Nurse Educator: Job Description for Aspiring MSNs
Nurse educators are certified nurses who incorporate their academic expertise and clinical experience to train and teach students in nursing skills. They act as faculty representatives both in teaching hospitals and nursing schools, determining academic syllabus and standards, preparing learners to successfully progress out of academics, improving the systems that nurture nursing education. They also empower upcoming nurses to succeed in their nursing profession.
Other than giving lessons in technical colleges, universities, and hospital-based nursing projects, nurse educators can also be employed as consultants, independent contractors, and administrators in a number of education-based positions. Are you wondering if this position is for you? Here is more about the benefits and challenges of becoming a nurse educator.
Why are Nurse Educators desperately needed right now?
The need for more nurse educators continues to rise as the healthcare industry in the U.S evolves. It’s true that the country has had a nursing workforce deficiency of varying levels for far too long. But today, this deficit is on the brink of becoming a disaster. This is due to a number of factors including an aging population, a retiring nursing workforce, the rising incidences of chronic diseases, and the inadequate number of nursing colleges and nursing educators.
The aging population is, however, the main driving force of this impending mess. The number of senior citizens is expected to increase by 75% between 2010 and 2030. As the population ages, so will the demand for health-care services soar. This is because a larger percentage of senior citizens suffer from at least one chronic illness, and people with chronic conditions clearly need a lot of medical management.
While the number of upcoming nursing learners and graduates keeps multiplying, the nursing-training structure isn’t keeping pace. This is the reason why only so many prospective caregivers can access the education and training they require.
What do Nurse Educators do on an average day?
From a universal perspective, a nurse educator is responsible for guaranteeing that the nursing personnel has accurate and up-to-date skills, information, and attitudes required for effective care of patients across the globe. So, what’s a typical day in the life of a nurse educator? The days will vary depending on the needs of the academic institution and the level of instruction the nurse educator is assigned.
For instance, a regular nurse educator may tutor for one or two mornings per week, and then spend the afternoon or evening teaching a skill lab. On a different day, the educator could spend some hours or the entire day in a clinical environment such as an outpatient clinic, hospital, or long-term care institution. However, teaching remains the mainstay of this faculty role.
Most institutions require an input of about 5 office hours a week, during which students can come to you for clarification on lecture material, questions about different areas of study, and advice on class schedules. Throughout the week, the educator may attend various meetings, such as faculty and committee meetings. They will also spend some time preparing for subsequent lectures and clinical sessions.
How can someone with a BSN earn an MSN and become a nurse educator?
Most organizations recruiting nurse instructors require candidates to have at least a Master of Science degree in Nursing (MSN), their practicing license, and between 2 to 5 years of working experience in a clinical position. So, after obtaining your BSN and getting licensed, the next move would be to obtain a Master's of Science degree in Nursing (MSN).
MSN coursework is broader than what a bachelor’s degree offers. It, however, seeks to expand on the knowledge and skills that nurses have gained through their undergraduate program. It will also draw upon your real world experience in nursing, just as your teaching will.
If you wonder what shape your career might take after becoming a nurse educator, many nurses earn doctorates, conduct research, or simply continue to enjoy the hands-on nature of nursing instruction.
Are You Ready to Start Your Journey Today?
Are you interested in learning more about nurse education? If you want to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degree and become part of this noble career, ECPI University offers this course online, at an accelerated pace. For more information, connect with a friendly admissions advisor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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