Evaluation to monitor program progress and student performance
    • Provides administrative oversight for academic resources including simulation center operations and clinical placement
    • Provides strategic and operational leadership for the SON Office of Academic Affairs (OAA). Responsible for recruitment, hiring, managing, and performance evaluation of directly reporting OAA staff.
    • Collaborates with the Chairs, Deans, and Directors regarding faculty workload and annual evaluations for faculty
    • Collaborate with senior leadership to support and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, bringing to life the VUSN Diversity and Inclusion Statement and related strategic plan
    • Participates with the Dean in the comprehensive/ inclusive process utilized for the development and implementation of the VUSN Strategic Plan
    • Represents the VUSN academic mission with University offices (e.g., University Registrar, Academic Program Review, Assessment, and Accreditation, Dean of Students Office) as well as external activities (e.g., Tennessee Deans and Directors, American Association of Colleges of Nursing).
    • Remains competent and knowledgeable of current trends in nursing education and higher education, which may impact the delivery of our academic programs
    • This position will also be responsible for other related duties as assigned. 

    Qualifications

    Education and Certifications:

    • Doctoral preparation in nursing or related field. 
    • A current unencumbered license to practice as a registered professional nurse (RN) in Tennessee or the ability to obtain licensure.

    Experience and Skills :

    • Seven to ten years of success in academic administration or educational leadership
    • A strong record of academic, scholarly, and service accomplishments
    • Demonstrated ability to design, develop, and implement academic program initiatives
    • Experience in managing accreditation processes
    • Outstanding leadership, interpersonal communication, team building, and negotiation skills with varied internal and external constituents
    • Ability to effect change in a complex academic environment through consensus building, collaboration, effective use of data, and the ability to influence and persuade

    Apply now for this position

Tenure Track Positions

  • Associate or Full Professor

    Description

    The Vanderbilt University School of Nursing (VUSN) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Associate or Full Professor. We seek candidates using innovative approaches to address important and challenging problems in all aspects of nursing science. Candidates are expected to have a strong externally funded program of research and participate in the education of graduate students and postdoctoral scientists. We are especially interested in investigators who complement current VUSN and institutional research strengths. Full-time faculty must be willing to relocate to the area for regular, on-campus engagement in VUSN activities.

    All applications are welcome. However, we currently have needs in the following priority areas: HIV/AIDS, health equity, social determinants of health, health services, global health, community-based research, data, and implementation science. In addition, as an integral part of the Vanderbilt School of Nursing, we have interdisciplinary initiatives in:

    Acute and Chronic Illness (Pain Management; Cardiovascular; Diabetes; Cancer; Sleep; Substance Use Disorders) and Maternal Child Health (Pregnancy Outcomes; Mother, Infant, Child, and Family Health).

    The school provides many interdisciplinary collaborative opportunities, including with colleagues in the Vanderbilt University Medical Center and other schools within Vanderbilt University.


    Qualifications

    • PhD or equivalent research doctorate.
    • Ability to obtain an unencumbered license to practice as a registered professional nurse (RN) in Tennessee.
    • An established competitive program of research.
    • Recent history of securing external funding.
    • A sustained record of publications in peer-reviewed multidisciplinary and nursing journals.
    • 7-10 years of teaching experience at the graduate level.
    • Evidence of service to the profession, nationally and internationally.
    • Salary and rank will be commensurate with experience.

    Apply now for this position

  • Data Science/Health Information/Informatics Faculty

    Description

    The Vanderbilt University School of Nursing invites applications from nurse researchers for a full-time, 12-month, tenure-track position. The ideal candidate should have a strong scholarly background in data science, health information, or informatics and prior experience using innovative approaches to address important and challenging problems in nursing science.  We are especially interested in investigators who complement current VUSN and institutional research strengths. 

    VUSN provides many interdisciplinary collaborative opportunities, including with colleagues in the Vanderbilt University Medical Center and other schools within Vanderbilt University.

    We offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a supportive and collaborative work environment.

