What does a Nurse Educator do?
Published 4 min read
A nurse educator is a registered nurse who has additional training in nursing education. Nurse educators work in a variety of settings, including colleges and universities, hospitals, and private companies. They may teach classes, develop curriculum, and provide clinical instruction to nursing students. They may also conduct research on nursing education and practice.
Nurse Educator job duties include:
- Develop and implement nursing education programs
- Evaluate the effectiveness of nursing education programs
- Identify educational needs of nurses and plan programs to meet those needs
- Teach courses in nursing education
- Develop instructional materials for use in nursing education programs
- Select and utilize appropriate teaching methods for each situation
- Evaluate student progress and provide feedback
- Serve as a resource person for nurses on educational topics
- Maintain current knowledge of trends and developments in nursing education
Nurse Educator Job Requirements
A nurse educator is a registered nurse who has additional training in how to educate patients and other nurses. They typically have a master's degree in nursing education, and may also be certified as a Nurse Educator by the National League for Nursing. Many nurse educators also have several years of experience working as a nurse before becoming an educator.
Nurse Educator Skills
- Communication
- Writing
- Public Speaking
- Presentation
- Facilitation
- Conflict Resolution
- Negotiation
- Group Dynamics
- Adult Learning Principles
- Andragogy
- Critical Thinking
- Problem Solving
Related: Top Nurse Educator Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Nurse Educator
There is a growing demand for nurse educators in the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of nursing instructors and teachers will grow by 19% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.1 To become a nurse educator, you will need at least a Master’s degree in Nursing (MSN) from an accredited nursing program.2 Many states also require licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN).
While completing your MSN, you will take coursework in educational theory and methods, as well as advanced clinical practice. You may also complete a teaching practicum, during which you will gain experience leading classroom discussions and teaching clinical skills to nursing students. Once you have completed your MSN, you may pursue certification as a nurse educator through the National League for Nursing (NLN).3
As a nurse educator, you will play an important role in preparing the next generation of nurses. You will be responsible for imparting the knowledge and skills necessary for them to provide safe and effective patient care. In addition to teaching in the classroom and clinical setting, you may also develop curriculum, assess student learning outcomes, and conduct research on best practices in nursing education.
If you are passionate about nursing and enjoy working with students, becoming a nurse educator may be the perfect career for you. With a growing demand for qualified nurse educators, now is an excellent time to pursue this rewarding career path.
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