OVERVIEW
What is a Nurse Educator?
Nurse educators begin their careers as registered nurses (RNs). After receiving an advanced nursing degree, these individuals choose to teach new nurses valuable skills by becoming nurse educators.
Nurse educators are valuable members of the healthcare committee. They have extensive and comprehensive knowledge of how the healthcare system functions. They also understand the needs of patients and are aware of theories of teaching and learning.
Individuals who choose to become nurse educators likely have a passion for both nursing and healthcare. They believe that they can make a difference in the future of nursing by passing on their skills and knowledge to new nurses entering the field.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Nurse Educator Do?
Nurse educators take on important roles within an education facility or hospital. They teach and inform prospective nurses about how they can excel in healthcare situations. They act as mentors and teachers, providing realistic expectations for new nurses.
Some of the most common responsibilities of a nurse educator include:
- Teaching clinical skills and patient care
- Instructing hospital research
- Guiding students through clinical rotations
- Designing and evaluating program curriculum
- Researching related topics
- Maintaining clinical skills and certifications
- Demonstrating communication and collaboration
- Following legal and ethical teaching practices
Nurse educators may also educate registered nurses working in hospitals who have already received their certification. Additionally, they may teach patients, school children, consumers, and communities about health and wellness.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Nurse Educator?
Nurse educators need to have all of the certifications of a registered nurse, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. In addition, they will need two to five years of clinical experience, an understanding of the administrative and organizational considerations that influence caregiving, and an advanced nursing degree.
An RN to MSN bridge program, or a BSN to MSN degree program with an emphasis on nursing education are both options that help prepare current RNs to lead in their field and equip new nurses with essential skills and training. A post-master's certificate in nursing education allows nurses to specialize even further.
What Certifications Does a Nurse Educator Need?
Nurse educators will also need to pass several exams to receive the proper certifications. The required certifications include:
- National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). This exam is for registered nurses. After completing the exam, the graduate can apply for RN licensure. Nurse educators are required to be RNs.
- NAHQ (National Association for Healthcare Quality) Principles. This exam helps you demonstrate your knowledge and skills in healthcare principles that are vital for nurses to have.
Nurse educators will benefit from taking education courses that focus on teaching skills. A large majority of a nurse educator’s time is spent teaching, meaning that they must have adept teaching skills.
Best Degrees for a Nurse Educator
Health & Nursing
Nursing – Education (RN-to-MSN) – M.S.
This MSN – Education online nursing program for RNs includes a BSN program...
This MSN – Education online nursing program for RNs includes a BSN program component and is a substantial leap forward for an aspiring nurse educator.
- Time: 60% of RN-to-MSN grads finish within 38 months.
- Tuition and fees: $4,685 per 6-month term during undergraduate portion, and $4,795 per 6-month term during graduate portion.
- Courses: 32 total courses in this program.
This program is ideal for current RNs who are looking to earn both their BSN and MSN in a single, accelerated program.
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program:
- Contemporary Curriculum Design and Development in Nursing Education
- Value-Based Nursing Care Outcomes
- Advanced Pathopharmacological Foundations
- Informatics for Transforming Nursing Care
- Leadership and Management
Given the growing nurse educator shortage, earning your MSN with a focus in education is both a rewarding decision and a solid career move.
Health & Nursing
Nursing – Education (BSN-to-MSN) – M.S.
A master's in nursing education program for nurses with BSNs....
A master's in nursing education program for nurses with BSNs.
- Time: 62% of grads finish within 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,795 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 15 total courses in this program.
This program is ideal for RNs who already have their BSN and are ready to progress in their career.
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program:
- Contemporary Curriculum Design and Development in Nursing Education
- Quality Outcomes in a Culture of Value-Based Nursing Care
- Advanced Pathopharmacological Foundations
- Informatics for Transforming Nursing Care
- Leadership and Management
Hospitals and other facilities need nurse educators. Earn your MSN – Education and step into a role inspiring and empowering caregivers.
Health & Nursing
Nursing Education – Post-Master's Certificate
A specialty certificate in nursing education for nurses with MSNs....
A specialty certificate in nursing education for nurses with MSNs.
This program will prepare you to teach the next generation of nurses.
- Time: Students typically finish this program in 12 months.
- Tuition: $4,795 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 8 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Contemporary Curriculum Design and Development
- Assessment of Student Learning
- Facilitation of Student-Centered Learning
Hospitals and other facilities need nurse educators. Earn your Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Education and step into a role inspiring and empowering caregivers. This program will prepare you to sit for the National League for Nursing Certified Nurse Executive (CNE) exam.
How Much Does a Nurse Educator Make?
$84,060
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for nurse educators is $84,060. Location, area of expertise, and years of experience can change the average salary of a nurse educator.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
6%
The career outlook for a clinical nurse educator is positive in the years to come. In addition, nursing occupations are expected to rise 6% from 2022 to 2032, a growth rate faster than the average expansion forecasted across all occupations.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Nurse Educator Need?
Nurse educators are highly skilled individuals. Although their skills vary depending on their field, most nurse educators will benefit from having the following skills:
- Leadership. Nurse educators need to be comfortable in a leadership role to lead classes of young nurses.
- Professionalism. Nurse educators represent nurses around the globe. They need to act professionally to ensure that the correct image is sustained.
- Knowledge and expertise. They must meet education and training requirements to teach future nurses how to treat patients effectively.
- Core competencies. The National League for Nursing has established core competencies that all academic nurse educators should have.
- Creativity. Nurse educators lead diverse teams of students and need to be creative enough to adapt to meet their needs.
In addition to the skills above, nurse educators should also be willing and ready to advance their education. They should be actively pursuing new opportunities to expand their knowledge of healthcare and nursing.
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