Kathryn Jones
Knoxville,TN
Summary
Accomplished nursing DNP leader with a strong background in program development and curriculum design. Successfully facilitated a pediatric registered nurse practice partnership at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, resulting in enhanced student learning outcomes and improved nurse resident transition to practice. Expertise in evidence-based practice implementation and faculty evaluation promotes collaboration and innovation in academic environments.
Overview
1
1
Certification
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Traditional Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (TBSN) Track
University of Tennessee Knoxville
Knoxville, TN
01.2024 - Current
- Led ATI initiatives to integrate evidence-based practices into nursing education for TBSN program
- Evaluate TBSN faculty teaching, scholarship, and service to the college in the annual performance review
- Mentored and supported onboarding process for new TBSN faculty, fostering their integration and development
- Actively review and recommend new TBSN faculty hires
- Serve as the TBSN program representative to the Dean’s Leadership Council
- Coordinate the development, implementation, and evaluation of the courses required for completion of the BSN degree
- Monitor and ensure consistent implementation of all UT-CON and UTK policies specific to the TBSN program
- Collaborated with clinical faculty to optimize specialty clinical rotations for TBSN students
- Collaborate with Director of Student Services in recruiting and admission activities
- Plan and organize level orientations
- Maintain interactive communication strategies with TBSN faculty and students
- Collaborate and coordinate program development with university departments [Online Education, Office of Information Technology, Registrar/MyUTK, etc.]
- Communicate with the Undergraduate Assistant Dean on relevant course-related matters related to individual student behavior and learning outcomes as appropriate
- Determine needed faculty resources for the clinicals and simulation/learning labs
- Lead Course Coordinator Meetings each semester
- Approve out-of-sequence students’ (OOS) Academic Plans
- Assist with the annual update of the Undergraduate Student Handbook
- Participate in the teaching, research, and service missions of the UT-CON
- Executed various administrative responsibilities as delegated as delegated by the Assistant Dean or EADAA
- Recipient of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's Access Connection and Engagement Leadership Institute (ACLEI) Fellowship
- Recipient of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's Elevating Leaders in Academic Nursing (ELAN) Fellowship
- Program director and developer of the Pediatric Registered Nurse (PRN) practice partnership with local Children's Hospital
Clinical Assistant Professor and Course Champion for Maternal Newborn Nursing: Didactic and Clinical Immersion courses
University of Tennessee Knoxville
Knoxville, TN
01.2022 - 01.2025
- Mentor of course faculty regarding course structure, curriculum development, lecture design, and simulation implementation.
- Design and implement curriculum containing innovative teaching strategies to facilitate student learning.
- Design, execute, and evaluate curriculum goals and objectives aligned with AACN essential competencies and domains for nursing education.
- Design interactive and hands-on learning labs with one-on-one mentoring of maternal-newborn content
- Implement maternal-newborn clinical skills orientation lab and high-fidelity simulation learning activities
- Supervised and instructed students in clinical practice on maternal-neonatal and medical-surgical nursing skills, fostering critical thinking, nursing judgment, collaboration, and ethical decision-making in patient care.
- Evaluate student performance in the clinical and simulation laboratory settings based on the UTK College of Nursing core behaviors: communicates effectively, reasons critically, practices safely, acts professionally, and leads effectively
- Enhanced student critical thinking skills through interactive, hands-on learning methods and group discussions.
- Incorporate the use of technology in teaching through media sites, evidence-based research, and videos.
- Develop Next-Gen exam questions based on NCLEX examination recommendations
- Construct, facilitate, and statistically analyze student examinations.
- Advise and serve on TBSN curriculum committees for the evaluation and ongoing enhancement of the curricula and the application of evidence from best education practices to curriculum development
- Mentored new faculty on CON policy and procedures, facilitating smooth transition and onboarding.
