Any Future for Part Time Nurse Educator?

[bookwormom]

I have been teaching nursing , mostly part time, since 1981. But I'm stuck in the part time mode! The small institution which employs me isn't terribly committed to offering nursing as a major, and is reluctant to employ me full time because they say my salary would not be supported by the tuition generated by the students. In fact, the institution balks at maintaining the teaching ratios required by the state board. But here's my problem: I live in a rural area, and the only other employment options are in several hospitals a considerable distance from my home. I am pretty much tied to living where I do.

I love teaching and I'm good at it. I'm well qualified. For now, I am working as a staff nurse part time to supplement my income from teaching. I do a lot of driving.

I'm so discouraged. I really need to increase my income, now that my children are (mostly) grown up. Sometimes I want to hang up education entirely, and look for a position as a nurse administrator-- but this would mean a round trip of about 4 hours a day. (Yes, four hours!) Plus, if I work summers, I won't be able to do research .

I need advice.

[llg, PhD, RN]

Do you have a Master's Degree? Could you get a job teaching an online course (e.g. for the Univ. of Phoenix) ?

Could you earn extra money by writing articles and/or self-study modules? What about a part-time staff development job that might pay better than your part time staff nurse job -- or one that would reduce your commuting because you could do your course preparation at home? Are there opportunities to do patient education (or teach CPR, etc.) closer to where you live?

Just a few thoughts,

llg

[bookwormom]

Thanks. Yes I do have a MS and am in a Doctoral program. U of Phoenix isn't interested. (I did send in an application). As far as I can tell, the staff development around here is mostly part of FT jobs. Money is so tight locally that things like staff development are usually just added to a full timer's duties. It it involves extra expense, it probably won't be offered. The community teaching I have done recently has been gratis. I think if something better doesn't turn up, I may have to work full time in the summer as a staff nurse. I don't know how that will fit with the doctoral research. I appreciate the suggestions, tho'. They do give me food for thought.

Do you have a Master's Degree? Could you get a job teaching an online course (e.g. for the Univ. of Phoenix) ?

Could you earn extra money by writing articles and/or self-study modules? What about a part-time staff development job that might pay better than your part time staff nurse job -- or one that would reduce your commuting because you could do your course preparation at home? Are there opportunities to do patient education (or teach CPR, etc.) closer to where you live?

Just a few thoughts,

llg