Wisdom for a future educator?

JaxJax5423 · Dec 12, 2016

I could have written this post exactly. I don't want a PHD because the cost and I don't want to research. I want to teach! And it's clear an MSN will only get you so far. I will tell you my journey.....

I have a BSN. Like you said, it's easier to get an MSN before kids and family. I haven't had the opportunity to go back. Anyway, I have been teaching LVN students for about 2 years. It is all lecture and clinical, very very student oriented. I truly enjoy it. However, without my MSN I am very limited. But I do think it's a great start.

My advice, get good well rounded clinical experience and start as an Adjunct. A higher ed degree is never a waste. I say go for an MSN if you can. Good luck.

llg, PhD, RN · Dec 12, 2016

Hello!
Anyone have any thoughts or wisdom for this idealistic newbie?
Thank you!

I think you already know a lot of the "answers." You just don't want to face them. You describe yourself as an "idealistic newbie" and I think you nailed it right there. You are idealistic -- perhaps to the point of being unrealistic. Having a successful career (and being successful in life in general) usually involves some compromises -- but you don't seem ready to make them yet.

We all have to choose which things are MOST important to us and which things we are willing to compromise on. You seem to want it all -- the perfect job that involves only those things you like to do and none of the things that don't particularly interest you. You also want the perfect education path to achieve that job, one in which you only do the things that you considerable enjoyable and none of the things that you don't enjoy. Real life just isn't like that.

Every rose has its thorns. If you want to have beautiful roses, you have to deal with the thorns. If you want to have kids, you have to deal with them when they are cranky and misbehaving. If you want to teach academic (classroom) courses in an academic environment, you are going to have to be at somewhat academic in your background and concurrent activities. It comes with the territory.

Maybe you need to just give it a little time and mature a little in your career. With any luck, you will start to see that no job is perfect and become more comfortable with the fact that we all have to make choices that force us to compromise a bit now and then.

walkingdeadhead · Dec 14, 2016

Hi,

Some states don't require the doctorate to lecture. I actually have a tenure track position as an assistant professor with my MSN in my state. I am pursuing my PhD because I like research and want the salary increase. That being said, if a doctorate is what you need to lecture, consider an EdD or DNP with a clin spec focus. These are less research intensive and acceptable to most colleges or smaller universities.

BeenThereDoneThat74, MSN, RN · Dec 30, 2016

Hi,
Some states don't require the doctorate to lecture. I actually have a tenure track position as an assistant professor with my MSN in my state. I am pursuing my PhD because I like research and want the salary increase. That being said, if a doctorate is what you need to lecture, consider an EdD or DNP with a clin spec focus. These are less research intensive and acceptable to most colleges or smaller universities.

I second the first part: depending on the market in your area, a doctorate is not always necessary. You could teach in a 2 year or LPN program, or perhaps land a 'clinical only' full time position.

I recently got out of academia for the reasons you mentioned: I started a PhD program, then decided it really wasn't what I wanted. My empoyer did not require, but strongly encouraged it. However, research and publication was a MUST. I lost my desire to do that (mainly because the job was sucking the life out of me; lecturing, clinical, committees, grant work, and the pressure to publish). As much as I actually enjoyed teaching, I wanted out of the rat race.

There is one more option you may want to consider: An EdD. Neither clinical nor research based.

mookyjoe, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP · Jan 3, 2017

I taught for 5 years at technical colleges, universities, and community colleges. The bottom line is what does the institution call for as far as qualifications. I only had my MSN when I taught and was offered a full-time assistant professor position after one semester, but I would have been pushed to acquire my PhD. I hate research except when it involves teaching the latest and greatest out there. You must learn to love reading research to stay a breadth in everything medical especially nursing. You will be teaching not only students but your peers also. It was interesting for me to see my peers I graduated with, fall behind on so much as I continued to pursue my education. Sure, they know their specialties, but there's so much they don't know also because they stayed stagnant in their discipline and never sought out more continuing education other than what the hospital required of them. You don't need a PhD to teach, but taking a class per semester also doesn't hurt or hinder a full-time instructor. With a MSN you will be conducting clinicals mostly at first with some highlights in lecture. If I took the assistant professor position, I would have been holding my own courses, advising of so many students, and clinicals too! There's no such thing from Kansas to Tennessee as lectures only. And the money is always better at a state university compared to other institutions. It's a passion, not a paycheck! Hope this helps you as you take the leap.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Jan 16, 2017

Education is a congenital defect in my family (dominant gene for 4 generations & counting). But I just couldn't cope with the constraints of academia - it's too slow paced, and frankly, I don't want to deal with all the snowflakes. I absolutely love my job as a non-academic education leader for a healthcare organization. I'm involved in pretty much all new initiatives because staff education is required to support any type of change. I design & develop training programs, manage clinical competency support systems including creating online courseware and managing our LMS & LCMS. I create collaborative programs with public schools & higher ed, etc . . . and it's all fun. Oh, and I'm very well rewarded for my work.

I get to mentor, develop & work alongside the most talented group of educators in the universe. Most of "My" educators began as standout Preceptors, inservice coordinators, and volunteer CPR instructors before they got the education bug. MSN is required, but anyone that is within a semester or so of graduation is eligible, particularly if it's an internal applicant. There's very little turnover - we mostly lose staff to promotion opportunities.

suni, BSN, RN · Jan 27, 2017

I have my MSN and no desire for a PhD. I teach lPN students and also community college ADN's. I find it to be rewarding and at times challenging.

random_nurse12 · Feb 3, 2017

I have an MSN and I teach in a community college. I am also a Department Chair. We do not require a doctorate. I will however obtain a doctorate at some point. It will be either an EdD or DNP, it will not be a PhD.

I would encourage you to look at teaching in a college with less of a research focus or a community college. I have also taught at private 4-year colleges and they did not have near the emphasis on research and publishing that the large, state university does.

I personally love community college and have no desire to ever move into a position that requires research as a major portion of the role. I have published. But it is not required for me to do so. We are student focused. It is much more about teaching and student outcomes than research and publishing. And as cliche as it sounds, we truly make a difference in students' lives. Every year I see the student struggling, living in poverty, and this degree will literally change their lives.

I would also suggest adjuncting as a clinical instructor after you complete your MSN. This is the best way to start.

I think teaching truly has to be something you are passionate about and your personality has to be suited for it. You will never get rich doing this, but there are advantages and disadvantages just like every thing else. I have an incredible work-life balance and a retirement plan that I would never find working in the health care system. But no, I do not make as much money as an NP.