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Job outlook for instructor nurses in the United States
Instructor nurse job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected instructor nurse job growth rate is 12% from 2018-2028.
About 159,400 new jobs for instructor nurses are projected over the next decade.
Instructor nurse salaries have increased 9% for instructor nurses in the last 5 years.
There are over 56,543 instructor nurses currently employed in the United States.
There are 50,341 active instructor nurse job openings in the US.
The average instructor nurse salary is $68,098.
Are instructor nurse jobs in demand?
Instructor nurse job and salary trends over time
Instructor nurse jobs over time
Instructor nurse job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 56,543 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 50,761 | 0.02% |
| 2019 | 49,581 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 46,283 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 46,175 | 0.01% |
Average instructor nurse salary over time
Instructor nurse salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $68,098 | $32.74 | +1.2% |
| 2025 | $67,313 | $32.36 | +1.5% |
| 2024 | $66,311 | $31.88 | +3.1% |
| 2023 | $64,299 | $30.91 | +3.1% |
| 2022 | $62,377 | $29.99 | +2.4% |
Instructor nurse jobs by state
Most common states for instructor nurses
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 204 | 19% |
| 2 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 131 | 15% |
| 3 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 85 | 15% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 947 | 14% |
| 5 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 248 | 12% |
| 6 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 164 | 12% |
| 7 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,442 | 11% |
| 8 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,127 | 11% |
| 9 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 601 | 11% |
| 10 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 1,001 | 10% |
| 11 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 820 | 10% |
| 12 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 513 | 10% |
| 13 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 429 | 10% |
| 14 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 190 | 10% |
| 15 | Alaska | 739,795 | 75 | 10% |
| 16 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 259 | 9% |
| 17 | Delaware | 961,939 | 91 | 9% |
| 18 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 67 | 9% |
| 19 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 61 | 9% |
| 20 | Vermont | 623,657 | 59 | 9% |
Most common cities for instructor nurses
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hutchinson | 3 | 7% | $67,462 |
| 2 | Columbia | 6 | 4% | $66,613 |
| 3 | Fort Myers | 2 | 3% | $71,545 |
| 4 | Ocala | 2 | 3% | $70,900 |
| 5 | Aurora | 6 | 2% | $81,528 |
| 6 | Rochester | 5 | 2% | $72,210 |
| 7 | Charleston | 3 | 2% | $65,971 |
| 8 | Brockton | 2 | 2% | $82,927 |
| 9 | Nampa | 2 | 2% | $75,211 |
| 10 | Altamonte Springs | 1 | 2% | $70,990 |
| 11 | Los Angeles | 5 | 0% | $82,808 |
| 12 | Phoenix | 4 | 0% | $54,149 |
| 13 | San Jose | 3 | 0% | $89,441 |
| 14 | Sacramento | 2 | 0% | $89,417 |
| 15 | Tucson | 2 | 0% | $53,979 |
| 16 | Washington | 2 | 0% | $96,857 |
| 17 | Albuquerque | 1 | 0% | $57,340 |
| 18 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $64,745 |
Instructor Nurse job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of instructor nurse experts
Tiffin University
Troy University
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
College of the Marshall Islands
Nicholls State University
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Loyola University Maryland
Saint Xavier University
Bethune-Cookman University
Utah Valley University
The University of Rhode Island
Stephen F. Austin State University
Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
Arizona State University
Oakland University
Southwestern Adventist University
Dixie State University
Spokane Community College
Lakeview College of Nursing
Dr. Stephanie Opfer
Associate Professor of English, Assistant Dean of the School of Creative and Media ArtsTiffin University
Visual And Performing Arts
What will help Instructor Nurses increase their earning potential?
Dr. Stephanie Opfer: Unfortunately, teaching as an adjunct does not pay well. Students should keep their full-time jobs and teach part-time until they find a full-time job at a college or university. That part-time teaching provides them valuable experience and connections that make them more competitive candidates for full-time positions because they'd also be competing with candidates who have PhDs. So adjunct work is more of a long-term investment rather than an immediate return. Also, even full-time teaching jobs don't pay particularly well, so they'll really need to love teaching if they want to do it full-time. If they don't like teaching as an adjunct, they won't like doing it full-time.
Kayla Jackson RN BSN
BSN Success CoachTroy University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to an Instructor Nurse?
