Hello! I am beginning the transition from the bedside nursing role to that of a nurse educator! Becoming a nurse educator is a thrilling and rewarding step in a nurse’s career. When transitioning from the role of a caregiver to that of a mentor, the opportunity to impact the future of nursing is immense. Whether teaching in a classroom, guiding clinical students, or developing educational content, the responsibility is great, but so is the potential for change. When deciding to make this career change I couldn’t find as much content about professional and personal experience as other paths, like nurse practitioner. I’m hoping this will reach other nurses either starting their journey to nurse educator or considering it.
How do you know if you want to be a Nurse Educator?
I realized I was interested in this type of role about 3-4 years into my nursing career. I enjoyed being a preceptor to new employees and working with nursing students. I took positions in different specialties to ensure a well-rounded nursing experience. I volunteered for committees that involved educating staff on new processes or equipment. I even created an education committee in one department I worked for to provide education on topics related to our specialty. I enjoyed being a ‘go-to’ person in the department and supporting my co-workers.
Reflecting on Your Current Role
Think about your current role as a nurse:
- Do you find joy in helping others develop their skills and knowledge?
- Are you interested in working with students, new nurses, or fellow healthcare professionals?
- Do you find satisfaction in explaining complex ideas and watching others grasp them?
Next steps:
For me, I wasn’t sure I was ready to make the career leap. I was feeling restless in my job and felt there wasn’t a lot of opportunity for growth. I started by finding an adjunct faculty position that did not require a master’s degree (I do have a BSN). I started by teaching LPN students once a week. I did a clinical rotation for part of the semester and then a final review course to prepare them for the NCLEX. I was lucky to have great faculty mentors and supporters at the institution I worked for. I decided to return to school for an MSN-NE (Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Educator). I am finishing that degree soon and just accepted a full-time faculty position.
What can you do?
Talk to current nurse educators: Their insights can help you understand the challenges and rewards of the role. Connect with other nurse educators and professionals in the field. This can provide valuable support, resources, and opportunities for collaboration.
Gain Clinical Experience: Accumulate several years of hands-on nursing experience in a clinical setting. This will provide you with the practical knowledge and expertise needed to teach future nurses effectively.
Develop Teaching Skills: Look for opportunities to develop your teaching skills, such as conducting in-service training for your colleagues, mentoring new nurses, or volunteering to teach community health classes.
Pursue further education: Consider earning advanced degrees (like a Master’s or Doctorate in Nursing Education) or certifications, which can open doors to becoming an educator.
Evaluate your goals: Think about your long-term career vision. Does the idea of teaching align with your personal and professional aspirations?
Ultimately, becoming a nurse educator requires a blend of nursing expertise, teaching passion, and a desire to help others succeed. If you feel excited about the possibility of shaping the future of healthcare and fostering the growth of new nurses, then you might be ready for this next step in your career.
