As a registered nurse (RN), you’ve done your fair share of helping patients. If you’re looking for a new way to apply your nursing skills, have you considered becoming a nurse educator? By earning your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), you could build the foundational skills and expertise needed to prepare the next generation of nurses for successful careers while starting the next chapter of your own professional journey.
So, what exactly does a nurse educator do, how do you become one, and how could an MSN degree help you make the transition?
What Is a Nurse Educator?
A nurse educator is a registered nurse (RN) who teaches in a healthcare or academic setting. These professionals have earned an advanced degree (such as a master’s in nursing education) and thus maintain a dual identity as both clinicians and teachers.
Nurse educators may teach nursing students in colleges and universities, or they may work as clinical nurse educators in hospitals and other healthcare settings. Regardless of where they work, nurse educators play a critical role in advancing the field by preparing future generations of nurses to care for patients and use evidence-based practice in their everyday work.
Core Responsibilities of a Nurse Educator
The exact responsibilities and duties of a nurse educator can vary slightly depending on where they work. For example, a nurse educator teaching nursing students at the college level may have different duties than a nurse educator teaching directly in a hospital setting.
Regardless of where they work, however, many nurse educators carry out the following responsibilities on a regular basis:
- Designing curriculum and lesson plans
- Teaching and mentoring nursing students or staff
- Evaluating student or staff performance
- Developing exams, simulations, and clinical scenarios for students
- Participating in continuing education and staying current with healthcare trends
- Engaging in academic research or clinical innovation
Where Nurse Educators Work — And How Their Role Changes
One aspect of the job that appeals to many nursing professionals is the fact that nurse educators can work across a wide range of settings. Whether you’re interested in teaching at the college level, prefer to remain in a clinical setting, or want to explore consultancy opportunities, nurse educators can explore any number of fulfilling roles as they advance in their careers.
Nurse Educators in Colleges and Universities
One common path many nurse educators take is teaching nursing students at the college or university level. Typically, these are pre-licensure nursing students in an ADN or BSN program preparing to become licensed as registered nurses (RNs).
In this type of role, educators may be responsible for holding class lectures, leading lab simulations, and even supervising students during their clinical rotations. Many nurse educators at this level also take on an advising role, providing students with guidance in their respective nursing programs. In some cases, nurse educators at a college or university may also be asked to serve on academic committees.
Nurse Educators in Teaching Hospitals or Healthcare Systems
Nurse educators may also teach in clinical settings at hospitals, physicians’ offices, and other healthcare facilities. In these settings, nurse educators are responsible for onboarding new nurses and ensuring they receive the training needed to follow the facility’s policies, procedures, and best practices. They may also provide specific training on certain medical equipment.
Clinical nurse educators may also be responsible for developing continuing education programs for nurses, ensuring they stay up-to-date on the latest advancements and recommendations. Meanwhile, clinical nurse educators play a critical role in serving as liaisons between clinical practice and education.
Nurse Educators in Community Health Organizations
Another area where nurse educators may work is in community health, where they can have a direct impact on public health while spreading health awareness to members of the community.
Specifically, nurse educators in community health may be tasked with leading public health classes and workshops, where they may share important disease prevention and wellness information with attendees. In some cases, these nurses may be asked to present workshops at hospitals or even meet directly with patients and families.
Nurse educators in community health may also be responsible for training community health workers with a focus on prevention, wellness, and the management of chronic health conditions. This work can be a great fit for those who want to make a direct difference in their local communities.
Nurse Educators in Government or Policy Roles
For nurses who aspire to shape public policy and advocate for the needs of patients, a career as a nurse educator in government or policy roles could be an excellent choice. Specifically, professionals in these roles can help shape public health policy and nursing standards by conducting relevant research, publishing reports/findings, advising on program accreditation, and ensuring that programs meet licensure and curriculum standards. This line of work can be a viable choice for those who enjoy conducting research, presenting their findings, and advocating for the best interests of patients.
Nurse Educators as Consultants or Writers
If you’re interested in taking on a more independent role as a nurse educator, you might consider getting into consultancy or writing work. Many nurse educators, for example, may write for nursing journals, textbooks, or even training platforms on a freelance basis. Others may provide expert consultation for schools or hospitals looking to design or revamp their curricula. These professionals will then meet with facility leaders to review their current curricula and training, make recommendations for improvement, and implement new curricula as needed.
Either way, these types of roles as nurse educators can be ideal for those who want to forge their own paths and find their own clients rather than working for a school or healthcare system.
How to Become a Nurse Educator
What does it take to become a nurse educator? Typically, professionals in this line of work have many years of clinical experience working as RNs. This experience is paramount in understanding the challenges and opportunities of both nursing students and new nurses in the field.
Besides an RN license and clinical experience, nurse educators also need an advanced degree. A master’s in nursing education is among the most popular nursing education master’s programs for those who want to teach.
Some may even pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) which is common for nurse practitioners or a PhD, although this level of education is typically only required for those who want to teach as professors at the university level. Some nurse educators will also pursue specific designations to set themselves apart. For example, many nurse educators will become Certified Nurse Educators (CNEs) through the National League for Nursing (NLN). Earning this distinction requires nurse educators to pass an exam and maintain certification through continuing education and professional development.
Why Earn a Master’s Degree in Nursing Education?
A Master’s in Nursing Education is a practical path for many RNs looking to advance their careers in teaching roles. With an MSN in Nursing Education, you can typically complete your degree in around two years (compared to the several years it usually takes to earn a DNP or PhD).
At the same time, the right nursing education program will cover essential topics such as nursing curriculum development, instructional strategies, and healthcare leadership that you need to thrive as an effective educator in today’s complex healthcare field.
Compared to a “traditional” Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, a nursing education degree will be more focused on the practical skills and knowledge needed to teach nursing students and nurses across a variety of settings. With this tailored experience, you can be better prepared to tackle growing opportunities to teach in the field, especially as faculty shortages and the demand for continuing education progress.
Explore Nursing Education at Baker College
Working as a nurse educator can be an excellent choice for experienced nurses who want to leave their own mark on the future of the field. By teaching and mentoring future nurses, you can enjoy the sense of fulfillment that comes with knowing that you’re preparing incoming nurses to provide the best possible patient care.
If you’re serious about advancing your career in nursing and wish to pursue an educator role, then a Master of Science in Nursing Education at Baker College could help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to refine your instructional strategies and even develop your own curriculum. With dedicated coursework in advanced nursing practice roles, nursing theory and research, and population health, students in this program can gain a better understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities of today’s healthcare system. Meanwhile, a clinical practicum gives students the ability to demonstrate their skills to supportive faculty.And because this program is offered online, it’s an ideal option for working professionals who don’t want to put their careers on hold while advancing their education. Get in touch to learn more about Baker’s nursing education degree, or start your online application for admission here!