Kayla Jackson RN BSN: Salary potential varies depending on location, specialty and experience but a few ways to maximize your salary potential are: Consider pursuing further education which can include certifications in your field or area of expertise, an advanced degree, or specialized training. Gain experience. Seek out unique opportunities for professional growth so you can build an exceptional resume. This can position you for higher paying roles. Negotiate strategically-just as we advocate for our patients, we must be an advocate for ourselves. Do your research and know the standards where you are located, but also highlight the skill set you are bringing to the table and articulate how valuable you will be to their organization. Explore different employment settings. Nurses have so many opportunities in different fields, so explore what is out there and base your decision on who offers the best salary and benefits.
What Instructor Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Becky Farmer MSRS, RT (R)(M): Best advice for new graduates is to never stop learning, gain all the certifications you can and keep a positive attitude. Remember networking is key to a successful career!
Wendy Bowles PhD, APRN-CNP, CNE
Associate Clinical Professor, Associate Dean for Baccalaureate ProgramsWhat will help Instructor Nurses increase their earning potential?
Wendy Bowles PhD, APRN-CNP, CNE: Nursing offers many opportunities for a career and you never know what door will open for you in your calling to care. You should explore many possibilities and not limit yourself to any one particular area. It is also important to explore your future career and educational doors in the future.
What general advice would you give to an Instructor Nurse?
Alexander Velasquez: My general advice to any graduate beginning their career in their field is to continue to learn and be a student of your craft. Be open to learning new things because you never know how they will improve your skills and qualifications. For example, I am currently learning video editing. I never thought I would bother to learn video editing, but it makes me a more versatile instructor being able to give students the option of doing video projects, combining and editing them, and having a digital record of what students have learned in the classroom. And given the rise of online learning, it's important nowadays to be an effective instructor both in the traditional in-person format and within the digital landscape.
Dr. Raquel Engolio
Assistant Professor, Department Head for NursingNicholls State University
Nursing Department
What skills stand out on Instructor Nurse resumes?
Dr. Raquel Engolio: Expertise and clinical experience are skills that will stand out for a clinical nursing instructor. Certifications in a respective specialty and advanced nursing degrees help to confirm that experience. Clinical experience in the acute setting is very valuable for clinical nursing instructors. Participating in a preceptorship, mentoring undergraduate students, and orienting new nursing graduates are skills that help clinical instructors stand out.
What soft skills should all Instructor Nurses possess?
Dr. Raquel Engolio: Communication and teamwork. Clear communication as a clinical nurse educator is critical. Clinical instructors will supervise students in a complex, fast-paced clinical environment. This requires clear, timely, and professional communication. In respect to teamwork, clinical nursing instructors can expect to work with a team of course faculty in the classroom, lab, and clinical setting. During clinical, instructors work with the staff nurses and healthcare team. It is vital for clinical instructors to maintain positive group dynamics. Students, staff, and patients will often reach out and seek instructors who convey approachability, warmth, and competency in the clinical setting.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Instructor Nurses?
Dr. Raquel Engolio: Writing, assessment, and application of the nursing process in the clinical setting are important technical skills. Clinical instructors will lead nursing students and teach safe nursing care during the clinical experience. An advanced understanding of assessment, best practices for safe patient care, and applying safe clinical judgment in the health care setting are most important.
What skills will help Instructor Nurses earn the most?
Dr. Raquel Engolio: Writing and professional presentation skills. Experience with publications, participation in nursing research, and years of experience in nursing education will help nursing instructors earn a more competitive salary. Publishing in peer-reviewed journals, participating in nursing research, and presenting information at events like a national conference will make clinical instructors more marketable. In addition, the attainment of advanced practice degrees and terminal degrees will improve a nurse educator's salary. These skills and qualifications require expertise in nursing and highlight a commitment to the profession and nursing education.
Laura Rice
Center on Health, Aging, and Disability Associate Director, MPH and MSHA Interim Program Director, Associate ProfessorUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Department of Kinesiology and Community Health
What soft skills should all Instructor Nurses possess?
Laura Rice: Communication is a critical skill for a health science instructor. How well their students learn will be critical to the health and well-being of their patients. Suppose an instructor cannot communicate well and facilitate learning. In that case, I am concerned that students will not effectively learn and utilize the information in clinical practice. Instructors must also gauge when their students do not understand a particular concept and modify their teaching techniques to ensure they understand it.
Monique C. Yates
Clinical FacultyLoyola University Maryland
Teacher Education
What soft skills should all Instructor Nurses possess?