- Led a subcommittee focused on developing recommendations for CON examinations based on NCLEX standards. to develop CON examination recommendations based on NCLEX standards of best practice
Simulation and Skills Lab Director of Undergraduate Nursing
Lincoln Memorial University, Caylor School of Nursing
Knoxville, TN
01.2016 - 01.2022
- Developed an undergraduate, high-fidelity simulation program to equip students for providing care in clinical practice
- Ensured simulation activities according to the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning standards of best practice and tracked learning outcomes to AACN Essentials and core competencies for undergraduate nursing education
- Led integration of simulation and technology across undergraduate curricula to enhance educational effectiveness
- Utilized evidence-based simulation models to plan, design, implement, and evaluate simulation integration within nursing courses, both didactic and clinical
- Implemented new technology development in higher education, health care, and academic nursing
- Attended and presented at professional simulation conferences at national and state levels
- Designed simulation scenarios according to INACSL best practice standards
- Trained and mentored undergraduate faculty in providing quality simulation education that supports students’ critical thinking and clinical reasoning
- Managed and directed nursing laboratory environments across multiple states
- Developed and implemented laboratory safety policies
- Collaborated with Dean of Nursing on simulation, curriculum, technology, scheduling, and policy to align programs with institutional goals
- Built external partnerships and sought interprofessional opportunities to enhance collaborative simulation with the DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Developed and presented annual faculty professional development on simulation best practices to improve instructional quality
- Trained undergraduate faculty on the use of simulation software, operating equipment, and Sim Capture
- Collaborated with simulation representatives regarding the function and management of simulation equipment
- Designed and developed new simulation lab environments for undergraduate nursing programs across new laboratory sites
- Oversaw daily simulation operations at six undergraduate nursing sites.
- Directed maintenance and oversight of lab equipment while identifying necessary budget allocations for supplies.
- Re-evaluated and revised laboratory simulation scenarios
- Evaluate simulation instructors for improvements in facilitation and lab processes.
- Participate and serve on the University’s Simulation Advisory Board
Instructor of Nursing, Pediatric Nursing
Lincoln Memorial University, Caylor School of Nursing
Knoxville, TN
01.2016 - 01.2022
- Design and implement curriculum containing innovative teaching strategies to facilitate student learning.
- Develop curriculum goals and objectives according to the quality and safety competencies for nursing education.
- Design pediatric clinical orientation, 'Candyland', involving high-fidelity simulation
- Supervise and instruct students within the clinical practice environment regarding pediatric and medical-surgical nursing skills, critical thinking, nursing judgment, collaboration and teamwork with other healthcare professionals, implementation of nursing care, ethical implications of clinical decisions, and the application of theoretical knowledge to patient care situations.
- Evaluated student performance in clinical and simulation laboratory settings using nursing process and evidence-based practice, focusing on quality of practice, communication, leadership, collaboration, professionalism, and resource utilization.
- Develop and enhance student critical thinking skills through interactive, hands-on, learning methods and group discussion.
- Incorporate the use of technology in teaching through media sites, internet-based research, podcasts, and videos.
- Design interactive and hands-on study labs with one-on-one mentoring of pediatric content
- Participate and serve on ASN and BSN curriculum committees for the evaluation and ongoing enhancement of the curricula and the application of evidence from best education practices to curriculum development
Registered Nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
East Tennessee Children’s Hospital
Knoxville, TN
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Provide critical care nursing skills to premature infants in a level 3 neonatal intensive care unit.
- Facilitated development of neonatal care in collaboration with families and multi-professional team.
- Coordinated planning and implementation of pre and post-operative critical care.
- Maintained confidentiality of patient records by ensuring secure access and accurate documentation.
- Trained staff on electronic medication records usage as superuser/mentor for BMV EMAR.
Simulation Lab Instructor, Maternal and Infant Nursing
Belmont University, Gordon E. Inman School of Nursing
Nashville, TN
01.2011 - 01.2016
- Facilitated student’s acquisition of neonatal nursing skills and techniques in a high-fidelity, clinical laboratory to equip students for providing neonatal care in clinical practice.
- Incorporated technology-enhanced learning through electronic medication administration in clinical and lab simulations using high-fidelity Laerdal simulators to improve student engagement and skill mastery.
- Evaluated students' understanding of maternal and infant nursing skills through summative lab experiences, providing targeted feedback to enhance learning outcomes.
