Published Apr 23, 2023
Juanito, BSN, MSN
57 Posts
I just want to say. I feel like everything I do is wrong in my new job. I wonder if I'm fit as a nurse educator. I feel like I'm walking on eggshells all the time. Did any of you feel this way? I've never had to be so extremely professional with so many people at one time in my entire 25 year professional career! It's like the only time I'm sure that I'm not making a mistake is if I'm quiet and not teaching. It was way easier in the OR/floor though I love this job more.. I didn't have a flexible schedule, but I wasn't questioning my every step and word.
The only reason I took the position in education was for the flexibility as I'm a single parent. I loved teaching/precepting/coaching before, and I loved being a nurse. Now I'm always worried about lawsuits from students, more than patients. I'm not even allowed to be a person with my students. Just a lecturer/test giver (oh also therapist, mother, father, sister, brother, spiritualist and everything else).
I'm not leaving my job EVER. It's only been a year, but I'm concerned about the future. Any advice on how to make it more tolerable?
I remembered what I experienced as a student and wanted to make it better, now I see the other side. These students are OOC and so entitled!
I feel like I'm selling a product, not educating healthcare professionals.
I think I'm more sad about the state of educational institutions/professionals than anything. What are we doing? Why are we graduating subpar students? Why am I punished for being the professor that won't pass these entitled whining students? I'm not actively failing anyone. Everyone gets the same exam..
Are private universities better (vs state)?
sleepwalker, MSN, NP
437 Posts
I taught at the CC level for 5 years. Loved the job...at first. It was a constant turnover of staff, continual increase of workload and micromanaging, whining/complaining of students and parents, increased extracurricular duties (advising, graduation, pinning, multiple committees). I left and never looked back and never regretted it.
Btw...I still keep in contact with some of my former co-workers and the reasons/issues I left have only gotten worse.