Clinical Instructor Advice

OCRN3 · Feb 7, 2014

I teach part time, work the floor per diem. I just quit my clinic job to teach full time lecture. I started teaching clinical and at that point wasn't sure of I liked it. Through the course if the year, I have decided that I love it. It wasn't hard to get a job for me because the school I teach at is very short staffed. I suggest you apply at the schools in your area and see what happens.

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classicdame, MSN, EdD · Feb 14, 2014

I work full time in hospital as Educator and prn as clinical instructor. I enjoy it, though some days are hectic

allnurses Guide · Feb 20, 2014

Think of it as adding another shift to your full time shifts, plus a good many hours at home with student paperwork. Do you really want to work an extra shift every single week?

I enjoyed teaching clinicals the first time; as it was all new and I was excitedly learning what to do while in my master's classes. The novelty wore off a bit, and while I still enjoyed it the stress of keeping up with 8 students started to take it's toll a bit. I worked part time, nights, so I had the time available; the problem was going back and forth between day and night shifts every week.

The other thing to think about, is if your current employer will always accommodate your need for the clinical day off, or the night shifts before and after.

What really helped me, was having a mentor who would sit down with me and guide me through just what was expected, both from me and the abilities of the students at their level. We spent a few Sunday afternoons just going over student paperwork, how to grade them, and what to do or not do during a clinical day. Fortunately my mentor was a friend from years before, from when her daughter was in my Girl Scout troop!

MMARN, BSN, RN · Feb 20, 2014

Definitely begin looking around the schools in your area. I'll be doing clinical instructor come Fall semester and I'm pretty excited about it. It all started with one of the professors who works in the school I attended for my nursing degree deciding that I NEEDED to become part of the staff. She opened the door for me, and I'm extremely greatful to her. Look for positions online and definitely look into adjunct positions--part-time for a determined period of time--especially if you have your BSN. Good luck in your search!

cinlou, BSN, MSN, RN · Feb 23, 2014

First you have to decide if this is what you really want to do. I was working three 12 hour day shifts in a busy ED every Friday, Saturday and Sunday then started teaching 4th semester ADN students in their leadership and critical care rotations, I had papers to grade, post conferences, test reviews etc. and Loved every minute of it, it was not as stressful and difficult as my regular job so for me it was not like working additional shifts. By getting my foot in the door of clinical instruction when the door opened to be the Director of their new LPN program I stepped in and have not been sorry for it. Good luck in your future. Teaching is not for everyone, but I wanted to give back what I spent 35 years doing. While I was teaching clinical, and working full time I was also completing my Masters with a focus in Nursing education, busy, but a goal I had wanted to complete and I am not sorry I did it. Starting out by teaching clinical is a good way to see if this is what you truly want to do, but in the interim, be sure you are giving to the students all you can even if you decide it is not your cup of tea, don't let the students suffer by your uncertainties. Good Luck with your future.

curlygirlie3 · Feb 23, 2014

I started out by tutoring at my ADN alma mater after I graduated. Once I obtained my BSN, the ADN program asked me to lead a clinical group. My advice is make connections at the program that you graduated from. Also, find another nurse where you work who does clinicals. You will often find that people aren't willing to do it because it IS another 12 hour shift per week plus a whole stack of paperwork to rummage through each week. Finally - buy a red pen. :yes:

cls376 · Feb 23, 2014

like others have stated it really depends on the nursing schools in your area. Some may be in need of adjunct faculty and others may not. Try being an adjunct faculty first then if you like that aspect, investigate full-time hirings. I started out working staff full-time, part-time (adjunct) teaching, and being in a master's program. It was difficult and I had a staff job that really worked with my schedule. I have prgressed from there over the years and now I am full-time faculty at a univeristy , casusal staff RN at a perinatal unit, and a PhD student. So nursing education can be rewarding. Just like any job you get out of it what you are willing to put in or have time to put in.

Pachinko · Mar 11, 2014

I taught four semesters of clinical before starting my grad program. I was the last BSN that they hired and got in due to my acute care experience. I loved it. As grinding as the administrative part is, nursing is fresh to the students, which keeps it fun and exciting. Academic standards for nursing students are high, so you are more likely to get intelligent, engaged students than you might with other majors (especially if you are teaching the ones close to graduating, as I did). A huge benefit of teaching is that it forces you to keep up to date in your practice and makes you keep learning. I got nailed by my students asking complex questions the first semester, so I studied and prepared well for my second. It motivated me to go for my acute care certification and ultimately my FNP.

I don't think that I would want to be a full time educator, though. It's the mix of patient care and teaching that keeps me from getting bored.