- Supervised and instructed students within the clinical practice environment regarding maternal and infant nursing skills, critical thinking, nursing judgment, collaboration and teamwork with other healthcare professionals, implementation of nursing care, ethical implications of clinical decisions, and the application of theoretical knowledge to patient care situations.
- Collaborated with lab and clinical instructors to evaluate and improve lab and clinical course processes, ensuring alignment with educational standards and student needs.
- Maintained timely and consistent communication with students through email and telephone.
Nursing Lab Coordinator, Child and Family Nursing
Belmont University, Gordon E. Inman School of Nursing
Nashville, TN
01.2011 - 01.2016
- Coordinated pediatric simulation laboratory, managing logistics and ensuring effective learning experiences for students.
- Facilitated students’ acquisition of pediatric nursing skills and techniques in a high-fidelity, clinical laboratory to equip students for providing pediatric care in clinical practice.
- Supervised and instructed students within the clinical practice environment regarding pediatric nursing skills, critical thinking, nursing judgment, collaboration and teamwork with other healthcare professionals, implementation of nursing care, ethical implications of clinical decisions, and the application of theoretical knowledge to patient care situations.
- Enhanced student critical thinking skills through conceptual workshop discussions and interactive, hands-on learning methods, fostering deeper understanding of pediatric nursing.
- Designed and implemented a curriculum containing innovative teaching strategies to facilitate student learning.
- Developed curriculum goals and objectives according to the quality and safety competencies for nursing education.
- Incorporated the use of technology in teaching through Tegrity online lectures, Turning Point software, Prezzi presentations, media sites, internet-based research, podcasts, and videos.
- Constructed, facilitated, and statistically analyzed student examinations and quizzes.
- Provided student remediation and enrichment materials for examinations and quizzes.
- Evaluated and revised laboratory simulation scenarios.
- Constructed a summative laboratory simulation scenario.
- Displayed teamwork and collaborated with other lab and clinical instructors for evaluation and improvements in the lab and clinical course processes.
- Collaborated with University mentor, School of Nursing mentor, and the University Teaching Center for improvements regarding teaching style and effectiveness of learning.
- Provided support and instruction to student workers on pediatric simulation lab operations. concerning pediatric simulation lab processes.
- Supervised and mentored senior students in pediatric clinical environment through clinical site visits, daily journal evaluations, and guidance on evidence-based practice projects.
Registered Nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Centennial Medical Center
Nashville, TN
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Provide critical care nursing skills to premature infants in a Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
- Enhanced neonatal care through collaboration with families and multi-professional team.
- Implemented cooling cap system and educated staff on its usage to improve patient outcomes.
- Facilitated onboarding process by delivering essential training to new staff and parents.
- Contributed to the Educational Practice Committee by collaborating on training initiatives.
Registered Nurse for Perioperative Services
Vanderbilt Medical Center
Nashville, TN
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Coordinated patient care and safety in operating room to ensure optimal surgical outcomes.
- Supported Physicians and Anesthesiologists in delivering direct, adult critical care during procedures.
- Maintained sterile technique and a sterile environment.
- Recorded surgical procedures accurately to ensure compliance with protocols and facilitate effective communication. and record of surgical procedures.
- Circulating staff nurse in the Operating Room.
Registered Nurse for Rehabilitation Services
St. Mary’s Medical Center
Knoxville, TN
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Assessed and treated patients with debilitating neurological and musculoskeletal conditions in 40-bed in-patient rehabilitation unit.
- Applied nursing skills and judgment to deliver patient-centered care for adult and geriatric populations.
- Educated families on rehabilitation processes and available resources to enhance patient recovery.
