Need advice from a nurse educator

[AntFlip7395]

Hi, I am an RN with nearly two years of experience also with 10 years of LPN experience behind me. At this time, I have my associate degree. I am considering my options in returning to college. I would eventually like to teach, starting out as a clinical instructor and maybe becoming faculty one day. I live in Ohio. My questions are...

1) Could I conceivably start out as an instructor in a PN program with a BSN?

2) I have considered a couple of colleges to attend, Chamberlain and Indiana Weslyan, to attain my BSN. Chamberlain doesn't really have a clinical component whereas IWU does. Will this make a big difference in terms of attaining or succeeding in a nurse educator role or any role for that matter?

3) I have also considered Walden. Would I be better off "skipping" the BSN and going for the MSN?

4) What is the job market, overall, like for nurse educators? For obvious reasons, I do not want to pursue any educational route knowing that obtaining a job is at best, uncertain.

TIA for answers!

[dorimar, BSN, RN]

I think the job market is open for nurse educators (both clinical and didactic). I do believe that there is still a shortage of nurse educators. I am not sure regarding teaching requirements for a PN program. For RN, here in AZ, you can teach clinical with a BSN, but most nursing schools require a Masters to teach didactic in and RN program (don't know for PN). I would start with your BSN, because you can always do clinical teaching and move up (you may very well be able to do idactic for PN, & I don't know your state requriements). I do have to comment here that It is still strange to me that clinical teaching pays less than didactic.... I think clinical skills are a desired quality for all educators.

Good luck!

[iteachob, MSN, RN]

To answer your questions..

1) I started out as a clinical instructor in an RN (associate degree) program with a BSN. I'm in KY, so it may be similar to OH.

2) I don't think the clinical component will make much difference at all. I did a 4 year BSN originally, so I have never done a completion program, but I doubt it would make a difference in your marketability.

3) If teaching is your goal.....I'd suggest going for the MSN straight away. Even better, an MSN in nursing education, if available. That's what I have. It has served me well, and also allows you to sit for the certified nurse educator (CNE) exam is less time (less years teaching experience required) than a generic MSN.

4) I'm sure you've heard that the pay isn't all it could be....but the job market is very good. For example, my school always has clinical instructor positions (BSN required) available. Because I live in a largely rural area, with an abundance of ADN grads, but few BSN's.....we sometimes have to beat the bushes. When one of our MSN's leaves or retires, we have to advertise state-wide to even get a qualified applicant.