Kokomo

I taught for the first time last semester at a ADN program. I have my BSN and 10 years of nursing. My experience includes critical care, home health, consulting for a large insurance corporation and various other clinical exposure. It is my belief that experience is the best teacher. Good luck.

I think this is an excellent idea to structure nursing in the same format as MD's. Not only would this guide the students to their area of interest but it could also prevent nurses from becoming frustrated in working in areas of nursing that just does not fit. Also, it is my belief that nursing would then (hopefully) gain the respect that is so needed. The last benefit would be that nurses could acheive the financial rewards that are long overdue. After all, we should no longer be viewed as bedpan yeilding handmaidens.

I think the use of a PDA encourages growth and stimulates the student to seek out information in their nursing education. It is the wave of the future and will only enhance the future nurses knowlege base and profession.

Well I do wish you luck. I am so glad that you have support, as I think this is so very important. Yes, challenging it is, but also most rewarding. I have just begun teaching in an ADN program and do clinicals. This also has been a challenge! I do not know the faculty and have not had much chance to sit and talk with them. I am hoping next semester will go better. Good luck to you. Kokomo

Paranurse, I just began teaching freshmen ADN program this semester. So far it has been "learn as you go"for me. I have never taught before so this is a challenge. What did you mean about the difference in teaching on a University level? It sounds like you have an awesome background in nursing. Talk to you soon....Good luck. Kokomo

Thanks Barbara for the words of encouragement. My first day is this Friday and I am nervous. I do not have a mentor or know anyone from the faculty group. I am adjunct clinical. Will try and plan the best I can and pray all works out well. I am excited, just got the butterflies at present. Kokomo

Amen... I can't count how many times nurses would sneak off the floor to grab a smoke. I also used to smoke but being "AR" I would never leave my patients long enought to endulge

Hi Jan, I recently spoke with an old friend who is a methodist minister (retired now). He received his phD in philosphy later in life. I spoke with him today long distance and he was so proud that I had chosen to become an instructor. He knew me before I went back to school to pursue my career in nursing. I have 5 children so this was quite a feat at the time (also a non supportive, now ex-husband). Anyway....the support makes me feel more confident in my new life role. Thanks, Kokomo

Hi Lalorac, Welcome to the nursing forum. I also found it by mistake and am so glad that I did. I have received alot of feedback and support regarding my shift in nursing careers. Can you tell me alittle about yourself and how you became an instructor if you don't mind? Wishing you well, Kokomo

Thanks Jan, Am nervous however excited for ths change. I attend orientation for the students next week. I will take your advice and expect the best. Kokomo

Dear Vicky, We have spokwn before via email. I start my first educational position at a community college soon. I will be doing clinicals and assisting in the skills lab. I am very excted for this opportunity. I presently have my BSN with 9 years clinical experience. Any words of advice? Thank you, Kokomo

I am interested in pursueing my MSN and would like more information, if anyone would care to send it my way. Thank you. I have been informed that it is so much easier now then when I was in school 9 years ago. Much can be done via internet. WOW!

Thank you for the replys. This is my first teaching position, should I choose to except it. It is a ADN program. I will do clinical instructing with 1st and 2nd year students. Even though I have had alot of experience with hospital nursing I must confess, I am a bit nervous. Always wondering when the question will come that I do not know the answer to. Being the honest smuck that I am, I will tell them that I will have a complete answer in detail the next time we meet. I do not know if this is the right response or not. It is just me. My goal is to encourage and inspire the nurses that pass through. We need so badly to have good nurses that truly enjoy and are proud of their profession and the contribution they make to society. I hope and pray that I will be able to fulfill this goal.

Actually, there was a ad in the paper and I called the director of the program and set up a meeting. Since I do have my BSN and a variety of nursing experiences (most recently ICU) she felt that I would be an asset to the program. We also discussed pursueing my masters degree later so that I could progress in my career. As for who you know...not in this case. More like what you have accomplished.

Dear VickyRN, Thank you for the words of encouragement. I have decided to pursue a career in the educational field. I think this would be rewarding for me at this time in my life. Please feel free to pass on any advice you may have. Thanks, Animalangel