Introduction

This professional development activity was helpful to me because it provided information on the non-tenure track.  As a novice in academia, I am am not familiar with the different paths or opportunities available to faculty and staff.  I appreciated this panel discussion because participants received a diverse perspective.  Thankfully, one of the panel members was from the School of Nursing, speaking directly to my field.

Three Lessons/Key Points

One of the lessons or key takeaways surrounds focusing on the classroom and clinical settings.  Dr. Christine Sump brings over twenty years of bedside experience and shared it with each student at the undergraduate and graduate levels.  As one enters academia, even if on the non-tenured track, she recommended finding a mentor that can guide and motivate oneself.  This prevents repeating their mistakes.

Another lesson and key takeaway I have is the ability to still engage in research.  Because the main focus of non-tenured nursing professors is to focus classroom instruction and clinical experiences, there is no pressure to engage in scholarship.  If time allows and there are students interested in my research interests, I can easily precept and advise them, however, it’s not mandatory.  For those that may need flexible schedules, such as working a full-time job or have familiar obligations, this feature of the clinical track is very accommodating.

The third lesson and key takeaway is how rewarding the experience is.  One of the other panelists shared learning more about themself.  Because there may be a need to teach certain courses, faculty are put outside their comfort zone, facilitating growth and development.  Since students bring their own experiences to the classroom or clinical site, they provide learning opportunities for the faculty member as well.  This is helpful as new generations of students are joining our ranks.

Unanswered Question or One Piece of Advice

Although I do not have any unanswered questions, I did gain insight that I can share with others.  Whether the position is tenured or not, if one’s goal is to get into academia, take the opportunity.  Regardless of status, one will make an impact on their students’ lives and contribute to the future of their field.  Even if it’s “just” adjunct faculty, one gets to share their wisdom and knowledge with others.  Some of my best professors were not tenured, so it is really dependent on attitude and delivery.

Faculty Preparation

This event prepared me for research, teaching, and service expectations!  Again, even though the requirements to remain on the non-tenured track are not dependent on research and scholarship, the opportunity to engage remains.  My research interests are somewhat “different” and with healthcare evolving, there may be students that share this mutual passion.  Leading, mentoring, and vectoring them will add to the body of knowledge that will make these complimentary and/or alternative approaches mainstream.

It goes without saying that one will need to know what they’re talking about.  Before stepping behind the podium or onto the floor, non-tenured professors need to be experts in their field to facilitate that learning.  Since each student learns differently, who knows what kinds of questions they may ask, so it’s important to be knowledgeable.  If there are topics one isn’t familiar with, we need to be humble and self-aware to crack open that textbook or journal.

With service expectations, this activity illustrated that the demands are nearly the same.  One still has to work hard and remain credible.  Although there are less protections for the non-tenured professor, if the job is done well, the rest will take care of itself.

Date observed: Jun 25, 2024

Date recorded:  Apr 8, 2024