Anyone teach nursing school clinicals on the side?

whalems · Nov 5, 2014

I have been an RN / FNP for 34 years. I have been a clinical instructor / professor for 2 universities over the past 10 years. I usually work 1-2 8-10 hour shifts per week, in addition to my primary employment as an NP in dermatology research. What I have found is this:first, a great deal depends on the university's support of their instructors. One SON usually supported the student without input from the instructor, which can be quite uncomfortable. Second, it is a wonderful way to keep your hands in bedside nursing and to keep up with new medications, procedures, etc. Third, it is wonderful to help guide potentially new nurses on the care of patients, because as we know, it is so much more than what is in the book.

Fourth, when you love what you do--it shows, to your students, the nursing staff and particularly to the patient. And if you are interested in extra income, earning the money doing what you like--this is perfect. In NYC, clinical instructors earn $70-80 / hour of clinical instruction!

I started as a means of paying off my daughter's college tuition (>$140K), it is now paid off (less than 6 years) and we are now financing a retirement home purchase.

Do what you love and love what you do.

LadysSolo · Nov 6, 2014

I teach in an LPN program, and enjoy it. We require 4 years experience on the floor before hire, and you must commit to how much you will teach, pass Federal BCI, CPR, TB, etc.

Waldenheim · Nov 9, 2014

I'm looking into this as a side gig to my PRN job. Just to mix things up. I think I'd enjoy it. Pay is almost identical to my PRN hospital job.
I'm just not sure I like the schedule. Clinical is the same day every week for the semester and you can't miss any I assume. I'm used to more flexibility and being able to make my own schedule and travel.
Maybe it's not the right gig for me right now.
Does anyone do it and love it?
Or hate it?

I have my nursing education certification, and an MSN with FNP certification. I have taught as full-time faculty in an RN program. Which I absolutely loved. Yes, we did have a set schedule and missing both lecture and clinical days was greatly frowned upon. Since giving up full-time teaching to practice I have held adjunct faculty positions as a clinical instructor. Again the schedule is set for the semester and the instructors are not expected to miss days anymore than the students are. Currently, I precept students in my clinical practice setting. I do not get paid for precepting but there is more flexibility in the schedule. I get to determine when I am available to precept. As a full-time clinician, I like precepting better than working as adjunct faculty.

After reading your post it sounds like you would be better served to precept at this time. You are not likely to be paid for this but in the future should decide to consider an adjunct clinical instructor position you would already have your foot in the door.

mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN · Nov 21, 2014

I thought about the liability issue and thought I would look into precepting first. At least they are working under their own license. I have had some 2nd year students assigned to my patients and they were well prepared. As a former teacher, I think it gives me a little bit of experience in assessing what a student knows (or doesn't knows). Still just a thought to put on the back burner.....