Certified Nurse Educator Requirements: Do You have the Credentials?
Many nurses, after devoting some years in their profession, find themselves ready to transition to a new role in healthcare, where they can build off their education and experience. Some choose to climb the ladder and go into management, while others are drawn to the role of nurse educators.
What Is a Nurse Educator?
A nurse educator is, quite simply, an educator who teaches aspiring nurses patient care. In general, they are RNs, or registered nurses, who obtain master's degrees in nurse education, which qualifies them to teach nursing curriculum at colleges and universities. They may be faculty members at teaching hospitals or in nursing schools. They may also work in clinical settings.
In addition to teaching new nurses, they are responsible for designing and implementing nursing education curriculum. They may also act as nursing student advisers and mentors, and oversee the clinical work of students.
Nurse educators may also be expected to serve on faculty and other types of college committees, to sponsor student nurses' organizations, to attend nursing conferences, to make presentations at nurse educator conferences, and to write grant proposals.
Nurse educators typically teach in community colleges, technical colleges, trade or vocational schools, four-year colleges, and universities. However, some may work in health care facilities, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.
The Road to Becoming a Nurse Educator
The best nurse educators will not only have solid experience in a clinical setting, but will also be good critical thinkers and have excellent communication skills. Just as the best registered nurses are passionate about and committed to their specialization, nurse educators should feel passionate and committed to teaching and learning.
The first step in becoming a nurse educator is to become a registered nurse, either by obtaining an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor's of science in nursing (BSN) degree. After receiving the degree, the graduate may take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and upon passing, will be eligible for licensure as an RN.
In general, most RNs work in their fields for a few years before earning a master's of science in nursing (MSN) although they may earn this degree at any time. MSN university programs are often offered online these days, although you may also complete your education in a traditional classroom setting.
Certifications for Nursing Educators
Certification is important to many who wish to distinguish themselves in their professions. For those who train as academic nurse educators, a certification establishes their role as educators in a specialty practice area. It also communicates to students, other faculty, and the academic and health care professional community that a nurse educator has attained a high standard of excellence. A CNE proclaims to students that the nurse educator is a leader and a role model.
Those who wish to become nursing educators must take and pass the National League of Nursing Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam. To take the exam, you should have an active RN license, and a master's or doctoral degree in nursing, with a primary emphasis in nursing, or one of these:
- Post-master's certificate in nursing education
- Nine or more credit hours of graduate-level education courses
Some of the goals of the CNE program are as follows:
- Recognition of an academic nurse educator's specialized skills, abilities, knowledge, and excellence in their field.
- Boosting recognition of academic nursing education as a specialty area of practice and an advanced practice role within professional nursing.
- Strengthening core competencies in nurse educator practice.
- Contributing to the professional development of nurse educators.
Does the transition to nurse educator seem like the right move for you? If you want to earn a Master of Science in Nursing, consider ECPI University for the education you'll need to reach your goals. For more information, connect with a friendly admissions counselor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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