Tell Me if I'm Crazy

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Specializes in Trauma,ER,CCU/OHU/Nsg Ed/Nsg Research.

Hi all- i am in need of a little guidance here. I just interviewed for a part time adjunct clinical instructor position this week. I'm pretty confident that I got the job- they already gave me a copy of the student schedule and med/Surg rotation plan, and were talking to me as if I already had the job. Plus, the interviewers knew each and every person I had put down as a reference. My goal all along has been to be a nurse educator- I love working with nursing students and new nurses, and have always worked in teaching hospitals.

Here's my issue: I am currently in orientation for a WOW CCU position, and will be strictly weekends only by mid- April. This is good, because the school doesn't need me until 2 weeks after that. I am also in school on Wednesdays. I will be teaching clinicals 2.5 days a week (7-10 students at a time), so my weekly schedule will look like this:

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Sunday- 7a-7p on CCU

Monday- 7a-11a patient planning with the students, and paperwork

Tuesday- 7a-3p teaching clinicals

Wednesday- 9a-4p taking my own classes

Thursday- 7a-3p teaching clinicals

Friday- OFF

Saturday- 7a-7p on CCU

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I am fortunate that the clinicals I will be teaching will be in the hospital where I already work.

So, am I reaching too far here? Is this doable? How many of you started out part time with another job? I eventually want to teach full time, but am very happy with the CCU for now. My plan is to teach full time after I finish my Master's. I have 10 years Med/Surg & TCU experience under my belt, but I have lots to learn about ICU. Is it possible to be a learner and a teacher at the same time in this capacity?

Thanks In Advance!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I think this is doable, especially since you only work 1/2 day on Monday. If you have no children or family responsibilties this should be fine. As to being a student and teacher at the same time, I say go for it. I think that these experiences will help to mold you to be a great teacher. Good luck...btw 10 years work experience will be a big help too.

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One whole day off a week, sure that's doable??? Who is thinking what? Isn't one of the big problems with Nurses is that we don't know how to take care of ourselves, we "over-do" everything!!! This is a perfect example. You want to do it, we all do. Then we get encouragemant from others to do it. Then when one of us goes off the "deep-end" we shake our heads and say "I wonder how that could of happened?" Amazing.

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Specializes in Trauma,ER,CCU/OHU/Nsg Ed/Nsg Research.

True, it will be a full plate. I don't plan on working 2 jobs forever- I will go to full time teaching once I'm done with school. I think lots of instructors teach while they're in school- I'm just wondering if any of them also continue to do bedside nursing to keep their skills current, etc.

Trauma- I have 3 kids . My husband is a full time student though, and has a great schedule.

Thanks to you both for your input. I look forward to hearing more.

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Specializes in pedi, pedi psych,dd, school ,home health.

I think that it is worth trying . How intense is your class? is there a lot of homework? It would seem like a shame to give up your dream without trying!!

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Specializes in Trauma,ER,CCU/OHU/Nsg Ed/Nsg Research.

Thanks, DD- some of my classes are intense, but I enjoy school, so it's not always like work. I know teaching clinicals won't be a piece of cake, but I don't think it would wear me down as much as if I were working this many hours at the bedside. Or am I being naive?

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Specializes in critical care, management, med surg, edu.

I find most nurses can do almost anything for a short period of time. I just tell myself it's just 6 weeks, then just 5 weeks, etc. As long as you have the understanding and support of your family, it will probably work out.

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Specializes in Trauma,ER,CCU/OHU/Nsg Ed/Nsg Research.

Thanks, Vicky.

I am already obligated to the unit I'm on- and I love it there. I don't plan on leaving that position any time soon. I want to give them at least a year.

My fear is that if I don't get my foot in the door with the school, there won't be anything available when the timing is better. I had originally sent my resume in to the school several months ago and they contacted me last week for the interview.

The thing is, I just left a horrible job where I was stuck working OT all the time. I went WOW, so I could spend more time with my family...lol. But I'm wondering if it won't be so bad having 2 jobs, if it's 2 jobs that I love.

When you started out as an educator, did you ease into it, or did you go in full time?

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Specializes in pedi, pedi psych,dd, school ,home health.

Last year I did a practicum in an LPN program...as an instructor. It does take a good amount of work and prepartation on your part; but where you work in the same hospital and are familiar with the routines and surroundings that will be a big help. I just started a great job as well and the program called to offer me an instructors position...had to decline as my job now is full time and i am still finishin up my classes. so it would be too much. but i agree these positions are few and far between; good luck with your decision!!

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I say go for it! It's a great opportunity to see if you like teaching. It's really only 44 hours of work and then the extra day of school. I guess a lot depends on how much time you'll need to spend studying. A lot of people have to work these hours when they go back to school. You'll probably find that the days with the students won't just be 8 hour days, though. There will be a lot of extra things that you'll want to do to make their experience better and those days can drag into several extra hours. You sound like you're very enthusiastic about this career move and it'll be a good chance to get your feet wet with the school. Good luck! (Don't forget about taking care of the home front! They're the most important!)

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Specializes in Trauma,ER,CCU/OHU/Nsg Ed/Nsg Research.

Thanks, DD & GI. I appreciate your insights and experiences.

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Specializes in critical care, management, med surg, edu.
Thanks, Vicky.

When you started out as an educator, did you ease into it, or did you go in full time?

I've had more than one position in nursing education. At our community college, almost all full time faculty worked as adjuncts for awhile prior to interviewing for full time positions. The positions were advertised and others were interviewed, but those with the prior relationship were at a definate advantage. Good luck!

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