If eventually I want to teach, does an ABSN or D.E. NP make more sense

caitiecait · May 21, 2009

If teaching is what you really want to do, than why don't you get your BSN become an RN go into the area that most intrests you like ICU, ER, Med Surge, and then get your MSN in education and become an instructor. You can teach with your MSN. Yes it's great to get your NP but if education is what you really want to do then being an NP is a waste of time. When you are an RN the knowledge and experience you gain is what you will focus upon as a teacher. Some of my best instructors had their MSN and were in nursing for 10 years in ICU, and PACU. You can also get your doctorate's and become the dean or head of nursing. We need more instructors you would be in demand! I also recommend the BSN route vs. the Associates route because your BSN teaches nursing,theories behind nursing, and research all of which you will use as an instructor. Plus having your BSN will make you more desirable to schools for your MSN and you can even get into a nurse educator's role with your BSN. Our CNE only has her BSN. Your options are endless! Goodluck to you!

GraceXOBoards · May 21, 2009

One more thought - not that I'm trying to be greedy, but if/when I begin teaching, will my income considerably drop?

GraceXOBoards · May 21, 2009

caitiecait, Thank you for your thoughtful reply. This is exactly the type of feedback I need. I don't know anyone in the industry, so it's nice to have this forum. I feel like I have a new family already.

caitiecait · May 21, 2009

You are welcome:D I am not sure what the salary is for an instructor, but I do know that they do not get paid as much as an NP and those who teach are doing it for the passion of education. Right now I am an ICU nurse I will have 1 years experience and I make $22.38 an hour. So that would average out to be like $38,672.64 but with my overtime its more like $42,000. As an instructor you will prolly make in the $50,000 range. I do know that if you get your Doctorates overtime you could make maybe $80,000. One thing to note is it all depends were you teach at as well. If you teach at a private university vs. say a community college or public university your pay will be less than the public university. If I was you I would get into an area of nursing where the learning is vast and the exposure to different pt's and disease processes is endless. Go into the ER or ICU, even med surge but med surge is misery to me lol. Get 2 years experience then go back to school for your MSN and work at the same time. By the time you are done you will have 4-5 years experience as an RN, you will be ready to teach, trust me!! lol:jester:

GraceXOBoards · May 22, 2009

I definitely think I'd like that setting, and only because I loved that area when I was an EMT. I'd even like to get involved in working overseas. Thank you for the support. I'm shadowing a nurse in a Cath Lab tomorrow. Have been reading up on what's done. I'm just digging all of this. First time since I was full-time reporting and editing that I've been this excited about learning. It's a good feeling.

sandnnw, BSN, MSN, EMT-B, APRN · May 22, 2009

DE, not in NP though. You can find DE programs in just about any specialty (private colleges are best at this). NP is a waste for someone wanting to teach in generalist programs. I'd even go so far as to say going for your PhD would not be bad advice, depending upon when/where you'd want to teach. Be sure to get certified in something (God knows you can get a cert in anything). That will make your MSN even more valuable. So, you may have to prepare yourself to actually work as a nurse and I suggest either Med-Surg, ICU or ER for a few years in order to teach. Many instructors actually work on the weekends or summers. You students will value this in you. Good luck, keep us up2date.