Monique C. Yates: -Flexibility,
-Effective collaboration with diverse populations, including students, parents, and staff members,
-Being a team player (this seems like collaboration, but it includes a willingness to go the extra mile to support students.
-Adaptability (Being open and able to learn new things quickly)
-Creativity (being able to teach in new ways, using new materials)
-Inclusivity (speaking in an inclusive matter that welcomes diverse groups). I could call this have a global perspective
What hard/technical skills are most important for Instructor Nurses?
Monique C. Yates: -Knowledge of the content,
-Knowledge of special education law
-Data collection and analysis (to interpret and report the effectiveness of interventions)
-Effective Documentation
-A variety of assessment strategies to determine progress.
What skills will help Instructor Nurses earn the most?
Monique C. Yates: In the public sector, salaries are determined and not subject to negotiation.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Instructor Nurse job market given the pandemic?
Michele Poradzisz Ph.D.: Nurses have always been respected and trusted, but the pandemic has given the public the chance to see nurses in a new light and appreciate them even more. People have witnessed the dedication that nurses have to their patients and profession. I believe this will motivate more people to want to join this noble profession. According to a 2020 study with The National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers, the average age of registered nurses is currently at 51 years, so we can expect to see a large number of nurses retiring from full-time practice over the next decade. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected 7% growth in the market for RNs from 2019-2029, which is faster than the average growth in any other occupation.
We are seeing an increase in the number of people with degrees in other fields who are attracted to nursing and want to change careers. Accelerated degree programs for non-nursing graduates capitalize on the individual's previous education and experience and fast-track them to a baccalaureate (BSN) or master's (MSN) degree in nursing. For example, Saint Xavier University offers an accelerated BSN program that allows students to complete the nursing program in 15 months. Cohort sizes are kept small (typically 24 students) to allow personalized attention from faculty as well as to promote strong bonds among students.
Aside from the growth in the nursing job market, a big change will be in where nurses practice. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to bolster public health and community health resources in the U.S. Public health nurses focus on preventive care and provide care in state and local health departments, as well as schools, community clinics and workplaces. The length of stay for patients in hospitals is continually decreasing, and many elective surgeries and procedures are now done in outpatient or ambulatory settings. More and more, hospitals will provide care for the most complex or critically ill patients, while routine care will be centered outside hospitals. In addition, the large increase in numbers of people with chronic diseases points to the need for more nurses in home care and community settings.
Sameh Ghareeb
Assistant ProfessorBethune-Cookman University
L. Gale Lemerand School of Nursing
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Instructor Nurse job market given the pandemic?
Sameh Ghareeb: Two of the biggest trends in nursing jobs because of the pandemic are overtime hours and the outburst of travel nursing jobs.
The increase of numbers of admitting patients to the hospital has significantly increased the need of nurses. This made hospitals request nurses to work additional shifts, in which many nurses worked 48-60 hrs/wk.
In addition, the need for nurses, pushed hospitals to hire more nurses. But as there is a shortage in nursing, nursing travel agency work outbursts.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Instructor Nurse job market given the pandemic?
Francine Jensen: When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, nursing educators wondered if the challenges of being on the frontlines as nurses would drive people away from the profession. Luckily, this did not play out. Our admissions pools are as large as ever, and we are attracting people who are now more anxious to be nurses. The pandemic has raised awareness of the roles of nurses and the need for nurses in our country, and this has been good for the profession.
COVID has made us all, including nurses, re-think our priorities. We will see shifts of nurses applying for positions they always wanted; more staff who have been cross-trained to other areas who decide to stay; and other nurses who took this chance to retire. These will drive movement in the profession, which will free up opportunities for other nurses coming in.
We'll also see trends with nurses who are leaving bedside nursing and becoming nurse practitioners, a specialty which continues to grow.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Instructor Nurses?
Francine Jensen: At baseline, you'll need your RN licensure to enter the profession. One useful certification some universities are offering is a certificate in gerontology, which gives you focused training on that population-useful as the baby boomer generation continues to age. Over time, you can progress to receive your DNP or nurse anesthetist licensure where you'll take on advanced roles in nursing practice.
How have salaries changed over time for Instructor Nurses?
Francine Jensen: Salaries are often tied to the region where you work, so think carefully about where you decide to practice. Working night shifts and weekends will net you a dollar or two more an hour. One useful strategy to grow your wage is to regularly change your employment situation and negotiate your starting salary. Additionally, once you are in advanced roles in nursing, your salary will increase, so consider when the best time is to go back to school.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Instructor Nurse job market given the pandemic?
