Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.
allnurses

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.
Discussion

Educator credentials BSN vs MN

I am concerned about the educational preparation for people who teach theory and clinical in nursing programs. There is great demand for nurse educators. The issue is the hiring of staff that do not meet educational and experience requirements and the effects on them, the nurse educator role and the student.

At your school what is the mix of BSN and MN staff?

How are teaching assignments given?

How do you personally feel about utlizing educators with a BSN?

Is there tension between the BSN and the MN?

Any other comments?

Featured Replies

Generally, ADN schools in CT will not hire a BSN educator unless they are enrolled in an MSN program. BSN/Grad programs look for PhD prepared RNs but will hire an MSN in a non-tenure/adjunct faculty position.

I am in a MSN program, and frankly, my new knowledge has made all the difference. BSN programs do not get even close to teaching the role of educator, curriculum design, teaching and learning theory, or evaluation skills. In fact, there is beginning to be a big push for educators with the CNE certification over an APRN due to the advanced education curriculum.

  • Experts

To the best of my knowledge there were no instructors in my BSN program many years ago below the level of MSN/MN. I would concur that BSN prepared nurses with appropriate experience could be used as proctors in clinical labs or as assistants in other capacities. There was friction in my program, but it was of the nature of internal "politics". There was a tale about how the head of the department changed. Occasionally talk got down to the student level. To the extent that this happened and when it affected students, I believe it was unprofessional.

There was some bad, unfair treatment of students by particular instructors. I never believed that we were advised as to our rights to redress of grievances in this matter. A specific example: clinical instructor is out of town for entire term, having left instructions to the clinical in-house nurse preceptors about who was to pass and who was to fail. I don't think that any students suffering because of this arrangement could have had a more clear case of unfair treatment. The instructor who does this on a regular basis is a MSN prepared, part time clinical instructor. Based on observable behavior, she has no business teaching.

Here BSNs are only allowed to teach clinical groups, not in the classroom, in both the ADN and BSN programs. I can't address of any friction between the BSNs and MSNs/PhDs. I think a good BSN nurse with lots of floor experience makes a good clinical group educator.

disclaimer: I'm not an educator, just an observor and one who is looking to become an educator. So I've checked the qualifications.

I have a BSN and currently teach A & P I/II to PN students at a community college which only requires a BSN and I teach Med/Surg clinicals and will be teaching the theory and clinical portion this summer at another community college. This particular school requires that you have a BSN to be a clinical instructor and be working on an MSN to teach theory.

It is my humble opinion that instructors should have an MSN to teach theory and a BSN to teach clinicals. It wasn't long before I realized I was in over my head. Without formal training as an educator, I was at a huge disadvantage and really struggled. Although I'm more comfortable in my role now, I still feel like I'm lacking in many areas. I was working on my MSN to become an NP, but switched my focus to nursing education a couple of weeks ago. I enjoy teaching (most of the time;) and decided to go that route. I'm looking forward to gaining more knowledge and feeling like I'm more qualified to perform in my role.

Katrina

  • Author

Thanks for your reply. I am in a masters program also. Our program offers a concentration in nursing education. There is an arguement that no other discipline, for example engineering offers a masters in engineering education. My school also offers a CNE program for APRN's

hey all,

here in

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
Go to topic listing

Currently Reading 0

  • No registered users viewing this page.

Account

Navigation

Search

Search

Configure browser push notifications
Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.