MSN with Difficulty Relocating

[rowalker915]

Hi, am presently a well-engaged bedside nurse of 11 years (6.5 ER + 4.5 Peds) who finished my MSN in nsg ed from WGU in April. I also have been teaching clinicals adjunct x6 months for a local ASN program. Now that I finished WGU, we have been wanting to relocate from the east coast to mid-west US. I have been applying for 3 months to full-time faculty and hospital educator positions without success. I think I've submitted 30 job applications and had 3 interviews total. Not only is the process painstakingly slow to get ANY answer, there always seem to be other more desirable candidates lined up (i.e. been teaching longer, or already local). I am beginning to feel very "less-than" due to this, and questioning whether my new degree is even worth anything. Does anyone have some tips or advice for me?

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

Hospital educator positions usually are hired from within. Here in Indy, we have a number of ADN programs that hire MSN grads for faculty. In fact, out entire state-wide community college system is hiring.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Agree with PP somewhat. I lead clinical education for a large NFP healthcare organization. All of our nurse educator positions require an MSN & previous demonstrated teaching ability. The usual career trajectory begins with unit-based preceptor/CPR instructor. Some of our educators have online degrees, but they also have extensive teaching experience.

As far as academia goes.... TBH, in my part of the world, MSN candidates from non-traditional (brick and mortar) programs are generally only considered for adjunct clinical instructor jobs (AKA indentured servant), sim lab coordinators, etc. because they have not had any experience in a 'scholastic' environment. Of course, they won't tell you that openly, but it's a fact of life.

My suggestion? Get your foot in the education door, however you can. Become a BLS/ACLS instructor, volunteer to develop & deliver community health classes, coordinate the (ugh) annual competency process - whatever it takes. It will strengthen your CV.

[rowalker915]

Thanks for the advice. After much patience & an extensive search I ended up landing a desirable position within a hospital.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Thanks for the advice. After much patience & an extensive search I ended up landing a desirable position within a hospital.

Congratulations! Thank you for the update.