Barbara Wolfe Ph.D.: The need for RNs and advanced practice nurses (APRNs) is in great demand. Based on data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of registered nurses (RNs) is expected to increase by 7% and the need for nurse practitioners and other APRNs is expected to increase by 45% in the next eight or so years.
There is a significant need for nursing faculty. Currently there is a national nurse faculty vacancy rate of > 7%. This will, no doubt, increase given the projected swell of retirements by 2025-as much as a third of the current faculty workforce. Thus, we will see an increase need for doctoral education to prepare these individuals for this career path.
What technical skills for an Instructor Nurse stand out to employers?
Barbara Wolfe Ph.D.: Health care is rapidly changing, and the pandemic has contributed to some of these changes (e.g., the use of telehealth). Employers are looking for nurses who are able to adapt, innovate, and apply not only their technical skills, but also their knowledge and critical thinking to a variety of settings--particularly since most of health care is delivered in non-hospital environments.
Shannon Darst Ph.D.
Program Facilitator & Assistant ProfessorStephen F. Austin State University
Perkins College of Education
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Instructor Nurse job market given the pandemic?
Shannon Darst Ph.D.: In the field of higher education, which includes both tenure-track and non-tenure-track/clinical faculty, we are seeing a trend toward more distance delivery of university courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. This trend existed before restrictions related to COVID were put into place at face-to-face universities, but quarantining and other COVID-related restrictions have pushed most, if not all universities, toward offering more and more courses at a distance. This has created a need for faculty members who are well-versed in creating online courses in various course delivery platforms and in delivering lectures and course discussions in both a synchronous and asynchronous environment while keeping rigor and course standards intact.
At our particular university in Texas, we are also noting that more students are looking to decrease tuition costs, so they are seeking educational options like community colleges or trade schools before starting coursework at the university level. This has created a need for more clinical instructors and adjunct faculty in community colleges and trade schools.
In the field of visual impairment (areas of expertise include Teacher of Students with Visual Impairment, Teacher of Students who are Deafblind, Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Low Vision Therapist, Vocational Rehabilitation Therapist, Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist), trends toward more effective service delivery at a distance has come to the forefront due to restrictions related to COVID. This means that Clinical Instructors in the field of visual impairment have to become more adept at creating new methods and strategies of delivering services in a distance model. This requires some training in use of technology and training others to use technology in order to deliver lessons effectively and efficiently.
Also, a national push to provide more inclusive and effective training for those individuals who are Deafblind is on the horizon as one of the field's major focus areas. This means that more Clinical Instructors are going to be needed to address the increase in enrollment in training programs that provide educator personnel preparation for future Teachers of Students who are Deafblind.
What technical skills for an Instructor Nurse stand out to employers?
Shannon Darst Ph.D.: Technology skills are of the highest priority to employers in the field of higher education. Ranking close to technology in regard to employer priorities are those "soft skills" like flexibility, relatability, effective communication skills (both expressive and reception), adaptability, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Although these may not be considered true technical skills, these are the skills that can make the difference between an acceptable candidate and a preferred candidate. Candidates who can find a "win-win" solution in any challenging situation will be the candidate who will catch the eye of university employers.
How have salaries changed over time for Instructor Nurses?
Shannon Darst Ph.D.: The answer to this question depends on area of expertise and location of the hiring university. If one is seeking a Clinical Instructor position in a field like medicine, technology, or business, for example, salaries have continued to increase with the need for more professionals in these areas. If one is seeking a Clinical Instructor in a field like education, on the other hand, salaries have mostly remained steady and plateaued at a median salary when compared to other fields, especially in certain parts of the country. I have been in the field of visual impairment, and one trend I noticed in my state is that many teachers who work in public school districts earn higher salaries than some university clinical instructors. This has made for some very interesting dynamics in the world of higher education, as many qualified Clinical Instructors in the field of education may seek a traditional teaching position rather than teaching at a university solely because universities are tending to offer less in terms in salaries to those in the field of education than other fields.
Abram Brummett Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorOakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
Department of Foundational Medical Studies
How have salaries changed over time for Instructor Nurses?
