Nursing instructor requirements

zoe92 · Oct 29, 2012

Hmm... I wouldn't be too concerned if your actual instructor does have a lot of experience or a MSN. I think there is a shortage of nurse educators.

breffe · Oct 29, 2012

You will find in the medical field it's always "Watch one, do one and teach one."

soxgirl2008 · Oct 29, 2012

I wouldn't be too concerned... Do people seem to like the instructors? I've had some horrible instructors that had their MSN. More education doesn't always = better instructor.

Austincb · Oct 29, 2012

No more education doesn't equal better instructors but I do feel some classes on education and students learning would be appropriate. I'm going to meet with advisor tomorrow will ask her.

Editorial Team / Admin · Oct 29, 2012

It could be that those instructors must meet several requirements:

-years of experience

-an agreement to begin a masters program and finish within a set amount of time

-are only instructing in clinicals, and not teaching in lectures

I was looking at openings for educators at some of the local colleges. For associates programs, a BSN was acceptable to apply, but if given the job, the person had to begin a masters program within 2 years. For the bachelors program, the BSN attending a MSN program could only teach clinicals; lectures were taught primarily by PhDs.

turnforthenurse, MSN, NP · Oct 29, 2012

They could also be referring to a clinical instructor...I know back home (Ohio) you had to have an MSN to teach a nursing class but a BSN to be a clinical instructor.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Oct 30, 2012

I agree with PP - chances are, those jobs are for clinical instructors. NLNAC & other accrediting bodies require a minimum of MSN to teach in an RN program. But -- not all MSNs have had exposure to "education" (theory & practicum) classes, particularly if they have an MSN with a clinical specialty or NP. As an educator, it amazes me that popular opinion seems to support the idea that anyone can teach & rather than the fact that teaching is a separate and distinct profession in itself. C'mon, additional education and training is needed to master that skills & knowledge -- sheesh. Give us a break!!!

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Oct 30, 2012

Coming from an old bat........I think a nurse with experience at the bedside will be of more help to you than one with a Masters and no clinical exposure.

I have a BSN and 34 years of experience in critical care. I have every Certification possible in my field of expertise. I can teach circles around a new nurse educator........regardless of their degree. I have taught many nurses over those 34 years and because I do not have a Masters I am no longer "qualified" and have nothing to offer young nurses. If you take away the BSN, that I obtained way onto a successful career, I still have a lifetime of knowledge to share.

Sad really.....sigh

This is strictly my opinion........but I think we a losing a valuable quality in the nurses being taught today. I think the profession itself needs to re-look at what they value and stop disrespecting the bedside nurses experiences and time spent in the profession. I don't necessarily think more degrees qualifies one to be a good instructor and this profession now devalues those very nurses who have helped ,make nursing what it is today.

If you don't know where you have come from.....you can see where you are going.

OP.....I don't think the occasional BSN prepared nurse will damage your over all education. I think you'll be fine.

YOu do however need to be concerned that ASN/ADN grads are having a harder time finding positions as the market is glutted with nurses (there is no shortage)....hospitals are looking for BSN first ADN/ASN second.

Best wishes! and Good Luck!!!!

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Oct 30, 2012

I went to get my MN precisely because I wanted to teach and at that time you could do clinical instructing with a BSN but to be regular faculty, MN was required. In my home state clinical instructors, too, have been required to have MN in all state schools (community and 4-year colleges) for 20+ years; in private schools, it varies but most are the same, plus you have to have an earned doctorate to lecture or escape the dreaded adjunct slot.

eroc · Oct 31, 2012

I had an ASN instructor...yes I looked up the "Nurse Practice Act' in my state and it's not legal.

My experience is.... working as a nurse and/or having a Master's degree does not make you a good instructor.

Teaching is a SKILL that has to be developed. Being good at something does not always translate to being a good teacher, nor does having a higher degree.

Too many people want to be teacher, yet don't have what it takes. Sad there is already a shortage of instructors.

SycamoreGuy · Oct 31, 2012

It depends on the state, in Indiana you must have a BSN to teach LPNs and below. Anything above LPN requires a MSN in nursing education. Clinical instructors are a whole different beast