Contemplating Job Offer

Specialties Educators

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Hi there! I just thought I'd post a couple questions for anyone who is willing to answer them.

I am a 2nd year graduate student working on my MSN in Nursing Education. So far I love the program and all that I'm learning. I decided to go the teaching route in nursing about 3 years ago and am now making good on that plan! ;)

My clinical background has been labor and delivery, post-partum and nursery. Currently I am working in research at a birth defects center, and am doing that for a paycheck, basically.

I have been offered a job in an Educational Resources dept as a Education Coordinator. My job would be mainly orientation of new nurses and clinical staff. Some of the classes include med/surg concepts, such as chest tubes, respiratory issues, etc. I would love to teach things related to Labor and Delivery however, there already is a Coordinator in place doing just that. :o

I am worried about being "qualified" to teach such classes when my expertise is so limited to a specialty area.

Thoughts? Guidance? Help?

Specializes in LDRP; Education.

llg,

Thanks for the book suggestions! I love getting in touch with books regarding a new area of nursing. It helps tremendously with the transition.

I don't have a start date yet as I haven't given notice here yet. My director has been out of town and is unavailable until next week.

Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Susy,

There are lots of books out there. Staff Development folks tend to write a lot. However, some of them are mostly theory and don't include a lot of practical tips. The 2 I recommended are more geared to helping someone get started by offering practical tips.

And in the interests of full disclosure, I should confess that I wrote one of the chaptes in the "secrets" book -- but I didn't get any money for it and don't make any money on the sale of the book! Now, is that a rip-off or what? :-)

You can probably find the big, classic textbooks in just about any hospital or school library. Your new department might even have there own copies of some of the books. Once again, educators tend to collect books and stuff.

Linda

Specializes in LDRP; Education.
Originally posted by llg

And in the interests of full disclosure, I should confess that I wrote one of the chaptes in the "secrets" book -- but I didn't get any money for it and don't make any money on the sale of the book! Now, is that a rip-off or what? :-)

Linda

Really? That is totally cool. I look forward to reading it!

Congrats on your new job

Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.
Originally posted by Susy K

Really? That is totally cool. I look forward to reading it!

Actually, my chapter on different aspects of the staff development role is totally boring. It was somewhat of an academic exercise to write it. I prefer a different style of writing (essays). But I am glad I did it. I need to start publishing regularly ... and the book chapter project gave me an editor and a deadline!

llg

Specializes in LDRP; Education.

Wouldn't you know, no sooner do I accept this position does another one crop up.

My old boss from the clinic just created a new Heath & Safety Nurse position, responsible for mask fit testing, TB tests, Health & Safety Days for the employees, OSHA stuff, etc.

Hmmmm.

I'm slated to start the Education Coordinator job May 15th. Hmmm.

So many options. I guess that's what I love most about nursing.

Specializes in MS Home Health.

I think you will enjoy the educator role!

renerian

Specializes in LDRP; Education.

I think you are biased, renerian! ;)

I think she's right Susy! Your going to get bored otherwise. Your mind in too acute for fit-testing.

What an excellent position. The nurses in similar positions at my hospital love it -- don't budge from that position. Wonderful working conditions -- solid pay -- not working with unlovely fluids, etc. You will be a great resource for nurses -- you have retained more than you realize -- it will come back to you. Your added experiences will enhance your perspective. Good luck.

Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I have to admit, routine OSHA training, etc. was what I have always liked least about education roles. Doing the same thing over and over is OK for a while, but then I get bored and start stirring up trouble. I prefer roles where I have a little more freedom to create things, try new things, etc.

I also prefer to teach things that people are interested in -- and a lot of staff members aren't too thrilled to be there at the required annual stuff. It takes a lot of enthusiasm and creativity to make that required annual stuff fun and interesting -- but it can be done.

Good luck in whatever you choose. Keep us posted.

llg

Specializes in Med/Surg, ER, L&D, ICU, OR, Educator.

Suzy,

You strike me as intelligent, articulate, and quite likable. You will be great!

You have all the basics, even if you haven't use them in the last 10 minutes! The internet is your best friend in this endeavor, and you need not be an expert. You just need to be approachable...and an "get things done" kinda gal. You already are that, I think.....right?

After the initial adjustment, you will thrive in this role!

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