Education
Master of Business Administration - Healthcare Administration
University of Tennessee At Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TN05-2024
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Nursing Administration Systems -
University of Tennessee At Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TN05-2023
Master of Science - Nursing Education, Pediatric Specialization
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN05-2011
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Liberty University
Lynchburg, Va05-2006
Skills
- Nursing program leadership
- Program management
- Curriculum evaluation
- Simulation management
- Evidence-based practice
- Faculty assessment
- Interprofessional collaboration
Awards And Scholarship
- CON Emerging Leaders Award, 2024-2025
- Tennessee Graduate Nursing Loan Forgiveness Scholarship, 2020-2022
- 15-Year Outstanding Employee Award– ETCH, 2019
- National Honors Society award, 2020-2023
Research Activities
- DNP Scholarly Project on Instructional Therapeutic Play in Pediatric Nursing Care, completed at ETCH, 2021-2022
- Masters of Business in Healthcare Administration, 2024
Presentations And Publications
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Transform Conference, 2024, Laerdal Regional Mini SUN Conference, International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare (IMSH), 2024, Tennessee Simulation Alliance, 2019, 2020, International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning, 2017, 2019, DNP scholarly project defense 'Simulation Training for Transition to Practice', 2023, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Research Colloquium 'Simulation Training for the Transition to Practice', 2022, Tennessee Simulation Alliance (TSA) 'The Facilitation of a Multi-Patient Simulation', 2019, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Research Colloquium 'Instructional Therapeutic Play: Implementing an Evidence-based, High-fidelity Simulation Training for Pediatric Nurse Residency Program', 2022
Credentials
- DNP
- MBA
- RN
- CHSE
Certification
- Basic Certificate in Quality and Safety (IHI), Active
- Basic Life Support (BLS), Active
- Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE), Active
- International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), 2022
- Neonatal Resuscitation Provider (NRP), 2022
- Registered Nurse, RN0000156189, Tennessee (Compact License)
Professional And Scholarly Memberships
- Tennessee Nurses Association (TNA)
- International Association of Clinical Simulation in Learning (INACSL)
- Tennessee Simulation Alliance (TSA)
- Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH)
- Sigma Theta Tau
- National Honor Society
Service
CON Emerging Leaders Member, 2024-2025, Sigma Theta Tau Committee Member UTK chapter, 2024-2025, Undergraduate Student Affairs Committee UTK CON, 2024-present, Undergraduate Curriculum Committee UTK CON, 2022-present, Active Service-Learning Mentor UTK CON, 2022-present, Torchbearer Faculty Mentorship Program, 2023-present, Precious Prints volunteer, 2023-present, March of Dimes advocate, 2002-present, Peer Reviewer for the Clinical Simulation in Nursing Journal, 2024-present, Peer Review of Teaching UTK CON, 2024-present, Torchbearer Mentoring Program: Faculty Mentor, 2023-present, Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2017-2022, Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine & South College of Pharmacy, 2021
Accomplishments
- Member, Dean's Emerging Leaders Program (2024-2025)
- Fellowship Recipient, AACN's Access, Connection and Engagement (ACE) Leadership Institute
- Fellowship Recipient, AACN's Elevating Leaders in Academic Nursing (ELAN) program
Timeline
Director, Traditional Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (TBSN) Track
University of Tennessee Knoxville
01.2024 - Current
Clinical Assistant Professor and Course Champion for Maternal Newborn Nursing: Didactic and Clinical Immersion courses
University of Tennessee Knoxville
01.2022 - 01.2025
Simulation and Skills Lab Director of Undergraduate Nursing
Lincoln Memorial University, Caylor School of Nursing
01.2016 - 01.2022
Instructor of Nursing, Pediatric Nursing
Lincoln Memorial University, Caylor School of Nursing
01.2016 - 01.2022
Registered Nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
East Tennessee Children’s Hospital
01.2016 - 01.2019
Simulation Lab Instructor, Maternal and Infant Nursing
Belmont University, Gordon E. Inman School of Nursing
01.2011 - 01.2016
Nursing Lab Coordinator, Child and Family Nursing
Belmont University, Gordon E. Inman School of Nursing
01.2011 - 01.2016
Registered Nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Centennial Medical Center
01.2009 - 01.2011
Registered Nurse for Perioperative Services
Vanderbilt Medical Center
01.2009 - 01.2010
Registered Nurse for Rehabilitation Services
St. Mary’s Medical Center
01.2006 - 01.2007
Master of Business Administration - Healthcare Administration
University of Tennessee At Chattanooga
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Nursing Administration Systems -
University of Tennessee At Chattanooga
Master of Science - Nursing Education, Pediatric Specialization
Austin Peay State University
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Liberty University