Nursing Jobs that focus on teaching/education Counseling Masters plus RN

[julygirl721]

I am 47 years old and considering starting an ADN program to become an RN. I am strongly considering then doing an RN-to-BSN online and maybe an MSN online to teach nursing. But for now, just deciding whether to commit to the RN! Two kids at home, so it's a big decision. I've always been interested in healthcare, I'm an excellent student, I enjoy learning new things, I want variety, I want a job that makes at least some small difference in people's lives, and I'll admit I want job security and good pay as well.

I already have a Master's degree in Counseling. I worked as a therapist for a couple years and then taught Psychology at a community college for 11 years. I enjoyed the teaching very much, but I quit to pursue self-employment in an online business with my husband. That has supported us and definitely has its benefits (flexible work schedule) but I'm a little bored and it doesn't feel very secure or stable (have to purchase own health insurance, no paid time off, ugly competitors, market for our product may dry up!) He's now pursuing a Masters in teaching, and I'm considering nursing. Yes, I considered accelerated-BSN (and actually got admitted to a competitive traditional BSN program), but it's just too intense a schedule for my family right now.

Anyway, here are my questions (coming up, I promise). I am interested in nursing jobs that emphasize teaching/education. I am not afraid of bedside care, but I suspect that is probably not my strength. I love teaching/counseling people. I like autonomy. Also, I'll be in my 50s soon. I am thinking perhaps home health would be a good choice? Obviously nurse education, but that requires the MSN. Any other suggestions to investigate? I don't think I want to be a manager and be that removed from patients. Are there health education type positions that pay OK? Will I need to do a year or two of bedside nursing before I can be considered for something else? How much will my Masters in Counseling help me in a job search, if at all, and how?

Sorry for the extra-long post, just wanted to get it all out there. Any responses would be very much appreciated. This is such a great forum, I've been lurking for days!

[Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN]

My first thought was diabetic educator. There is a diabetes/endocrine nursing forum under specialties you could look into.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

If you want to capitalize on your own experience, I would suggest behavioral health as a clinical field. Some new grads are able to go right into this area without spending time in an acute care setting first. Your background in counseling would certainly give you a distinct advantage. The big unknown is healthcare reform. Behavioral health is not well funded/reimbursed, and this may get much worse in the future. If so, this may cause a radical change from what we know today.

Before making any moves, be sure you have an realistic picture of what nursing is all about. It can be very physically and emotionally demanding. Getting in to a 9-5 type position may take a number of years. The salary may not be any where near what you are expecting.

As a practice profession, instructors must be competent in 'application' as well as theory. There are very specific requirements built in to the accreditation of nursing schools. Our schools are shockingly underfunded - Master's prepared faculty are commonly paid less than bedside nurses with lesser degrees.

[julygirl721]

Thanks for your thoughtful post. I considered behavioral health since, as you said, that would seem to be a natural fit and I believe it has great potential to improve patient's/client's lives. But I had the same concerns you mentioned -- behavioral/mental health just doesn't get the funding or support it deserves.

Yes, I'm aware that faculty usually make less than nurses in practice (a major reason there is a nursing faculty shortage!) But the lower pay would be well worth it to me because I love the college environment and I love teaching (and I'm a very good teacher). So I'm working toward the MSN to teach. The feedback I'm getting from faculty is that with an RN, MSN, and ten years teaching experience under my belt, they would be pleased to have me. Actually the community college where I used to teach psych (excellent nursing program) will hire me to teach some first-year nursing classes with just the BSN. They really need teachers, since so few nurses are willing to take faculty positions for lower pay. Thanks again for the responses, both of you!