Am I heading in the right direction...???

[SGroRN]

Hello everyone! I would like input, especially from nurse educators, about my situation...

So a little background... I have been a RN for about 5 years now. Currently, I am pursuing a MSN in nursing education and will finish in December. I am a part-time clinical instructor in a BSN program. At this point, my career goal is to teach full-time in a school of nursing (preferably RN program). However, the program I teach in does not hire new faculty often. Also, I plan to start a PhD program within the next year or two. Last week, a position was announced in the newspaper for a local technical school's LPN program and it is a full-time classroom/clinical position. The pay listed is actually very good for teaching and it includes benefits. So when they called, I eagerly accepted an interview.

The problem... I started working at the VA last year because my previous hospital closed. My husband (also a nurse) "suckered" me into the VA, and I did make it known that it would not be long-term employment because I wanted to teach in a SON and not do staff development. Now with this interview for the LPN instructor position, he is very much against the thought of me taking it (if offered). Basically, he said that it probably isn't a good idea for me to teach at a technical college in an LPN program if I want to get my PhD and eventually teach in a college or university. He also feels that it would be a big mistake to leave a federal government position, whereas I would be making more $$$ in the instructor position and it would be experience for future career moves. I have talked with many faculty in the past and most have had teaching experience in LPN and diploma and ADN nursing programs in the past. I feel this position would be a good start into a full-time teaching career and possibly a future job with a college or university.

Are there any faculty out there with a word for the wise??? Anyone ever have a spouse with the mentality???

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

I think the experience could be valuable to you, as you continue to learn how to teach, and would look good on a resume, and...

You're already getting teaching experience that will look good on a resume by teaching part time in the BSN program. I don't know that you need more. You could look around for other full time teaching opportunities in other schools that give BSNs. Most teaching jobs aren't advertised. You find out about them by networking. Call people, write letters... I was able to get lots of job offers by doing that sort of thing. It amazed me!

With your MS in nursing ed, you'd be a valuable addition to any faculty, especially since you have teaching experience.

In schools that are for profit you can have big troubles with students who know that no matter what they do, they'll graduate. Make sure the school you're considering isn't one of these. No amount of pay is worth the headaches this situation can give you. Ask to talk to faculty and some graduates. What's the school's reputation in the community?

Will you have a mentor or will you be totally on your own?

Do you have time to work full time teaching? As you go forward with your own education, time to work won't be ample. Maybe keeping the part time BSN teaching job is a better choice. Teaching full time can be more than a full time job.

I don't know that your husband is just being a spoil-sport. I think he has some valid points.

Schools like their teachers to have current clinical experience. It makes what the teacher teaches more real for the students. Giving up your VA job could be a negative toward your future teaching hopes.

I don't think I'd trade the jobs you already have for a full time faculty position in an LPN school unless the school has sparkling credentials and I asked lots of questions that lead to very positive answers.

[Marshall1]

This is your life and career - not his or anyone else's. You obviously want this position and while pay is important, more so is being motivated to get up to go to work and being happy and satisfied when you are there. When you are on your death bed are you going to regret the things you did or the things you wish you had done? Bet it's the latter...maybe one reason I am being direct is because I am personally and professionally at one of the worst times in my life and it's SOLELY because I have not followed MY path but always someone else's idea of where I should work, live etc. I am not saying not to take others opinions and advice into consideration, nor am I suggesting being self centered or inflexible, but what I am saying is you don't want to be someone like me who is living in a place that does not suit them on any level and staring down the barrel of a job you are going to start that you do NOT want but have no choice but to take because you have to pay bills. If you don't follow your passion you will regret it and end up angry at yourself AND your spouse. Trust me on this..faulty positions are difficult to get and being able to teach, to reach out to those who are just starting their educational path, is an awesome opportunity. Who cares if it's at a local college or Ivy league? It's education and future nurses! You can always go back to the VA - they are always hiring somewhere. Good luck ~

[cancanRN]

I say follow your dreams, as for your husband he might need to realize that government jobs are not what they once were. The federal and state governments are in a fiscal crunch and although unlikely now, the cuts will roll down to nursing staff as well. I say go for it .