TN is short on nurses and those who teach

sandnnw, BSN, MSN, EMT-B, APRN · Jul 24, 2011

Interesting take on the situation.

Unfortunately, I believe most of this "shortage" was before our economy sank to historic proportions. Major hospitals are not hiring like they once were. 10 years ago, you had a job waiting on you (as I did) and hospitals actually gave out cash before you ever had a degree. Now, they have the "pick of litter" so to speak and funding for loan repayment is drying up.

The healthcare field is about to get interesting over the next few years. As the Dean states, you can give them a card, but getting an appointment? She's correct.

There's not a shortage for those qualified to teach. There is a shortage of salary. Have you checked the starting salary of a community college instructor at the Master's level? It's a joke, even for 9 months of work, plus the expectation of publishing, certifications, etc. Of course, I guess the expectation is that a nursing instructor should, "work in the field" which would supplement the lack of income (as other professors do), but how many instructors can/do? Easier than it sounds, especially considering the average age of nursing instructors.

I myself have thought about teaching at the college level. Of course, now many universities REQUIRE a doctorate, research/PhD preferred. That means I would have to go back for another three years, pretty much give up my current position and take a pay cut, take on new loans and of course find that "shortage" position. My salary would drop in half and loans, well, lets not even go there.

We do have great schools in Tennessee, produce even better nurses. I applaud those who take up the torch.

xiaobear007 · Jul 24, 2011

yes, thanks for your input. You are experienced nurse in TN. I am still a pre-nursing student trying to get in to UTK accelerated program next year :) What do you think of that program? Do you have suggestions?

You are right . i saw another day on the newspaper of TN nurse association that they offer instructor about 45k a year to teach. .. i was thinking ,what, it is so low? and then i started to look for start up salary for nurses there and i think it is about the same money so i think it is so unfair. Why there are so many people wanting to study nurse but the instructors are offered such little money ?! it is insane and i think the market is distorted some how even though i cannot understand why. If there is fund, money ,why they cannot offer more money to the instructors so more great nurses will graduate? I cannot understand.

I do not know what is the average age of nurse instructors there. But i think they should enjoy a high decent pay as to their age and experience. they should made at least equal to some of the professors at college , why couldn't ? that is why i think the salary is too low to them. who would think that a professor with 10 years of experience would made less than 50k? Even though they could do extra jobs but that is just insane.

Anyway, i hope things will change better in TN because i try to settle down there with my family .I hope you can find a good job for nursing in the future .To teach nursing is one of the most rewarding thing as i think !!

Interesting take on the situation.
Unfortunately, I believe most of this "shortage" was before our economy sank to historic proportions. Major hospitals are not hiring like they once were. 10 years ago, you had a job waiting on you (as I did) and hospitals actually gave out cash before you ever had a degree. Now, they have the "pick of litter" so to speak and funding for loan repayment is drying up.
The healthcare field is about to get interesting over the next few years. As the Dean states, you can give them a card, but getting an appointment? She's correct.
There's not a shortage for those qualified to teach. There is a shortage of salary. Have you checked the starting salary of a community college instructor at the Master's level? It's a joke, even for 9 months of work, plus the expectation of publishing, certifications, etc. Of course, I guess the expectation is that a nursing instructor should, "work in the field" which would supplement the lack of income (as other professors do), but how many instructors can/do? Easier than it sounds, especially considering the average age of nursing instructors.
I myself have thought about teaching at the college level. Of course, now many universities REQUIRE a doctorate, research/PhD preferred. That means I would have to go back for another three years, pretty much give up my current position and take a pay cut, take on new loans and of course find that "shortage" position. My salary would drop in half and loans, well, lets not even go there.
We do have great schools in Tennessee, produce even better nurses. I applaud those who take up the torch.

ldbush · Mar 9, 2012

If TN is short then I think I know why- please don't be offended but the pay seems quite low. If I didn't have family there I'd definately consider a few other places in the US to live if the pay was higher. As a soon to be RN I thought 40k a year was low, but if i do actually get a job in knoxville I will not even make 40k/year. I had hopes of making 50k/year after experience but unless I move or waste more years of my life getting a doctorate I think that possibility is slim chances.

janetplanet · Mar 12, 2012

I've been an RN for 19 years...2 classes shy of my my MSN and can't find a job in the Knoxville area. Any help out there?? thanks