Define the decision clearly.
Do I want to remain in my current position as a clinical instructor or apply for a full time didactic instructor position when it comes available next year?
Consider all of the possible choices.
1. Remain in my current position as a clinical instructor.
2. Apply for didactic instructor position.
3. Give up current position and just keep my PRN position with the hospital system.
Gather all relevant information and evaluate the pros and cons of each choice.
Choice 1. Information needed: Is my current position secure?
Pros:
- I am comfortable in my current position.
- I know it inside and out.
- I am able to keep my radiologic technology skills current
- I get to see the students apply their knowledge
- As I age, the physical aspects of the job get harder.
- I do not know if I will be able, or if I want, to do this job until retirement age.
Pros:
- Less physically taxing
- Different and challenging
- Exciting to change career path
- More security in position
- Could still get contact hours with the students in clinic
- Uncertainty about my teaching abilities
- More mentally and emotionally stressful for a while
Pros:
- Only work when I wanted to
- Flexibility of schedule
- Time to do other things
- No stable income/no benefits
- Rely on the hospital needs
- Would not get to work with the students on a consistent basis
Choice 1: I remain in my current position and do not apply for the upcoming opening for a full time didactic instructor. I will probably regret not taking a chance to change the direction of my career. I really do not see myself being able to physically do this job until I am retirement age, so I guess I would have to make a decision about that when the time came.
Choice 2: I apply for the didactic instructor position. If I got the position, I would remain a full time state employee. I can see myself teaching until retirement age. The first few years will probably be stressful just because it would be a new situation for me. But I believe I could handle it with the support and help of other faculty. I could also continue to get some contact hours with the students in the clinical setting and I could keep my PRN position with the hospital. This would help me keep my clinical skills current and applicable.
Choice 3: I would give up my full time position and remain PRN for the hospital system. I would be stressed out from having to worry about getting hours and having no benefits. I know I would get bored because I am so used to working a set schedule.
Implement a plan of action and then monitor the results, making necessary adjustments.
Choice 2 seems to be my answer to my "tough decision".
This fall, I plan to assist in the labs and sit in on the lectures of the courses I would be teaching if I got the open position. (The position will be vacated fall 2013). I will also get to see what goes on "behind the scenes" of preparing for these labs and lectures. This will give me the opportunity and time to contemplate this decision and see if I think it would be something that I want to do for the remainder of my career.
Amy,
ReplyDeleteSo first of all let me introduce myself and give you some background. Firstly I just joined you class for the critical thinking course and will be moving forward with you group from here on in. I was taking this course about 9 mos ago, but stopped to study for my PET registry. I am a Nuc Med tech by trade and also have my CT and PET registries. Looking at you choice I would advise you to be cautious about jumping into teaching at this point. Radiology as a whole is seeing a slow down on employment opportunities and this will eventually effect the school staffing. Apart from that, never underestimate yourself. There is a book called "Excuses Begone"by Wayne W. Dyer. The book basically says that we are our own worst enemies and it is the excuses that we bring to the surface that inhibit us from doing what we really want to do. I think you may want to have a real conversation with yourself. Do behind close doors or people will think you are losing it!!LOL Anyway you should really ask yourself what you really want to do and list the pros and cons based on the self satisfaction and not external variables. If you like what you do then you will always find it in yourself to be successful. All you need to do is believe!!
Hi Amy,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you went with choice number two. A couple of things really stood out for me that applied to our recent studies about the adult learner. Those things were uncertainty regarding your teaching ability and being in your comfort zone. I know how you feel right now. The thought of obtaining a full time position as an instructor intimidates me due to the fact that this will be an entirely new career change for me. But, we have to consider the fact that a lot of those who we will be working to educate will be in the same position and have the same worries and doubts that we will. When "change" appears for adults, it can be exciting and frightening at the same time. I think you should harness the nervous energies you have in regard to these issues and use it to your advantage. Use it to see things from your students' perspectives. Use it to apply what we've been learning become a better instructor. I like how you weighed out your pros and cons, but I also agree with Derek, you have to ultimately do what makes you happy. I think you made a good choice based on your concerns. Just don't let fear be the reason you make any choice! Thanks for your posting, and thanks for reading my response!
Cheryl
Amy,
ReplyDeleteFirst, I really like your blog! You did a great job putting it together.
Regarding your 'tough decision,' after carefully reading through your process, I myself came to the decision that Choice #2 was the best one. It's completely normal for anyone seeking a new position to ask themselves if they can do the job. If you are asking yourself this, then it means that it would be a stretch for you, which usually means growth. Being that you are enrolled in college, I would surmise that growth is important to you, so going after this new position seems like a good fit.
Also, the fact that you'll have a good support system and get to sit in on some classes, should make the transition even smoother for you if you end up with this wonderful new role.
I wish you a lot of good energy as you go forth on this new adventure!
Sherry