Should I go FT or stay PT in academia?

[Smooth Sailing, MSN, RN]

Novice Nurse Educator with about 6 months of teaching experience in an adjunct clinical instructor role. I was recently informed that a FT faculty position has opened up at the community college and the director personally asked me to consider applying. I feel humbled that I would be considered a candidate given my tenure, however I feel as if I don't have enough teaching experience yet. One of the theory courses that would be taught is my specialty, but I was also informed I'd be team teaching peds which I don't have a background in (only from nursing school). I really enjoy teaching clinical but I feel that this opportunity may not come again for a while due to high retention rate at this college. I'm definitely nervous about starting FT but also think that eventually I'll have to take the chance and get the experience. I worked so hard to get to this point in my life and I feel stuck now. Any suggestions or similar experiences to share?

[londonflo]

On 3/23/2021 at 10:47 AM, Smooth Sailing RN said:

One of the theory courses that would be taught is my specialty, but I was also informed I'd be team teaching peds which I don't have a background in (only from nursing school). I really enjoy teaching clinical

With one of the courses being in your specialty, this is a home run teaching opportunity. The peds course being team taught, and with out experience may sound difficult but in community college nursing programs you usually have to cover some areas that your not interested in personally. However you are only going to be teaching the foundation of peds, and the content for a peds course is usually well delineated. And having fellow faculty team members can be a great asset in your getting up to speed.

Do know that it is hard to get into a CC job and you do know something about the program before applying which is great (who works well with others etc). There are some other areas of benefits when working for a state supported school. Is there a good pension plan, what is the annual amount for your professional development?, if you have children/spouse will they get free tution? time available to focus on your own learning?

Best wishes on your decision. It is a great compliment that the dean asked you to apply. They are very happy with your work.

 

[Smooth Sailing, MSN, RN]

I appreciate your response. The nursing faculty are great and teaching my specialty is definitely a pro. I'm just feeling nervous about a new transition or the possibility that a more experienced nurse educator gets the job over me. I intend on submitting my application this week either way. 

[londonflo]

1 hour ago, Smooth Sailing RN said:

I'm just feeling nervous about a new transition or the possibility that a more experienced nurse educator gets the job over me. I intend on submitting my application this week either way.

Even if you don't get the job you will find out what they will ask in interview (though you probably had an interview for yur adjunct position). Plus, you will be a familiar person if they have another position open. At my CC, sometimes faculty were hired after several interviews. 

[MomtaRN2B2020, ASN, CNA, LPN, RN]

Hello

 I am in this exact situation now. I currently work ER. My original plan was to stay at least 2 years and then apply for a job in education either doing clinical or fulltime faculty. Well my opportunity came earlier  than expected. I was offered a FT faculty position to teach the junior and senior lpn class. I would teach them a little medsurg which is my background and ob and peds. I will team up with another member for leadership. I really want it but I don’t like change. I am Still deciding if I should take it or not. The best advice I can give is follow your heart. Best of luck

[Smooth Sailing, MSN, RN]

Thanks for the advice! I can definitely relate to being comfortable and finding change hard. I am so hard on myself at times even though I know I can do it. I should find out soon if I'm selected for the position.