    This is a residential position that requires a physical presence and regular, on-campus engagement in VUSN activities. Full-time faculty are expected to live and maintain residency in Tennessee.

    Qualifications

    • PhD in nursing or equivalent research doctorate.
    • Ability to obtain an unencumbered license to practice as a registered professional nurse (RN) in Tennessee.
    • Evidence of an emerging or established competitive program of research.
    • Recent history of securing external funding.
    • A record of publications in peer-reviewed multidisciplinary and nursing journals.
    • Teaching experience at the graduate level.
    • Evidence of service to the profession

    Apply now for this position.

Non-Tenure Track Positions

  • Assistant Dean for the Masters of Nursing Program

    The Vanderbilt University School of Nursing invites applications for the Assistant Dean for the Master of Nursing (MN) Program. The Assistant Dean reports to the Senior Associate Dean for Academics (SADA) while contributing to the Academic Affairs Leadership Team. The Assistant Dean will assume leadership for overall MN curriculum development, implementation, and evaluation, assuring quality and adherence to standards and requirements of relevant accreditation and certification bodies, and other relevant curricular and program standards. This is a full-time (12-month) non-tenure track position. Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

    Full-time faculty members are expected to live and maintain residency in Tennessee. This position requires a physical presence on campus and in-person participation in all curricular and leadership activities within VUSN and the University.

    Key Functions and Expected Performance Includes:

    • Providing vision and leadership for program development, implementation, administration, and assessment and evaluation
    • Preparing accreditation and other relevant program reports
    • Recommending long-range strategic planning, goals, and growth predictions regarding the MN Program to the SADA and Dean.
    • Modeling and communicating appropriate standards of professional and pedagogical competence in accordance with VUSN, VU, TBON policies and regional/national accreditation standards
    • Collaborating with Enrollment Management and Student Affairs leadership and staff in recruitment and retention initiatives
    • Monitoring student progress and engagement with resources to promote success
    • Coordinating teaching assignments each academic year with the Community Chairs and Senior Associate Dean of Academics
    • Partnering with the Director of Clinical Placements and Affairs to ensure adequate and appropriate clinical resources are in place for the MN Program
    • Mentoring and supervision of new and existing faculty teaching within the MN Program;
    • Working with VUSN academic leadership to periodically review and revise MN Program policies to ensure alignment with national best practices in nursing education
    • Increasing the visibility of the MN Program through presentations, publications, grants and through academic and professional service
    • Maintaining an ongoing program of scholarship and dissemination
    • Participating in VUSN community and academic service activities, as well as on VU and national committees
    • Collaborating with program faculty and VUSN leadership to ensure the MN Program’s curriculum:
      • is rigorous and innovative to promote learner preparation for practice, NCLEX, and achievement of program outcomes
      • incorporating best practices in pedagogy, assessment, and technological advances to promote learning
      • is cost-efficient and effective in managing VUSN human and financial resources
      • is consistent with all VUSN, VU, TBON policies and regional/national accreditation standards
    • Accountability for fiscal planning related to the program's activities and strategic needs
      • Manage MN program costs through the implementation of the workload guidelines
      • Prepare analyses of enrollments, adjunct needs, and faculty course loads
      • Monitor program expenditures and ensure they are within budgetary parameters
      • Identify internal and external funding opportunities and manage grant writing for the program
      • Developing MN program course scheduling each academic year

    Performing any additional duties that may occur as this position evolves, including teaching courses in their area of expertise

    Education and Certifications:

    • Doctoral preparation in nursing or related field.
    • A current unencumbered license to practice as a registered professional nurse (RN) in Tennessee or the ability to obtain one.

    Experience and Skills:

    • At least five years of experience in a formal academic leadership role supervising faculty in a collegiate nursing program;
    • At least five years of teaching experience at the pre-licensure level;
    • Evidence of expertise in curriculum development;
    • Evidence of prior experience implementing best practices related to teaching and learning;
    • Evidence of experience with assessment and evaluation and/or accreditation;
    • Evidence of experience fostering an inclusive faculty, staff, and student learning and working environment.

