Shortage of Nsg Faculty and now I know why

llg, PhD, RN · Feb 20, 2009

I am very sorry to read of your sad experience. But as you said so well ... now you know why there is a faculty shortage.

Unfortunately, most nurses will never be a faculty member. They will only see your situation (and the situation in general) from the perspective of the students. Some will assume you are a "bad teacher" in one way or another and that anything and everything negative about the educational or evaluation process is "all your fault."

You have to really love teaching to stay in it. I hope you find a better place to work soon.

Goodoldnurse · Feb 21, 2009

I very much understand your position. Many students are anxious and even angry when they do not see any reason for their classtime. I try to make mine interesting, but that is usually not enough. My students come and go throughout the lecture time, come in late, take calls and text. I don't let it bother me, just realize that they are only hurting their learning. If they miss content on the exam, we talk about what they read and why they missed the questions. Usually it is because they missed that class or were not paying attention. We are not there to be their friend, but assist in their learning and get them through the licensure exam.

This group sounds tough and you might be happier with a different level of student. Teaching is the hardest job I have ever loved!! Hang in there! They will remember you someday by the pearls you give them.

Blessings!!

AOx1 · Feb 25, 2009

Every class is different, with their own personality. Don't get discouraged. The first year is always the worst; it gets easier with time as you develop you own skills, routines, and course material.

Give it more time. If you are still unhappy, consider reassignment to another course or semester. A few things I wish I knew when I started:

- you don't "cause" a student to pass or fail. All you can do is present information thoroughly in a clear manner. Students choose what they will do with it

- in every group there will be some that think you're a god, and some that think you're the devil. What can you do?

- set boundaries with yourself. Example- I will work up to "x" number of hours each night, and "x" number on the weekend, then that's it. You need your free time, and to also have fun. It is very possible to make this into an 80-hour a week job for which you will still be paid for only 40. Been there, done that, lol.

- if you are frustrated with your students, keep in mind that summer is nearly here, and you will have a looong break then. This may help you see what you want more clearly.

-As goodoldnurse mentions, we aren't there to be friends. I care so much about my students. I know so much about their fears, hopes, and goals. I want them to succeed so much. But ultimately, my job is to make sure they get a great education, and sometimes my choices may not be popular.

-give yourself time. You weren't a perfect and amazing nurse your first year out; it takes time to develop skills as an educator.

-seek out a good mentor, and read books that inspire you to try new things. I have some great ones if you're interested, you can pm me.

Good luck, and hang in there! It gets better.

I think in some small way that being an educator is like being a parent- your actions may be resented a LOT when the students are in school, but some day, some of them will remember that an instructor cared for them, and put forth a lot of effort to help them succeed.

meluhn · Feb 25, 2009

Live to Learn, Thanks so much for the encouraging words. I can't say that I really care so much about my students. Frankly, I find many of them rude and disrespectful, which just puts me in a foul mood all the time. I try to let it roll off my back without seeming like a total pushover/doormat. I demand that they stop texting in class and talking when other people are trying to work. I just find it mentally exhausting, like dealing with adolescents all day instead of adults in their 20s and 30s. I wonder if I would enjoy teaching more if 1. I was better at it and 2.the students were more focused and coscientious. Most of these students are not great students. Many are barely passing and the curriculum is really not that challenging. They don't seem to expect to put much effort into their studies and only a select few even take notes in class. I have one who has a major attitude problem and is starting a hate campaign against me because she has a 31 test average and has now (with 1 month to go) decided that she would like to graduate. When I told her that I would not be giving extra credit, the attitude came out in full force and she has the sympathy of a few others in her situation. I find myself emotionally drained everyday. There is little I can do about the level of respect because the whole climate of the school is that way. Because it is a franchise type school, the administration tolerates any kind of discipline problems and excessive absenteesism as long as the tuition keeps rolling in. They do not back the instructors at all. Also, I could probably use a few tips on teaching, I know I am not the best at it. If I was in my class I would be bored. Any advice or suggested reading would be appreciated. Thanks.

