SECTION 485:10-5-3.2. Nursing administrator for nursing education programs

(a)   The nursing education program leading to registered nurse licensure shall be administered by a Registered Nurse currently licensed in Oklahoma with the following qualifications:

(1)   a minimum of a graduate degree in nursing, preferably an earned doctorate from a regionally accredited institution;

(2)   present evidence of a minimum of two (2) years full-time equivalent practice as a Registered Nurse in a clinical setting preceding the first date of first employment as a nursing faculty member, PROVIDED: any person employed in the administrator position on September 1, 2016, is deemed to meet this requirement; and

(3)   one year teaching experience as a full-time nursing faculty member in a nursing education program leading to registered nurse licensure.

(b)   The nursing education program leading to practical nurse licensure shall be administered by an individual who:

(1)   is a Registered Nurse with a current unencumbered registered nurse license in Oklahoma;

(2)   has a baccalaureate degree in nursing, and effective January 1, 2017, has evidence of continued progress toward a graduate degree in nursing with completion of a minimum of six (6) hours per year, PROVIDED: any person employed in the position of administrator of a practical nursing education program on December 31, 2016, is deemed to meet this requirement;

(3)   has a minimum of two (2) years full-time-equivalent practice as a Registered Nurse in a clinical setting; and

(4)   has at least one (1) academic year, full-time experience as a teacher in a nursing education program.

(c)   The administrator of the nursing education program, with institutional input, shall have the authority and responsibility for:

(1)   the administration of the nursing program;

(2)   preparation and administration of the budget for the nursing program;

(3)   implementation of faculty development and performance review;

(4)   recommendation of qualified faculty for appointment, promotion, tenure (if applicable), and retention;

(5)   notification to the Board of faculty appointments, changes in the program or its administration, and reports as directed by the Board.

(d)   If the Nurse Administrator has teaching or other responsibilities, adequate time will be provided to fulfill administrative duties for the nursing education program.

(e)   In the event the Nurse Administrator resigns, retires or is otherwise unable to perform the duties of the position:

(1)   an Acting Nurse Administrator may be appointed to serve for up to three (3) months. The Acting Nurse Administrator is not required to meet the qualifications of the role of Nurse Administrator.

(2)   an Interim Nurse Administrator may be appointed, after Board approval, to serve for up to twelve (12) months. The Interim Nurse Administrator must meet the qualifications of the role of Nurse Administrator.

[Source: Added at 10 Ok Reg 1535, eff 4-26-93; Amended at 12 Ok Reg 1463, eff 5-25-95; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 1461, eff 7-1-02; Amended at 22 Ok Reg 1345, eff 7-1-05; Amended at 25 Ok Reg 1415, eff 7-1-08; Amended at 33 Ok Reg 1026, eff 8-25-16; Amended at 34 Ok Reg 171, eff 11-2-16 (emergency); Amended at 34 Ok Reg 768, eff 8-25-17]