    Application Instructions

    Apply now for this position.

    For questions related to the position, please contact:

    VUSN Faculty Recruitment
    Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
    vusnfacultyrecruitment@vanderbilt.edu

  • Assistant Dean for Clinical Affairs

    Description

    The Vanderbilt School of Nursing seeks a strong experienced administrative leader to serve as the Assistant Dean for Clinical Affairs. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of success in educational contracts, state regulatory and statutory regulations, clinical placement management, and knowledge of nursing accreditation standards and regulations.  Proven leadership skills, excellent communication skills, expertise in process improvement, and a strong ability to lead and motivate a team are required. This is a 12-month, full-time position on the non-tenure track. All applicants must be a registered nurse and qualified to hold a faculty appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor or higher.

    As residential faculty, the essential job functions include in-person instruction, attendance at department and university meetings, and overall participation in the university's day-to-day activities, which require a physical presence on campus.  

    We offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a supportive and collaborative work environment.  

    Qualifications

    Education and Certification:

    • Doctoral preparation in nursing or related field required. 
    • A current unencumbered license to practice as a registered professional nurse (RN) in Tennessee or the ability to obtain one. 

    Experience and Skills:

    • Five years of full-time nursing experience with at least three years in a leadership role required.
    • Minimum of five years of related experience working in an academic or healthcare setting required.
    • Excellent and effective communication and organizational skills.
    • Ability to provide effective leadership to achieve strategic objectives.
    • Ability to think critically and problem-solve to achieve program objectives.
    • Ability to work within a collaborative environment with diverse populations.
    • Knowledge of EXXAT or competence with similar software solutions for data collection and management.
    • Strong customer service orientation.

    Application Instructions

    Apply now for this position

  • Full-Time Non Tenure Track Positions
    Description
    The Vanderbilt School of Nursing seeks qualified applicants for full-time faculty positions to teach in the MN program and the prelicensure level of the MSN program. We are especially interested in faculty with practice and teaching experience in in OB/perinatal, pediatric nursing, and adult med-surg.
     
    Responsibilities include working collaboratively with course coordinators in teaching, supervising, and evaluating students in the laboratory, simulation, and clinical settings for generalist nursing practice. These are 12-month, renewable, non-tenure-track appointments.
     
    Salary and rank are commensurate with experience. The prelicensure curricula are implemented in a face-to-face learning format. Full-time faculty must maintain residency in the state or be willing to relocate to Tennessee for regular, on-campus engagement in VUSN activities.
    Qualifications
    • A master’s degree in nursing is required and will be ranked at the instructor level; a doctoral degree in nursing is required for rank at the assistant professor level or higher
    • An active, unencumbered license as a registered nurse or advanced practice nurse in Tennessee or eligibility to obtain licensure in Tennessee
    • Prior experience working with diverse populations
    • Clinical teaching experience in an academic setting
    • A minimum of two years of clinical experience required

    Application Instructions

    Apply now for this position.

    For questions related to the position, please contact:

    VUSN Faculty Recruitment
    Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
    vusnfacultyrecruitment@vanderbilt.edu

  • Part-Time Prelicensure Medical Surgical Clinical Faculty

    Description: The Vanderbilt School of Nursing seeks qualified applicants with clinical and teaching experience in medical/surgical nursing to join us in part time teaching in the MN program and the prelicensure level of the MSN program. Responsibilities include working collaboratively with course coordinators in instruction, supervision, and evaluation of students in the laboratory, simulation, and clinical settings for generalist med/surg nursing care. Positions are part-time, non-tenure appointments. The prelicensure curricula are implemented in a face-to-face learning format.

    Qualifications

    • A master’s degree in nursing required, doctoral degree in nursing preferred
    • An unencumbered license as a registered nurse or advanced practice nurse in Tennessee or eligibility to obtain licensure in Tennessee
    • Demonstrated commitment to working with diverse populations
    • High-quality formal clinical teaching experience preferred
    • Substantive clinical experience in the area of Medical/Surgical nursing with 5 years preferred

    Application Instructions

    Apply now for this position.