Abram Brummett Ph.D.: My field as a bioethicist is quite different from working as a physician and is all I can really speak on with regards to salary. I'm working on a study now with some colleagues tracking the current employment models and compensation rates of clinical ethicists around the U.S. A full time clinical ethicist can make anywhere from 70-120,000 depending on education and experience. We expect this salary will only go up as the field continues to standardize.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Instructor Nurse job market given the pandemic?
Abram Brummett Ph.D.: You may have heard of the "Fauci Effect," which has driven the interest in medical professions up. Applications to OUWB are up since the pandemic, and I suspect that interest in medical fields will go up across the board to include fields such as nursing, physician assistants, occupational therapists, social workers, and my discipline, clinical bioethics. The pandemic has exposed medical professionals as the heroes they always have been and that exposure has been inspiring to others.
What soft skills should all Instructor Nurses possess?
Abram Brummett Ph.D.: Teaching soft skills is a really important part of what we do in the medical humanities and clinical bioethics. While we wrestle with difficult ethical dilemmas in contexts such as the end of life, birth, child-rearing, sexuality, and suffering, we also work hard to resist a reductionistic view of patients as a complex set of tubes, pumps, and chemicals that can result from years of medical education. We do this by encouraging a "holistic" approach to patient care that sees a patient situated within a whole matrix of social, psychological, religious, and economic factors that influence the doctor-patient relationship. Soft skills are a vital part of this approach, being able to talk with, earn the trust of, and motivate patients to follow a treatment regimen is just as important as an accurate diagnosis. Medicine remains, and will always be, a science and an art, and we are here to emphasize the art.
Erica Lee
Associate Program Director/ Clinical Assistant Professor- Prelicensure Nursing, Honors FacultyArizona State University
Edson College of Nursing & Health Innovation
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Instructor Nurse job market given the pandemic?
Erica Lee: I hope that the biggest trend for new nurses entering the profession will be extended orientation periods. Unfortunately, many student nurses have missed out on inpatient clinical exposure during the pandemic in an effort to limit numbers of individuals entering into facilities. This may affect how confident the new graduate RN's feel in the environment and extra attention to orientation could help.
How have salaries changed over time for Instructor Nurses?
Erica Lee: Salaries have not increased dramatically in the past 10 years, but the way they are calculated is more innovative. In the greater Phoenix area, employers are offering an initial new graduate RN salary, then adjusting it to market rate after a year of service. Separate from that, there is also opportunity for a merit-based increase which not only incentivizes retention but promotes excellent performance.
What soft skills should all Instructor Nurses possess?
Erica Lee: All graduates should keep civility front of mind. This doesn't only mean acting with kindness and assuming best intent, it also means calling out incivility when they encounter it which is a far more difficult skill to master. I recommend role modeling after individuals they trust and admire and eventually it will become second nature.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Instructor Nurse job market given the pandemic?
Julie Kruse Ph.D.: There are several areas in nursing that will most likely see an increase due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
1) Telehealth Nursing: Telehealth has been defined as the sharing of heath information by patients and providers either synchronously or asynchronously using a telephone, videophone, or biometric monitoring unit (Bowles et al, 2012; Radhakrishnan et al, 2016). The COVID-19 pandemic has stimulated growth in the area of telehealth and some researchers have estimated that over 30% of outpatient visits were conducted by telehealth in 2020.
The American Hospital Association reported that the number of hospitals either partially or fully implementing telehealth grew from 35% in 2010 to 76% in 2017. The compounded annual growth of telehealth is projected to grow over 28% from 2019 - 2025 according to an Arizton Market Report.
Even though the COVID-19 pandemic stimulated a spike in the growth of telehealth, this area of health care has been rapidly expanding over the past decade. Telehealth has been used with success in managing patients with heart disease, diabetes, COPD, and chronic wounds. Additionally, there will be a need for telehealth services to treat mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression as well as providing public health outreach to women, infants, and children.
2) Nursing in Outpatient and Community Settings: There will continue to be a shift from nursing care in hospital settings to community and outpatient settings.
3) Mental Health and Wellness: There will be a continued and increased need for mental health and wellness services. In a recent national study by Ettman et al. (2020), it was reported that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a 3-fold increase in the number of people who reported depressive symptoms. This increase in depressive and anxiety symptoms from the pandemic is further supported by the Kaiser Family Foundation who report that 11% of adults reported anxiety and depressive symptoms from January-June of 2019 versus 41.1% in January of 2021. The demand for nurses in this field will continue to expand as the number of people who experience mental health and substance misuse conditions continues to outpace the number of nurses and clinicians who can provide care.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Instructor Nurses?
