[clnf1921]

In a class we talked about the issues revolving around the nursing faculty shortage. I can see the economic issues and the social issues, but what are the political issues? I know about the nurse reinvestment act, the NEED act, and the nurse faculty education act and that we should lobby and support them. These are to counteract the faculty shortage, so what politically has contributed over the years to the faculty shortage?

[Altra]

Interesting point - are there political issues that have contributed to the shortage of nursing faculty? I'll be interested to see some responses from educators.

I guess I've just thought of this in purely economic terms -- the pay of nursing faculty can be half that an experienced nurse will earn in a clinical position -- many are not willing to take that severe pay cut.

[bsweilrn]

Here's my worth.
I have been a nurse for 16 years, and just began a master's program and I just accepted a position as a full time nursing instructor at a BSN program here in NC.
The position is a nine month position, and is ~$15000 less than than I currently make.
I have been assured that when I complete my masters program a raise would be forthcomming.
I have decided to keep my present position at the hospital on a prn basis to make up the difference, and would only have to work every other weekend during the school term and pick up some extra shifts in the summer to make up the difference.
I always said I would not make life changing decisions based on the $$, and in the end, being an educator is the right move for me despite the poor pay.

[VickyRN]

Since most nursing faculty are employed by public institutions (community colleges or universities), economics (funding for salaries) and political purse-strings are intimately related. Most teachers (not just nursing) are underpaid. The link between the nursing shortage and shortage of nurse educators is being broadcast in some political circles and, as a result, more funds are being appropriated to train new nurse educators (note my thread on the nursing educator fellowships in North Carolina). However, the underlying problem of low salaries is not being addressed satisfactorily. This must be corrected if we are to attract and retain nursing educators.

[bsweilrn]

I will be first in line to support higher wages for nursing faculty, but playing the devils advocate, the other faculty at the college don't think it fair to pay nursing faculty higher wages than they recieve.
How do we as a group demonstrate that the education we provide because of the skills taught in nursing school demands that we be paid equal atleast to clinical staff?

[rpv_rn]

Originally Posted by clnf1921

In a class we talked about the issues revolving around the nursing faculty shortage. I can see the economic issues and the social issues, but what are the political issues? I know about the nurse reinvestment act, the NEED act, and the nurse faculty education act and that we should lobby and support them. These are to counteract the faculty shortage, so what politically has contributed over the years to the faculty shortage?

Here in CA, majority of our funding (tax dollars) go to the #1 UC system, #2 Cal State System, then #3 Community colleges. Unfortunately, there is not much monies by #3.
It seems that politicians prefer to support the UC and CS systems, in spite of the fact that the majority of students opt for the CC as entry level because of costs and ease of admissions.

[psalm_55]

Originally Posted by bsweilrn

I will be first in line to support higher wages for nursing faculty, but playing the devils advocate, the other faculty at the college don't think it fair to pay nursing faculty higher wages than they recieve.
How do we as a group demonstrate that the education we provide because of the skills taught in nursing school demands that we be paid equal atleast to clinical staff?

there will always be issues with other faculty b/c our students get jobs -- their's do not necessarily.

re: salary differences -- there are differences in hours worked -- and in risk and liability. what is the history (or english, sociology, etc.) professors risks and liabilities?

[rpv_rn]

Originally Posted by psalm_55

there will always be issues with other faculty b/c our students get jobs -- their's do not necessarily.

re: salary differences -- there are differences in hours worked -- and in risk and liability. what is the history (or english, sociology, etc.) professors risks and liabilities?

You're correct about the difference in hours worked. Clinical instructors have to be at hospitals early for the day shift. Try getting an English, history, sociology et al professors to start their classes before 8:00 am.

[BGSRN]

The amount of hours that a nursing instructor CAN put in is so variable. Students will tell me how some instructors seem to be just "coasting" doing the bare minimum. As a new clincial instructor I probably overdo at this stage w/prep work but each semester I find this is getting easier. However - if I were to figure out an hourly salary for ALL the time I put in it would probably be between $20 - $25 an hour. In retrospect - I make almost $45.00 (straight time) at my "regular" job. I can not afford a full time postion at a college or school of nursing.