    For questions related to the position, please contact:

    VUSN Faculty Recruitment
    Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
    vusnfacultyrecruitment@vanderbilt.edu

  • Part-Time Prelicensure Mental Health Clinical Faculty

    Description

    The Vanderbilt School of Nursing seeks qualified applicants with clinical and teaching experience in mental health nursing to join us in part time teaching in the MN program and the prelicensure level of the MSN program. Responsibilities include working collaboratively with course coordinators in instruction, supervision, and evaluation of students in the laboratory, simulation, and clinical settings for generalist mental health nursing care. Positions are part-time, non-tenure appointments. The prelicensure curricula are implemented in a face-to-face learning format. 

    Qualifications

    • A master’s degree in nursing required, doctoral degree in nursing preferred
    •  An unencumbered license as a registered nurse or advanced practice nurse in Tennessee or eligibility to obtain licensure in Tennessee
    • Demonstrated commitment to working with diverse populations
    • High-quality formal clinical teaching experience preferred
    • Substantive clinical experience in the area of mental health nursing with 5 years preferred

    Application Instructions

    Applicants for the faculty position should initially submit a cover letter and resume or curriculum vitae. The cover letter should summarize your qualifications for the position.

    For questions related to the posting, please email vusnfacultyrecruitment@vanderbilt.edu. 

    Apply now for this position.

  • Part-Time Prelicensure OB Faculty

    Description

    The Vanderbilt School of Nursing seeks qualified applicants with clinical and teaching experience in obstetrics to join us in part time teaching in the MN program and the prelicensure level of the MSN program. Responsibilities include working collaboratively with course coordinators in instruction, supervision, and evaluation of students in the laboratory, simulation, and clinical settings for generalist obstetrical nursing care. Positions are part-time, non-tenure appointments. The prelicensure curricula are implemented in a face-to-face learning format. 


    Qualifications

    • A master’s degree in nursing required, doctoral degree in nursing preferred
    • An unencumbered license as a registered nurse and advanced practice nurse in Tennessee or eligibility to obtain licensure in Tennessee
    • Demonstrated commitment to working with diverse populations
    • High-quality formal clinical teaching experience preferred
    • Substantive clinical experience in the area of Obstetrics nursing with 5 years preferred

    Application Instructions

    Apply now for this position.

    For questions related to the position, please contact:

    VUSN Faculty Recruitment
    Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
    vusnfacultyrecruitment@vanderbilt.edu

  • Part-Time Prelicensure Pediatric Clinical Faculty

    Description
    The Vanderbilt School of Nursing seeks qualified applicants with clinical and teaching experience in pediatric nursing to join us in part-time teaching in the MN program and the prelicensure level of the MSN program. Responsibilities include working collaboratively with course coordinators in the instruction, supervision, and evaluation of students in the laboratory, simulation, and clinical settings for generalist pediatric nursing care. Positions are part-time, non-tenure appointments. The prelicensure curricula are implemented in a face-to-face learning format.

    Qualifications

    • A master’s degree in nursing required, doctoral degree in nursing preferred
    • An unencumbered license as a registered nurse and advanced practice nurse in Tennessee or eligibility to obtain licensure in Tennessee
    • Demonstrated commitment to working with diverse populations
    • High-quality formal clinical teaching experience preferred
    • Substantive clinical experience in the area of pediatric nursing with 5 years preferred 

    Application Instructions

    Apply now for this position.

    For questions related to the position, please contact:

    VUSN Faculty Recruitment
    Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
    vusnfacultyrecruitment@vanderbilt.edu

VU has made the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and our surrounding communities a top priority. As part of that commitment, VU may require employees to comply with any testing or health and safety measures which VU may require. Your willingness to participate in this responsibility is greatly appreciated and will provide a significant contribution to the mission of the School.

Contact Us

For questions regarding faculty positions at VUSN, please contact:

VUSN Faculty Recruitment
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
vusnfacultyrecruitment@vanderbilt.edu

Equal Opportunity Employer

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are.  We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.