Finding teaching jobs?

iteachob, MSN, RN · Dec 17, 2008

Don't really know the answer to this. I do know that the CNA programs where I live are pretty much associated with High School vocational programs.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Dec 23, 2008

Jen,

Are you referring to non-academic educator jobs? Welcome to my world!!! :yeah:There are far more of us in the workplace than in academia. Also, if you compare based on credentials & experience, we (workplace) also make more money.

However, it can be challenging to move into an education position since there are so many ways to do it. Each organization has it's own educational infrastructure. Sometimes, the jobs are all de-centralized, with educators for each service line or department. In others, the education function is centralized under a central reporting function - that may or may not provide department-level education. Centralized departments are much more likely to be delivering programs like CNA training.

I would advise concentrating FIRST on becoming as clinically expert as you possibly can. Not just proficient, but outstanding - those kinds of skills will help you move into a first-rung position as a clinical educator. Become a CPR and ACLS instructor. Get at least one clinical specialty certification because clinical educator jobs frequently require these. From there, you can move up the ranks. Get your MSN - with a concentration on education if possible - as soon as you can.

Also - make sure you develop instructional design competency for both traditional (classroom) and eLearning. Most of my nurse educators are also expected to design & develop online courses - this requires pretty high levels of software expertise.

Clinical educators also have to be resilient - our jobs are very vulnerable. Our positions are frequently eliminated whenever the economy takes a nose-dive. We just have to hunker down until something else comes along. Been there, done that.

Good luck!

Lstcats · Dec 29, 2008

I will graduate in March with my BSN and will continue on to get my MSN in education. My question is, where do I find teaching jobs that are not affiliated with a college, but more of CNA instructor for a health company?

Hi Jen 2002,

I do not have my MSN. I have one course under my belt but have attempted 3 other times and have had to drop out for health reasons or other circumstances. So, I understand your dilemma. You don't mention if you had your ADN and then went back for a BSN. So, how many years experience do you have? That makes a difference. You wouldn't even be allowed to teach as a CNA instructor unless you had atleast two years experience as RN or LPN. ATleast that is how it is here in and around Boston. I first worked for the Red Cross as a CNA instructor and the $$ was horrible. I did it on the side for experience and I loved teaching. It paid off because I had other jobs in tech schools as a lead CNA instructor. I don't know where you live but research technical schools where they have medical assisting because pretty good chance they will have a CNA program also. As for having a BSN and teaching in nursing program it varies by state. In MA, you need a BORN waiver from the state and must have atleast 5 years of clinical experience in a hospital or LTC for PN programs. If you do get your MSN some day then, you can write your ticket to anything. I am severely limited because I dont' have a MSN. I don't know if it is in the "big" plan but tend to think not as I keep running into obstacles. Best of everything to you.:wink2:

island40 · Jan 2, 2009

I have an MSN in nursing ed. I worked for a year teaching at the local CC nursing program- I could not get in line with their mission statement and had to quit. I love to teach and am thinking about taking a course at Cal State Dominguez Hills. They have a Community College teaching certificate program with a teaching internship that "usually leads to employemnt." I'd love to hear from anyone who knows anythign about the program.