Job security and job opportunities in nurse education

JaneyW · Nov 15, 2009

I think it depends greatly on where you live. I live in Southern California and we have many nursing schools within driving distance of my house (we have lived here for 18 years and are not going to be moving soon). So, I knew that the chances were good that I would get at least adjunct or part time while waiting for a full time position. The salaries vary widely between districts here. I earn a bit over $55,000 for a 10 month (about 170 day) contract. If I continue to get more schooling, that will increase. I have June and July off each summer. However, we only get paid for the 10 months so you have to be disciplined to save for summer or work registry/per diem to supplement.

I was lucky to be the right candidate at the right time and secured a full-time tenure-track position right after graduating with my MSN. I LOVE this job for many reasons. The tenure-track designation gives me some security, but California finances are iffy so nothing is guaranteed. I was able to graduate with no debt having gone through the Cal State system, so I am OK there.

You really have to look around in your own area. Openings for next fall might already be posted or will be posted early next year. How many schools are around you? Are you willing to relocate? For me it was great and I am very happy I got the MSN and am teaching. I LOVE to teach!:heartbeat

caitiecait · Nov 15, 2009

I live in Virginia Beach and it literally is a black hole for nurses when it comes to pay. I am willing to relocate just as long as my husband to be can find a job as well. I do live near many nursing schools, some BSN and some diploma/associates. Between a diploma program, an associates program, and a BSN which is the best choice with the best working enviroment with good pay?

JaneyW · Nov 15, 2009

Again, that is something you will have to research for yourself in your area. Each school has its own culture--kind of like hospitals! I was lucky to have been hired into a program that is very supportive of each other and of me as a new person. I know that is not always the case. I am at a public ADN (community college program). Where you choose will depend upon your own interests. I don't know if I will continue to a doctorate or not. Most all BSN programs require one or that you already be a candidate for one in order to have a tenured position. They will also require research and publication for earning tenure. If you are interested in those things and see that as your future, that may be your place. If you are thinking you will stop at the MSN and are more focused just on honing your teaching skills and making your program the best you can, then maybe an ADN program or diploma program would be your thing. When you figure in the added cost ($ and time and energy) to get the doctorate, the pay is really not enough more in those positions, at least for me.

When I was earning my MSN in Nursing education, I had to do a lot of research and clinical time within the program that helped me to decide on all of these factors. You may want to interview or speak with faculty members in your area or at schools you are interested in working for. They will have insight that will be most valuable to you. Good luck!

caitiecait · Nov 15, 2009

Thank you for your words of wisdom;) What I really want to do is teach, teach, and teach! I am open to doing research and writing articles in nursing journals as long as it does not take me away from teaching. Also, I know that a nurse educator puts in long hours so it is important to me that I am not taken away from my curriculum and family. Speaking of family do you get alot of family time where you feel you have a nice balance of work, and family time? Another question, where did you get your MSN? I am currently looking at Walden University and Drexel University both are online, Drexel is a well known and well respected school, but it also carries a high cost in tuition almost double what Walden is. Does it matter where you receive your degree from?

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Nov 19, 2009

don't forget that hospitals need educators too, and usually pay more than colleges.

caitiecait · Nov 20, 2009

Im not saying I am open to being an educator for a hospital, but I do know that I what I really want to do is teach at a university or a community college setting. Ever since I was a child I have always wanted to be a teacher. That passion still lives on and I can not wait to hold my own class:yeah: Plus, I see our educator at work, and the amount of work and responsibilities that she up holds are rediculous! She is responsible for the 2 ICUs, the 2 telelmetry floors, the orthopedic floor, the stepdown unit, new hire orientation, critical care orientation, the EKG class, and other projects that they throw at her. In fact one of our seasoned nurses helps her once a week because it is just soo much. Is this typical at other hospitals??

dorimar, BSN, RN · Nov 26, 2009

Salaried positions can be horrible like that. You end up working for less than minimum wage sometimes when you add the hours up. Beware... the same dangers come with faculty salaried positions as well. I will be very leary before I ever accept another salaried position again--and I am truly not about the money either.