7 Essential Tips for Applying for Nursing Faculty Jobs

Are you interested in pursuing a career in nursing education? Do you want to share your knowledge and experience with the next generation of nurses? If so, you might be wondering how to apply for nursing faculty jobs and what qualifications you need to land your dream position.

Nursing faculty jobs are highly competitive and require a lot of preparation and dedication. You need to demonstrate your academic credentials, clinical expertise, teaching skills, and passion for the profession. In this article, we will share some key tips for successfully applying for nursing faculty jobs and standing out from the crowd.

Nursing Faculty Job Application Process

The first step to applying for openings at schools of nursing is to understand the application process and the requirements of the position. You need to research the nursing school and the department you are applying to, and tailor your application accordingly. You also need to prepare the following documents:

• A cover letter that highlights your interest in the position, your qualifications, your teaching philosophy, and your fit with the school’s mission and vision.
• A resume that showcases your education, work experience, publications, presentations, awards, and memberships. Make sure to include any relevant certifications, credentials, or licenses that you have.
• A curriculum vitae that provides a comprehensive overview of your academic and professional achievements. This should include your educational background, research interests, grants, publications, presentations, teaching experience, service activities, and references.
• A teaching portfolio that demonstrates your teaching effectiveness, student evaluations, sample syllabi, lesson plans, and teaching materials.

Tips for Writing a Nursing Faculty Resume

Your resume is one of the most important documents in your nursing faculty application. It should highlight your skills, accomplishments, and potential as a nursing educator. Here are some tips for writing a nursing faculty resume that stands out:

• Use a clear and professional format that is easy to read and scan.
• Use keywords and phrases that match the job description and the nursing school’s values and goals.
• Quantify your achievements and provide specific examples of your impact and contributions.
• Emphasize your clinical experience and expertise, as well as your teaching experience and methods.
• Include any awards, honors, or recognitions that you have received for your work or teaching.
• Proofread your resume carefully and check for any errors or inconsistencies.

Nursing Faculty Job Interview Tips

If you are invited for a nursing faculty job interview, you need to prepare well and show your confidence and competence. You should expect to answer questions about your education, work experience, research interests, teaching philosophy, and career goals. You should also be ready to demonstrate your teaching skills and knowledge of the subject matter. Here are some of the best ways to prepare for a nursing faculty job interview:

• Review your resume, cover letter, and portfolio and anticipate any questions or challenges that might arise.
• Research the nursing school and the department and learn about their vision, mission, values, curriculum, faculty, and students.
• Prepare some questions to ask the interviewers about the position, the school, the expectations, and the opportunities.
• Practice your teaching skills and prepare a sample lesson or presentation on a topic related to the position. You might be asked to teach a class, give a lecture, or lead a discussion as part of the interview process.
• Dress professionally and appropriately for the interview. Arrive early and bring copies of your documents and materials.
• Be polite, respectful, and enthusiastic during the interview. Show your interest and passion for the position and the school. Thank the interviewers for their time and follow up with a thank-you note.

Job Market for Nursing Faculty Positions

The demand for nursing faculty positions is high, as there is a shortage of qualified nursing educators in the country. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), there were 1,715 faculty vacancies in 2020, and 64.1% of nursing schools reported difficulty in finding qualified applicants. The main reasons for the nursing faculty shortage are the aging of the current faculty, the limited number of doctoral graduates, the low salaries, and the high workload.

However, the nursing faculty shortage also creates opportunities for aspiring nursing educators who have the qualifications and the desire to teach. The AACN projects that the number of nursing faculty positions will increase by 19.3% from 2018 to 2028, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual salary for nursing faculty in 2020 was $83,160, and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $129,070.

Salary Expectations for Nursing Faculty Jobs

The salary for nursing faculty jobs depends on several factors, such as the level of education, the rank and tenure status, the type and location of the institution, the field of specialization, and the years of experience. According to the AACN, the average salary for nursing faculty in 2020 was as follows:

• Professor: $102,034
• Associate Professor: $86,019
• Assistant Professor: $76,687
• Instructor: $66,999
• Lecturer: $64,636

The salary for nursing faculty jobs also varies by region and state. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top five states with the highest annual mean wage for nursing faculty in 2020 were as follows:

• California: $122,890
• New York: $111,040
• Massachusetts: $105,830
• Connecticut: $103,020
• Maryland: $101,890

Nursing Education and Faculty Qualifications

To apply for nursing faculty jobs, you need to have a minimum of a master’s degree in nursing, preferably with a focus on nursing education. However, some nursing schools may require a doctoral degree, especially for tenure-track or senior positions. You also need to have a current and valid license as a registered nurse (RN) in the state where you plan to teach.

In addition to the academic and clinical qualifications, you also need to have some teaching experience and skills. You can gain teaching experience by working as a teaching assistant, a clinical instructor, a preceptor, or a mentor. You can also take courses or workshops on teaching methods, curriculum development, assessment, and evaluation. You should also be familiar with the latest trends and technologies in nursing education, such as online learning, simulation, and interprofessional education.

Certifications Needed for Nursing Faculty Positions

While certifications are not mandatory for nursing faculty positions, they can enhance your credentials and demonstrate your competence and commitment to the profession. There are several certifications that you can pursue as a nursing educator, depending on your field of specialization and interest. Some of the most common and recognized certifications for nursing faculty are:

• Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) by the National League for Nursing (NLN). This certification validates your knowledge and skills as a nurse educator and requires a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing, two years of teaching experience, and a passing score on the CNE exam.
• Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator (CNEcl) by the NLN. This certification recognizes your expertise and excellence as a clinical nurse educator and requires a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing, two years of clinical teaching experience, and a passing score on the CNEcl exam.
• Nurse Professional Development Certification (RN-BC) by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This certification verifies your proficiency and leadership in nursing professional development and requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing, two years of RN experience, 30 hours of continuing education, and a passing score on the RN-BC exam.

Qualities and Skills for Successful Nursing Faculty Candidates

Besides the qualifications and certifications, you also need to have certain qualities and skills that make you a successful nursing faculty candidate. Some of the most important qualities and skills for nursing faculty are:

• Passion for teaching and learning. You should have a genuine interest and enthusiasm for educating and mentoring the future nurses and advancing the nursing profession.
• Communication and interpersonal skills. You should be able to communicate effectively and clearly with your students, colleagues, and other stakeholders. You should also be able to establish rapport, trust, and respect with your students and foster a positive and supportive learning environment.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills. You should be able to apply your knowledge and experience to various situations and challenges in nursing education and practice. You should also be able to encourage and facilitate critical thinking and problem-solving skills in your students.
• Creativity and innovation. You should be able to design and implement engaging and effective teaching strategies and methods that meet the diverse needs and preferences of your students. You should also be able to adapt and innovate in response to the changing trends and demands of nursing education and practice.
• Collaboration and teamwork. You should be able to work collaboratively and cooperatively with your peers, students, and other professionals. You should also be able to promote and participate in interprofessional education and practice.

Conclusion

Applying for nursing faculty jobs can be a challenging and rewarding process. You need to prepare well and showcase your qualifications, skills, and passion for the position and the profession. By following the tips and advice in this article, you can increase your chances of standing out and landing a nursing faculty position that suits your goals and aspirations. Good luck!