BigBadInstructor · Feb 25, 2009

Been there, done that! Nothing is worse than a class like you talked about. All instructors have good and bad students, and even classes. Sometimes you can hardly wait for them to graduate, and hope that the next class is better. Your problem is really the lack of administrative back-up. Students need to know there is a line you won't cross, and you need to have someone to back you up. Sounds like you are a good instructor in a bad school. Before you stop teaching, find another school, and you might be surprised. Also what about the other instructors? I have found that nursing instructors help each other out just like in a working situation. Find that mentor, or at the very least, find an education course you can take. I bet you will find out that your situation is not that unusual. Always remember who owns the problem, and don't take your problems home. I know that you dislike being a part of students graduating that you don't think will be a good nurse. I hate that also, but remember your graduating students are minimally prepared and that they are responsible for the rest of their education. And the marketplace is a great equalizer. Good luck

Whispera, MSN, RN · Feb 25, 2009

I'm saying to myself, geeze, anyone who disrespected me in class would be asked to leave, and if the administration didn't back me up, they could find someone else to teach in my place. I know it's not an option to everyone, to ask offensive students to leave, but if one student disrespects you openly, and nothing happens, it lowers you in the other students' eyes (or makes them really dislike the disrespector, which isn't good for future teamwork)....

AOx1 · Feb 26, 2009

Part of it may be that others have set an unfortunate precedent prior to your arrival; as Whispera mentions, allowing disrespect has a way of causing more disrespectful behavior. It sounds like the school may be in a habit of not backing up their faculty, which is a mistake and can lead to poor morale (as you are experiencing).

Is there another faculty member that can mentor you? If not there, then at another school nearby? A really good way to find one if there is not one at your school is to attend conferences. I attended Nurse Educator Boot Camp (Donna Ignatavicius organizes it) and it was a wonderful experience- not only in terms of making new contacts nationwide, but also in terms of keeping me motivated and learning new skills in teaching. It might be just the thing. I still keep in contact with many of the people I met there from a few years ago.

Anything you can do to not lose that spark, the love of the students that first drew you to teaching, is a great thing. We all need fresh inspiration. I hate to see things go so badly in your first year, but remember....don't give up. If, despite your efforts this still isn't the place for you, try another school. You may find you LOVE it somewhere else. A good way to get "a foot in the door" at another school may be to adjunct.

You may also want to consider getting your master's at some point. This may open up a lot more opportunities for you at ADN and BSN programs.

So, onto some great books!

Clinical Teaching Strategies in Nursing by Gaberson and Oermann

Interactive Group Learning by Ulrich and Glendon

Teaching Strategies for Nurse Educators by DeYoung

Clinical Instruction and Evaluation by O'Connor

Creative Teaching Strategies for the Nurse Educator by Herrman (probably one of my all-time favorite books)

A Down To Earth Approach to Being a Nurse Educator by Schoolcraft

McKeachie's Teaching Tips- not nursing specific, but still a great read

FISH! by Lundin, Paul, Christensen, and Blanchard (this one is on morale boosting in the workplace)

Another thing I wish I had known then- give yourself permission to fail at some things. I am the classic type A, always wanting more of myself. It took me awhile to realize that just because I try something new and it bombs, doesn't mean the next thing I try won't be a great success. We all have off days when our lecture is perfunctory and others where we feel that rush of energy when the students "get it".

As you begin to develop more confidence in yourself and your new skills as an educator, your class will likely sense this and respond accordingly. If not, there are a zillion other places you can teach.

Most of all, I hope that you realize that what you are doing is difficult, but it is also extremely worthwhile. In fact it is critical. We are facing a time in which many current nursing faculty will retire. I wish all educators would remind themselves often what a privilege it is to teach (even on the days you want to throttle someone) and what a valuable service we provide. At the bedside, depending on what unit you worked, you could touch 1-10+ lives a day. If you teach even a small group of students, let's say 20, and they each touch even 1 life per day, just think what a difference you can make in the world.

meluhn · Feb 26, 2009

Livetolearn,

I just ordered Creative Teaching Strategies for the Nurse Educator by Herrman on amazon. I hope it helps me make things more interesting and gives me some ideas for other ways to teach besides lecturing. I cant wait to get it. Thank You!!

AOx1 · Feb 26, 2009

It's a great book with tons of practical advice. I hope you love it. Good luck!

allnurses Guide · Mar 3, 2009

I found the Gaberson and Oermann really helpful, down to earth and pratical to use. Clinical teaching strategies in nursing.

It has actual strategies, not theories, including things such as how to contact and get in with the staff nurses you will interacting with, and how to let them know what to expect.

Not all classes or clinical groups are that bad, I think you just got a bad first experience. My first clinical group was great, enthusiatic and intelligent. The last one I was in on just seemed slow by comparison. Now in classroom, it's just like livetolearn says, all you can do is present it, can't force them to absorb and use it.

Hope your next group is better! And remember, you can dismiss anyone for the day that isn't performing, prepared and polite.