Julie Kruse Ph.D.: In terms of certifications, this really depends on the type of nursing that you are interested in specializing in. For telehealth nursing there is not a specific certification; however, many nurses who work in telehealth have certifications in Ambulatory Care Nursing (AAACN, 2021) which has the broad scope of knowledge necessary for this field. In terms of mental health nursing, obtaining licensure as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner will allow you to provide mental health care services to children, adults, families, groups, and communities. The American Psychiatric Nurses Association (2021) has a website that offers additional information about careers in this field of nursing.
How have salaries changed over time for Instructor Nurses?
Julie Kruse Ph.D.: In the last century, nursing has been a stable career choice in terms of job stability and with the continued and projected nursing shortage, it will be a viable option in the future. Nursing is also a career choice that offers a comfortable living wage.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2019) reports that the median salary for a nurse is $73,300 (range $52,080- $111,220) with a median hourly rate of $35.24 (range $25.04- $53.47). According to Nurse.com nursing salaries have had increased growth by 2.6% every year since 2014. The nursing shortage combined with a comfortable living wage makes nursing an excellent career choice.
References
American Academy of Ambulatory Nursing (2021). https://www.aaacn.org/certification/telehealth-certification
How have salaries changed over time for Instructor Nurses?
Dr. Terri Gibson: Definitely. I've been licensed over 30 years and have seen increases-thankfully. I remember working as a nurse for $9 an hour. It was great to get a position in a clinic for $17 an hour. Moving into the hospital setting meant I earned even more per hour. Now there are many positions available to nurses and sometimes unfortunately, great variations in wages. We talk about needing more nursing students and the shortage of nursing educators, and how we need to support educators to have wages more closely aligned with others who practice in an acute care setting. I hope something changes to help correct these significant needs. According to recent reports I've read, earnings are still a big impetus for where people choose to work.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Instructor Nurse job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Terri Gibson: From what I read from nursing organizations and journal literature, big trends include the following:
-Wages seem to be increasing, even slightly for nurses providing direct care at the bedside. There continues to be a need for well-prepared nurses to work in acute care hospitals. With elevated rates of burnout among nurses, students need to be prepared to work under stressful conditions. For me as an educator, it means I have spent time encouraging and supporting the care they give themselves. We've worked on assessments and teaching-learning activities so they are aware that when they are healthy-physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, they can provide safer, better quality patient care. We spend some time learning ways to optimize their well-being through attention to stress management, good nutrition, regular exercise, healthy relationships, and spiritual renewal.
-Another trend is to bring students into the working environment as techs to take care of patients in the hospital or under the auspices of an RN license to assist with Covid vaccine administration. From my experience, students want to participate in care delivery now, so they have some preparation for what their future holds once they have their license and start into their first position as a nurse.
What technical skills for an Instructor Nurse stand out to employers?
Dr. Terri Gibson: We have learned that prospective employers really appreciate when students have worked at the bedside. This includes as a nurse technician. In particular, they appreciate students who have spent full shifts working along an RN in a care delivery setting. We call this the Nursing Capstone Clinical, which is usually offered a student's final semester of nursing school. Not only do employers know that students have been able to show up on time and meet the demands of a 12-hour shift and all the care that is implemented during those hours, students also highly value the experience. They feel that now they have a better sense of what to expect. They've also benefited from the wisdom of their preceptor, particularly when unusual incidents come up that would not have been addressed in nursing school. The RN preceptors we have worked with have been awesome role models in this regard.
Other skills would be personal presence and patient support/communication. I do mock interviews for my senior nursing students and I receive great feedback from both students and the leader volunteers from local healthcare organizations that conduct the interviews for me through this Leadership Class activity. The students appreciate that they have a better sense of what to expect in an interview. The interviewers seem to appreciate those students who can step up and engage fully in the interview, identifying their strengths, ability to communicate and show that they care and have a passion for patient care.
It seems many employers need something that catches their attention from the myriad number of applicants and limited jobs they have to offer a new grad. Volunteerism, leadership opportunities and participation in special nursing-related projects seems to provide an extra boost to those students who show their enthusiasm and competence for nursing in this way.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Instructor Nurses?
