Will I Be Able to Find a Teaching Job at 63?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Hi Nurse Beth,

I have been a psychiatric RN for about 40 years and recently earned a BSN. I am 61 years old. I am very interested in teaching and would like to earn an MSN. What are the chances I would be able to find a teaching job at 63? I am qualified to be a clinical instructor but I would like to teach in the classroom. I am not willing to relocate. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area in California.

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Dear 63 Years Young,

That's hard to say. There's other variables such as demand and location. But if you feel young and really want to do it,...I would!

Landing your first job will take networking and strategy and perseverance, but I think academia tolerates older workers better than a lot of working environments. It's just a matter of getting in.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

[nursegj]

Nurse Beth, did you say "TOLERATES"????

Poor word choice I think. The experienced nurse is an asset and should not be diminished because of age. I know many nurses who are older and still very active at the bedside and they are respected for their experience, not tolerated.

As for the writer's question about being an educator, there are openings at so many community colleges, universities. With a BSN she would only be able to teach Associate Degree students. The Higher Learning Commission mandates (as of Sept. 2017) that instructors hold a higher degree than the program they teach in. With a Bachelor's, she is limited to teaching ADNs. As she states, she could be hired as a clinical instructor only in a BSN program.

Hope this helps.

[LilyRN99]

I am a clinical instructor in a LPN program in NJ. They thought my experience in long term care was as asset since that is most of the clinicals are. Most teaching positions in my area require a master's. The school I work for is willing to let a BSN teach in the class when the demand is high. Maybe you should try teaching in a LPN program to determine if teaching is what you really want to do before you put the money and effort into obtaining a master's. I am finding that many of the students in their 20s just want to pass and are not interested in putting more effort into their education than is required. Maybe it is just the area I live in but it is worth finding out. Good luck with whatever you decide!

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Nurse Beth, did you say "TOLERATES"????

Poor word choice I think. The experienced nurse is an asset and should not be diminished because of age. I know many nurses who are older and still very active at the bedside and they are respected for their experience, not tolerated.

You are probably right as it caused you to misunderstand my intention. How about if it were flipped and written as "Unlike many work environments, academia values older employees"