Where can I teach online with 2 years rn exp and BSN?

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Jul 21, 2013

I have done online teaching and no of nowhere that does not require an MSN. These are not easy positions to get in the first place.

MystyqueOne, BSN, RN · Jul 22, 2013

My co worker only has her BSN and she is teaching online. I found one school, but they require 3 years RN experience with only BSN.

June59 · Jul 22, 2013

I do not know of any that do not require a MSN. Many are now requiring a doctorate & expect faculty to remain current in practice within his or her specialty. I have an MSN & teach online as an adjunct. Most positions are not full time unless you have a doctorate.

It sounds like you may be seeking an easy work at home job w/ a schedule that revolves around your personal life. Online is not as easy as you may think the classes are active 24/7 & students expect feedback within a reasonable time frame. I also work face-to-face as an adjunct & prn in the hospital. My physical work days are typically 3 12-hr days/wk. I find that when I have even 1 online class I am on the computer most evenings after work as well as many hours on my days off. If I have 2 or more, I spend every waking hour on the computer when not at the hospital or in the face-to-face class. Participating in & grading weekly discussions, papers, etc is very time consuming ~ You must have the dedication to put life on hold if need be to provide timely feedback & respond to all emails within 24 hours. I take an occasional semester off from online so that I can truly enjoy a few days off per week without having to sit in front of a computer. Personally, I favoring my prn position as I clock in & clock out & do not have to bring work home with me. When not teaching, I have the time to invest in my family & personal interests. When teaching, there is little time for that.

MystyqueOne, BSN, RN · Jul 24, 2013

If you read in my original post, I stated I was looking for extra money.... In addition to my full time job that I already have.

I used to want to be a teacher prior to becoming a nurse. What you described, with constant feedback, grading assignments, on the computer most all days.... That sounds a lot like what I'm already doing in some ways now and truly enjoy it. Plus, that sounds like exactly what I would enjoy doing. I definitely do not think it's an easy job without it's challenges. I am a very organized person with great time management skills. I absolutely love educating and have had so many tell me that I have explain things very well.

These are just a few things... But ultimately, I would like to attain my masters in nursing education.

Thanks.

June59 · Jul 24, 2013

Sorry, I did miss that you were looking for extra money. Again, working FT & taking on 1 teaching assignment will probably consume all free time, but will definitely give you online experience. If you have children, be sure they are old enough to understand you will be on the computer when not at your regular day job. I know when mine were young, they would not understand that I was at work & not to disturb. There were times when I would pick up a 4 day work week, & even ate dinner in front of the computer. Husband was very understanding on those weeks & fortunately loves to cook :up: I do not know of any RN programs that will take on faculty without a masters education, but perhaps some of the LVN/LPN programs have online didactics. Continue networking with your friend; perhaps her/his program will have an adjunct opening in the future.

If you want teaching experience & not necessarily online, you may want to apply for adjunct clinical which is typically 1 or 2 days/week. Then you will have f2f clinical teaching experience, which a lot of online programs require. You will be required to grade care plans, concept maps, etc, but it will not cut into your free time as much as an online class would. Many ADN programs will use adjunct BSN faculty for clinical ~ I do not know what state you are in, so check your BON regarding requirements, ie, will you be an assistant for a clinical instructor who has a masters or can you have a clinical group on your own. This will differ from state to state. Another option would be to teach adjunct in an LPN/LVN f2f program. In the past, I worked FT for an ADN program & we used an adjunct with a BSN for clinical 1 12 hr shift/week. Another worked L&D & would teach those lectures & labs for us. So if you are in a specialty area in demand for your local college, that may be an option. You may also investigate options in continuing ed teaching CNA. You will have your own class & hours are usually 2-3 hrs for 2-3 evenings per week with 24 hrs in clinical which is usually done in 1 weekendFri-Sun. Whether you do clinical or f2f didactic &/or labs, you can add content for student learning in the programs online platform. All colleges today will have this available & is used to some extent by faculty who teach f2f. All these options will provide a little extra money along with teaching experience. Hope this helps & good luck to you!

elkpark · Jul 24, 2013

Some B&M nursing programs use BSN-prepared individuals as clinical instructors, but, in my experience, those individuals have a lot more than two years' nursing experience. You may be able to get a job (online or "live") teaching CNAs or LPNs. Have you looked into becoming a CPR instructor? I think you're going to have a hard time finding a job teaching at the RN level without having either an MSN or more experience.

But, best wishes!

llg, PhD, RN · Jul 24, 2013

I agree with the previous posters. Your opportunities to teach online at the RN level are very few. Reputable RN programs usually require at least an MSN. There are actually lots of people out there with graduate degrees who would like to pick up a little extra cash by doing a little part time online teaching. So you are facing lots of competition in that particular "job market." I do it myself. I teach one online course per year -- and I have a PhD, 35 years of experience, and am certified in Professional Development. (I'm your competition.)

Also, accrediting agencies and State Boards often require that "classroom" classes be taught (or at least coordinated) by people with graduate degrees in nursing. Once again, that leaves you at a competitive disadvantage in the job market. Your best bet is to pursue other opportunities for teaching at this time (e.g. CPR, staff development, CNA, LPN, etc.) or do some clinical teaching as an instructor/preceptor while you consider getting your MSN. You might also seek opportunities at schools with low standards, but if you spend too much time working for such schools, it could hurt you later if/when you seek employment at "better" schools.

Good luck with whatever you decide.