Jobs?

While the nursing school deans report a great shortage of faculty ... the truth is as you have discovered it to be. Most of the university-level jobs either require a PhD and active research program ... or they are adjunct positions (part time with minimal benefits and low pay).

As I always say, the reason behind the great "faculty shortage" we hear so much about is actually a shortage of desirable jobs for faculty. If there were attractive jobs for faculty available, more nurses would be seeking those jobs. Also note that many MSN-level "instructor-level" jobs are not filled through advertisements. Schools often recruit clinical instructors from among their contacts at the clinical facilities where they take students.

That said, there are other things besides university teaching that you can do with a Master's Degree in Nursing Education. For example, you could teach at a Community College or in an LPN program. You can also work in Nursing Professional Development (staff development, orientation, continuing education, etc.). Some people also focus on patient education. Check out some of those other options and see if they appeal to you.

For what it's worth, I have a PhD in Nursing and am certified in Nursing Professional Development. I work full time for a hospital (Monday through Fridays, 9-5) doing staff development and special projects ... and earn more than the average faculty member in my local job market. I also teach an occasional online course at a local university. As part of my retirement plan, I might cut back (and eventually eliminate) my hours at the hospital and just teach part time for the university once I get to within a couple years of full retirement.