Master's of Education + RN + experience = Nurse Educator?

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  1. This is a discussion on Master's of Education + RN + experience = Nurse Educator? in Nursing Career Advice ... Hi! My name is Lauri and I am thinking of pursuing an R.N degree. I have 10 years teaching...

    by Nov 15, '12
    Hi! My name is Lauri and I am thinking of pursuing an R.N degree. I have 10 years teaching experience and am interested in becoming a Nurse Educator. I have read the job descriptions and requirements for a Nurse Educator and am a bit confused. Does anyone know if I pursue this R.N and add on several years experience - could I meet the requirements to be a Nurse Educator because I already have an extensive teaching background?
    Thank you for any responses!!
    ~Lauri
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    by lstpierre Nov 15, '12 5:22 pm
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  3. 12 Comments so far...

  4. Nov 15, '12 by
    There is no such thing as a "RN degree". In any event only nursing degrees count in nursing. It would also be helpful to know what kind of educator you want to be. In house vs instructor at a college. For a college you will need a MSN + experience.
  5. Nov 15, '12 by
    Thank you for correcting me...my intention is an A.A.S in Nursing leading to my RN. Also, the Assoc. Prof of Nursing at our local college said that there is a large weight put on prior teaching experience and credentials in the field when it comes to being a Nurse Educator. So, perhaps in this area, nursing degrees aren't the only thing that "count" in nursing??... That is exactly why I am reaching out to those of you who have experience. Thanks.
  6. Nov 15, '12 by
    Quote from lstpierre
    Thank you for correcting me...my intention is an A.A.S in Nursing leading to my RN. Also, the Assoc. Prof of Nursing at our local college said that there is a large weight put on prior teaching experience and credentials in the field when it comes to being a Nurse Educator. So, perhaps in this area, nursing degrees aren't the only thing that "count" in nursing??... That is exactly why I am reaching out to those of you who have experience. Thanks.

    I am sure she is right when it comes to getting a job. However if you want to teach nursing at a college you will need an MSN at least. Quite possibly your previous teaching experience will be helpful for actually getting a teaching job , after you get your MSN.
    Last edit by TheCommuter on Nov 16, '12 : Reason: [/QUOTE] tags
  7. Nov 15, '12 by
    Check your state's nurse practice act. I know mine defines the minimum requirements to be a nursing instructor (clinical only or clinical and lecture), so I'm sure other states do as well.
  8. Nov 16, '12 by
    Wanted to add, if your goal is teaching you might consider a direct entry masters (DEMSN) program instead of an associates degree. It would take the same amount, or maybe less time to become and RN with the DEMSN vs the associates and that way after you have your experience you would be all set to teach.
    One word of caution though. Most of my nurse friends who thought they would like to teach never actually did it due to the huge loss in income it would mean for them vs staff nursing.
  9. Nov 16, '12 by
    You need a Masters Degree in Nursing to become a Nurse Educator
    HouTx likes this.
  10. Nov 16, '12 by
    Thanks a lot for all of your responses! Big help.
  11. Nov 16, '12 by
    They can hire you as a nurse educator if you have your BSN and are working on your MSN. I have an instructor in my program who is a BSN, has RN experience and is working towards her MSN. She teaches class and does clinicals, just as the other instructors do.

    Previous educational experience is a plus, I'd imagine, but I'm sure they would prefer it would be college level educational experience. At what level is your previous experience?
  12. Nov 17, '12 by
    Quote from Pets to People
    They can hire you as a nurse educator if you have your BSN and are working on your MSN. I have an instructor in my program who is a BSN, has RN experience and is working towards her MSN. She teaches class and does clinicals, just as the other instructors do.

    Previous educational experience is a plus, I'd imagine, but I'm sure they would prefer it would be college level educational experience. At what level is your previous experience?
    Requirements for nursing educators vary by state nurse practice act. For example, in my state you cannot teach in an RN program unless you have a master's degree in nursing.
    VickyRN likes this.