Adjunct - Nursing Lab and Clinical Instructor

Compensation: $2,000 - $5,000 per lab/clinical section taught, based on skills and experience.

Position Summary

Provide specialized instruction in the laboratory and/or clinical setting to nursing students in obstetric and pediatric nursing, supporting the development of clinical competency and professional practice behaviors specific to maternal-child health and pediatric care.

There are 15 open adjunct positions, all part-time (15 hours per week) and short-term for a maximum of 12 weeks.

Who We Are

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) is a graduate health sciences university committed to interprofessional education and advancing wellness through education, service, and research. Named for Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose groundbreaking work led to the discovery of the DNA double helix, our institution is a leader in innovation, collaboration, and community engagement.

Our six colleges offer rigorous academics and opportunities for students to learn with and from other disciplines in our simulation labs, student-led clinics, and regional healthcare partnerships. RFU is nationally recognized for interprofessional research and for fostering the next generation of health professionals in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The MSN-ENP program operates on a quarter-based, year-round academic calendar, which provides students with continuous progression and immersive clinical and didactic learning experiences. This accelerated graduate-level program is designed for students who hold non-nursing bachelor's degrees and are preparing to enter the nursing profession. Faculty assignments typically align with 10-12 week academic quarters.

• Provide hands-on instruction and supervision in obstetric and/or pediatric clinical or lab settings per course objectives and guidance from the course director.
• Guide students in developing competency in maternal-child health nursing, including antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, and newborn care.
• Supervise students in pediatric clinical experiences across age groups (infant, toddler, school-age, adolescent) and various pediatric settings.
• Evaluate student performance in OB/pediatric-specific skills and provide timely feedback, including grade contributions and communication of concerns to the course director.
• Engage students in clinical judgment and decision-making specific to maternal-child populations, emphasizing safety considerations unique to these vulnerable populations.
• Facilitate learning experiences in family-centered care, developmental considerations, and age-appropriate communication strategies.
• Attend preparatory and orientation meetings scheduled by the course director or clinical coordinator as needed to align with course expectations and site requirements.
• Foster positive working relationships with clinical site staff in maternal-child and pediatric units, upholding the integrity of the student experience in clinical settings.

Conditions of Employment

• Must achieve satisfactory results from a background check.
• Must be able to meet onboarding requirements of affiliated clinical partners, including documentation of compliance with any required immunizations or health screenings.
• Additional requirement for pediatric rotations: Must complete facility-specific pediatric safety training and child protection protocols.
• Must have flexibility to attend clinical onboarding sessions and instructional meetings aligned with course preparation and student safety.

Required Education & Experience

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) required.
• Active, unencumbered Illinois RN license (or obtain Illinois licensure within six months if licensed in another state).
• Experience in student-centered or team-based learning approaches to instruction.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Demonstrated expertise in obstetric and/or pediatric nursing, including but not limited to:
  • Maternal-child health across the childbearing continuum
  • Pediatric assessment and care across developmental stages
  • Family-centered care principles
  • Developmental considerations in nursing care
  • High-risk pregnancy and neonatal care knowledge preferred
• Foundational knowledge of the Clinical Judgment Model (e.g., recognizing and analyzing cues, prioritizing hypotheses, and generating solutions) to support student decision-making and safe clinical practice in maternal-child populations.
• Understanding of developmental theories and age-appropriate nursing interventions.
• Knowledge of family dynamics and cultural considerations in maternal-child health.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, with particular emphasis on therapeutic communication with pediatric patients and families.
• Ability to role model professionalism in clinical and academic settings while demonstrating sensitivity to vulnerable populations.
• Flexibility to collaborate with faculty and clinical partners to support student success in specialized maternal-child health environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• DNP, DNSc, or PhD in Nursing preferred.
• Specialty certification in maternal-child health (e.g., RNC-OB, CPN, CCRN-Neonatal).
• Experience with simulation-based learning in OB/pediatric scenarios.
• Previous teaching experience in maternal-child health or pediatric nursing.
• Bilingual capabilities (English/Spanish) preferred given diverse patient populations.

Typical Physical Demands & Working Conditions

Candidate must be able to perform essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations. This position requires the ability to work in both adult and pediatric clinical environments, with considerations for the unique physical and emotional demands of maternal-child health settings.

Equal Opportunity Employer

RFU is committed to fostering a culture of equity and inclusion. We welcome candidates who are dedicated to the success of a diverse student population and to working collaboratively across professional disciplines.

EOE, including Disability / Vets