Want to Teach? What’s Holding You Back?
by Donna Cardillo, RN, MA

Dear Donna,

After hearing how hard it is to become a nursing professor and the low pay involved, why do people decide to pursue this profession? I really would love to teach, but it seems like it will take me forever to get a master’s and a doctorate. What do you think is the driving factor for deciding on this route?

Why Teach?

Dear Why Teach?,

It’s entirely feasible to work up to becoming a nursing professor, if that’s your goal. Yes, you do need an MSN in most (not all) cases because that’s what is required by accrediting agencies and what schools and students alike require to ensure high-quality education. You do not need to get a doctoral degree to start teaching, and many professors who have been teaching for years still don’t have a doctorate. Don’t project too far into the future. Many of us get caught in the trap of overpreparing for everything we dream of and waste valuable time assuming we need more qualifications and credentials than are actually needed to get started. You can always further your education later if you choose.

In terms of the pay, careers related to education, unfortunately, aren’t at the top of the pay scale. But for those who teach, the rewards and the legacy they leave behind are great. I was recently speaking with a nursing professor at a community college. She admited that the pay is not great, but she went on to tell me that teaching is her joy and that she takes great pride in the work she does. She said that she has a great sense of satisfaction knowing that she influences the lives of potentially thousands of people when you think in terms of all of the people whom her students will care for throughout their careers. What an awesome opportunity!

You can do anything you put your mind to,
Donna

Dear Donna,

I currently work on a med/surg floor as a staff nurse. Although it is fulfilling, I feel that I need a change. I would like to stay in the nursing field. Any suggestions? I enjoy teaching, but I rarely see job listings for professors in nursing.

Needs a Change

Dear Needs a Change,

There is a desperate need for nursing instructors right now. If you haven’t seen the ads, you’re looking in the wrong places. But please remember that many positions are filled by word of mouth (in other words, networking).

Start calling local universities and schools of nursing. Ask to speak with the dean and express your interest. Ask about opportunities and requirements. You don’t mention your educational background. An MSN will be required for most positions, but there are some teaching positions for nurses with BSNs, too. Be sure to check with community and vocational colleges, as well as universities.

If teaching is your interest, you should also talk to nurses in staff development in your current facility. Express your interest and offer to help them out when needed with orientations, etc. You might also consider being an education specialist for a social service agency, such as the American Heart Association or others. Make direct contact with these agencies and ask to speak with any nurse who works there. Most social service agencies have both paid and volunteer positions in education for nurses. This is a great way to gain valuable experience. Look in the yellow pages of your phone book under “Social Services” to locate local chapters of various organizations. Contact any that interest you.

When you are exploring your options and considering a change, it’s vital that you get out and actively network. Attend Career Fairs in your area and nursing conventions. You never know whom you’ll meet or run into or who will be exhibiting. In fact schools of nursing sometimes exhibit at these events, so it would make sense for you to be there and talk to them.

You should also get out to local chapter meetings of any professional associations you belong to. If you don’t belong to anything, attend a few meetings of your state nurses association as a guest. They welcome that. You’ll meet nurses from varying backgrounds there, including undoubtedly some nursing instructors and professors. It’s fertile networking territory. And good things often happen through networking.

Donna

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