Thinking of going into nurse education - need advice

Specialties Educators

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Specializes in education, Peds ICU, cardiac, LNC, psych.

:idea: Hello,

I am a critical care nurse who is thinking of going into nurse education. I am in school right now to get my BSN (I currently only have a diploma). I love teaching and learning but I am anxious when public speaking. Is this normal when you first start out in education and it goes away over time, or should I just stick to what I am doing now? I really need some advice on this.

:o :o :o :o :uhoh21: :uhoh21: :uhoh21: :uhoh21:

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Specializes in critical care, management, med surg, edu.

You may want to apply for a position in staff education. The classes there are very small and there is not a lot of fancy prep to do.

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Specializes in Cardiac, ER.

Not sure how it is everywhere,.the college I graduated from required a Masters Degree to teach nursing. I agree with the previous post though,.start out small and work your way up!! Good Luck!

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Specializes in critical care, management, med surg, edu.

In MO you have to have one degree higher than you are teaching. IE To teach ADN, you must have a BSN (MSN preferred). To teach BSN, you must have MSN (PhD preferred). It is also a good idea to teach clinicals for awhile on and adjunct basis to see if you like it.

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Specializes in Trauma,ER,CCU/OHU/Nsg Ed/Nsg Research.

Lecavalier,

I have the same background as you. I got a part time adjunct clinical educator job, and I love it. I agree that it is a great way to get your feet wet, and see if you like teaching. It also helps you to learn the ropes in this field.

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Specializes in Endocrine, Ambulatory.

You might also consider teaching in a practical nurse program or a medical assistant or CNA program. This would enable you to feel confident about your subject material. Doing a clinical instructor position is also a good way to start. This will allow you to teach without the classroom/public speaking component. You are teaching in a clinical environment where you are already comfortable and you usually would have 10 students or less depending on state board requirements for teacher to student ratios. Good luck!

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Specializes in Educator/ICU/ER.

Being adjunct is a great way to see if you enjoy the students. You may find you really enjoy teaching and post conference is a good starting point. It also gets you into the workings of acedemia. There will be a fit for you that is best when you get to that point.

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Specializes in PEDS ICU, ED, Management, Home Health.

Have you precepted in your current position? You may want to start their and determine if you like the experience. I realize precepting and teaching are way different, but it will give you an opportunity to work one-on-one with a nurse to determine if you enjoyed teaching.

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2 years ago I started in Toastmasters to improve my speaking skills and to see if I truly could go back to school and teach in front of a classroom-sweaty palms, shakey legs-you get the picture. I am now a CC(competent communicator) It is nothing like a college speech class and is for adults in a non-threatening environment. I will be starting my MSN with focus in Education online at Walden University this fall.

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Specializes in ICU.

I am also pursuing my BSN (4 classes away!) in hopes to transition into nursing education. I have precepted and had nurse fellows with me during work so I know I enjoy teaching (or sometimes being taught!) However, I am a little nervous about teaching a clinical. I have only worked at my hospital over the last six years. I did do a couple of agency stints at other area hospitals which I felt were a nightmare. As an instructor do you get to go see the unit you are instructing at before hand and find out what the students are allowed and not allowed to do? I know at certain facilities I was assigned with a nurse and basically precepted her during my clinical and other times we took the patient and our instructor was our go to person but we did everything. I am really interested in working at an education department within a hospital setting as well. At my hospital those positions never become available. Any advice on how to break into these areas?

Mary Ann

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