Judy Scott: Being able to pass the NCLEX-RN exam with their first attempt will have a large impact on the student's ability secure that first position after graduation. Many students have taken advantage of the opportunity to work as an apprentice nurse during their last semester of school, thereby obtaining valuable work experience. Those that have not, will experience a nurse precepted experience working along side a nursing professional.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Instructor Nurses?
Judy Scott: The enduring impact will be the experience gained by attending nursing school during a pandemic. The students, as well as the faculty, have learned to be adaptable to the changing circumstances they have encountered. Another positive would be the increase in empathy they might feel for their patients, fellow nurses and staff members as they have seen the difficulties encountered during this pandemic.
What soft skills should all Instructor Nurses possess?
Judy Scott: All graduates need to be able to communicate well with Patients, their families, fellow nurses and staff as well as Primary Care Providers. They need to have an enquiring mind, a thirst for learning and expanding their knowledge base. Developing clinical judgment-insightful thinking will help the graduate care for their patients and to be a valuable member of the healthcare team. Professional behavior needed to collaborate with the interdisciplinary health care team to ensure the best care possible is provided for all patients and families is another important soft skill needed.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Instructor Nurses?
Elizabeth Curtin: I believe so, especially with health care. We are in a nursing shortage right now and, unfortunately, nation-wide, we are seeing higher attrition rates in nursing, especially with the new nurses. Health care facilities are going to have to come up with new programs to help mentor the new nurses and to also support the seasoned nurses or the nursing will become even worse.
What's a good job out of college for Instructor Nurses?
Elizabeth Curtin: There are many healthcare-related jobs, as nursing isn't the only one where we are seeing a shortage. There is a need for pharmacy techs, respiratory therapists, lab techs, phlebotomists, the list goes on. Also construction always needs skilled workers. My son has worked continually with a company that does fireproofing and construction and hasn't missed a paycheck since the pandemic started.
What technical skills for an Instructor Nurse stand out to employers?
Elizabeth Curtin: More hands-on skills, resilience, adaptability to the ever-changing environment.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Instructor Nurses?
Keri Stolz-Russell: I truly think that all depends on where you're trying to go. Regardless of where you want to go, I think doing an internship is always a great idea and will help narrow down your interests while providing some experience at the same time. Once you land on a specific area I would suggest working toward a certification in that area. Having that will show your development commitment to that specific area and could possibly allow for some advancement.
What's a good job out of college for Instructor Nurses?
Keri Stolz-Russell: I tend to lean toward a Med/surg job. Med/Surg is fast paced and provides new nurses with a variety of diseases processes, complications, medical equipment, and ways to develop their clinical and critical thinking skills. I know that many new grads have the desire and goal to be an ER or CCU nurse, which is great of course, but I personally think that some experience on a med/surg floor first should be a stepping stone to getting there. It's interesting because when getting report from an ER nurse I can always tell who has had experience on a med/surg floor compared to those who have always been an ER nurse. These nurses tend to "have all of their ducks in a row" regardless of how long they've had their patient and they know more specific details regarding the patients living situation, meds that were given, and what actually brought them to the ER. On the other hand, ER nurses who only know the ER setting aren't as detailed, but rather give a brief overview as to why the patient came in and what has already been done. I've been told by coworkers who went from a med/surg floor to the ER or CCU that they were thankful that they started on med/surg first because it allowed them to develop the skills and clinical/critical reasoning at a slower pace as opposed to being forced to play "catch up" immediately down in ER or CCU while caring for critically ill patients.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Instructor Nurse job market given the pandemic?
Keri Stolz-Russell: I would say that one of the biggest trends we'll see are nurses who experience "burnout" much more quickly. Taking care of COVID patients is exhausting both mentally and physically. I know that I always have to prepare myself mentally to enter a COVID room and go through my mental checklist of dos and don'ts, make sure all the supplies that I'll need if they're not already in the room, make sure I have a "gofer" nearby so I can poke my head out if I need something, and prepare myself to be uncomfortable under all of the PPE. The mental fatigue doesn't end there once I have left the patient's room. The facility I work for does not allow COVID positive patient s to have visitors which means there are a lot more families calling for updates along with long explanations as to what certain medications are, whether or not their family member is getting the treatment described on T.V., and whether or not I think their loved one will make it. The mental fatigue is then brought home with me. I'm concerned about bringing it into the car where my children sit to go run errands and attend school activities. I am concerned about taking off my scrubs as soon as I get home, putting them in the washer, taking a shower, and praying that I didn't bring it into my home.