They pay what???

[studentnurserachel]

I always thought that eventually I might want to teach, so I jumped at the opportunity to teach a didactic course this summer at a local associate degree program despite low pay, so I could see if teaching was actually a good fit for me. The dean recently started talking to me about a full-time position that was coming open in the fall and wanted me to apply. My jaw about hit the floor when she mentioned what starting pay would be. I knew educator salaries were lower, especially than my NP pay, but the number she quoted was less than I made my very first year in nursing in rural North Carolina 7 years ago as a brand new ADN nurse.

I have been shocked at how much work it takes for a 3 credit course, probably spending about 25 hours a week on it. I think I am going to end up averaging about $2/hour by the time everything is said and done this summer, which was fine, because it was adjunct and I still have my regular job.

So now I really get the nursing faculty shortage. Despite the amount of work, I find teaching very rewarding and enjoyable, but I can't pay my student loans and help support my family like that! Crazy! How do you all manage, or is this just a local aberration?

The time wasn't right for me right now regardless, but I guess I just really didn't know the difference in compensation was that significant.

[lepew]

42K for a 12 month position?? thats crazy....I worked for one college that was 46K for a 9 month with option to do summer classes for more. My current faculty position is 50K for 9 months....and with summer teaching it came to about 15k more ....not too bad considering the perks we get too!

[OkieNP]

I made 41,500 for 9 months in Oklahoma during the 2013-2014 school year, working (at the college) 32 hours a week, plus prepping for lectures (20ish hours of work x 6 a semester on my "free time"). Not bad really, but as an NP in the same area I make 85k as a new grad NP 45 hrs a week only 2 weeks off a year. I quit teaching because the insurance to insure my ONE daughter was $600 a month!!! The education of undergraduates however is significantly easier than working as an NP (stress, too much autonomy, hours).