[sistasoul]

Hi all,

I just graduated from a 2 year ADN program . I am interested in becoming an adjunct clinical instructor. I do not want to do the classroom teaching portion.
I had a really great adjunct med-surge instructor who has inspired me to pursue this option. I believe some instructors can make a student feel like they can fly where others can make you doubt your abilities to become an RN. I have had personal experiences with both types.
I have a previous 4 year degree in Finance. I was wondering what the requirements would be to be an adjunct CI.
What type of masters degree would I need and how many years of experience? If teaching LPN students would the requirements be less?

Thank you,

Heather

[elkpark]

Lots of schools use BSN-prepared people as clinical instructors. An MSN would give you more options, of course.

Most every nursing faculty position, adjunct or otherwise, requires a minimum of two years of clinical experience; some schools require more than that and, of course, with just the two years minimum requirement, you would not be as competitive a candidate as others with more experience (although a lot of schools are so hard up for faculty that there might not be any competition for an open position ).

I know there have been some previous discussions/threads here about the pros and cons of adjunct faculty positions. You may want to search for them and have a read.

[Alexk49]

With a previous BS you can go to bridge MSN program. You may need 1-2 years of experience.

In my home state you need a MSN or BSN and enrollement to a MSN to teach even in a LPN progran.

Don't give up on your dream. In the mean time you could become a CPR instructor or teach CNAs.

[showbizrn]

Investigate teaching in a LPN program in order to get some teaching experience.

Like Alex said, you can also investigate the varioous BS to MSN bridge programs available in order to increase your credentials---since teaching is your goal.

Investigate ways to teach community-based programs in your area---topics like weight control, healthy dietary habits, diabetes maintenance, etc. This will "pump-up" your resume and increase your contacts and networking opportunites for other teaching jobs.

GET THE WORD OUT---inform other colleagues that you are looking for an adjunct clinical teaching position. You'd be surpirsed how word-of-mouth can eventually land you a job.

MUCH SUCCESS TO YOU!!!

[ceecel.dee]

I would worry about your credibility with students if you have no real-life experience, but I appreciate your enthusiasm! Good luck!

[sistasoul]

Originally Posted by ceecel.dee

I would worry about your credibility with students if you have no real-life experience, but I appreciate your enthusiasm! Good luck!

Thank you for your input.

I am trying to get a job in med-surge right now. Teaching is something I would like to do in a few years. I am in New Hampshire and the new grad jobs are not as plentiful here as in other parts of the country. I have not given up hope though!!

I want to thank everyone who has replied. I have quite a few options to consider in how to best approach achieving my goal. Step 1- get experience.
H.

[LiveToLearn]

Definitely don't give up! This is a wonderful profession. As you gain clinical experience, ask to have students assigned to you. Ask to mentor new grads. Not only will this give you a lot of experience teaching students at this level and allow you to hone your techniques, your employer and supervisors will come to know that you are "student-friendly" and this may help you with future recommendations and references. You never know what will happen...I know several instructors who swore they would never want to teach in a classroom, only as adjunct, and now they are happy full-time faculty members!

Once you find your teaching position, I would encourage you to find a mentor. Or, consider finding one now. Find a nurse educator you can shadow for a few days at clinicals if possible. This gives you a good picture of what a daily routine would be like, and possibly could give you a "foot in the door." You might also look for a part-time job teaching CNAs in the meantime to give you additional experience. Good luck, you are so needed in this profession!