Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1000-02-.07 - SCHOOLS - FACULTY

(1) Composition. - This rule sets the minimum standards for all practical nursing programs in Tennessee. The faculty is the group which formulates and implements education policies for the program according to the powers delegated to it by the controlling body. The director is the person responsible for the day-to-day management of the program and shall be employed full-time to devote to the administration of the school. For the purpose of this rule, "full-time" is defined as the devotion of eighty percent (80%) of employment time devoted to school administrative duties.

(2) Number. - There shall be at least one Registered Nurse employed full time to direct each program. There shall be at least one instructor employed full time for each class in practical nursing. The number of faculty shall be adequate to meet the purposes and objectives of the program. The clinical ratio (faculty: student) supports the standards for quality teaching and patient safety and shall not exceed ten (10) to twelve (12) students per one (1) faculty member, with ten (10) being under direct supervision.

(3) Qualifications.

(a) Faculty shall hold current licensure in good standing as registered nurses in the State of Tennessee.

(b) The nurse director shall be qualified by experience and education for this position and shall have formal education of at least a baccalaureate degree in nursing. A baccalaureate degree in a related field, as determined by the board, shall be acceptable for nurse directors hired before January 1, 1994.

(c) It is required that other nurse faculty be qualified by the following academic preparation and experience:

1. Three (3) years of clinical practice as a registered nurse within the past five (5) years, or

2. Two (2) years of clinical practice as a registered nurse and twenty-four (24) semester hours or equivalent toward a higher degree in nursing.

(4) Titles and Descriptions. - For every position, there shall be an appropriate title indicating the educational nature of the position. There shall be written descriptions indicating the essential qualifications and the general responsibilities and functions of these positions.

(5) Personnel Policies and Practices. - Desirable employment policies and practices affecting faculty shall be established and maintained.

(6) Reserved for Future Use.

Notes

Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1000-02-.07

Original rule certified May 10, 1974. Amendment filed January 31, 1985; effective March 2, 1985. Amendment filed August 27, 1993; effective September 15, 1993. Amendment filed June 16, 1994; effective August 30, 1994. Amendment filed February 21, 1996; effective May 6, 1996.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-5-202, 4-5-204, 63-7-117, 63-7-118, 63-7-119, and 63-7-207.