Becoming a Nurse Educator...questions

[twistrn]

Hello. I'm new to this discussion board.

I'm an Assoc. Degree RN going to school for my BSN. My question to those who are Nurse Educators is: What is your recommendation as far as Masters Education.... a specific degree as a Nurse Educator, or a Masters in Nursing (ie: NP in Women's Health) with a Post-Masters Certificate in Nurse Education??

I won't be done with my BSN until spring '05, but I'm weighing my options now so I have plenty of time to apply, visit some schools, etc.

Another question I have is: are you happy being Nurse Educators? I know every job has its down side. I've been a nurse for 5 yrs., so I know how stressful nursing can be.

I would appreciate your input!

twistrn:roll

[lynswim]

TwistRN:

I am a clinical nursing instructor for LPN students and I love it (but I've only been doing it for 6 months so I am still in the honeymoon stage!).

I currently have a BSN and am working on my MSN in education, so I can't help you much there :)

Lyn

[barb4575]

In my experience, I have found that there are many different Masters' programs out there for Nursing. My curriculum was where we all were Clinical Nurse Specialists then chose a track such as Admin, Education or more clinical experience as a CNS. I have found that since I went into the Education track and had the clinical background that it helped me to teach. I also had an excellent mentor in the Education track...if I could teach half as effectively as her, I would be satisfied. I also find that educators who have not had this experience, usually cannot teach well...there are a lot of intelligent practitioners who cannot break down concepts for the level of student. But, as one student recently told me, it is not only about the education or the intellect of the educator...it is more about caring behaviors. She spoke of instructors who were brilliant yet showed the student that they did not care..........something to think about for sure.

Good luck,

Barb