Getting into nursing education

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Jul 7, 2012

If you have LTC experience, being a CNA instructor seems like a great first step. I also would volunteer for ANY and ALL opportunities to be a 'super-user' or trainer for whatever your employer needs.

For example - when we rolled out a new EMR system, I did four days of training to be a trainer. Same with the new IV pumps. Same with being a diabetes resource nurse.

I recently completed my MSN- Education Specialist degree. While I don't have an education position YET, I'm out there, known as someone who loves to teach and networking with the Ed Department all the time.

Good luck!

llg, PhD, RN · Jul 7, 2012

Are there opportunities to teach in your current job? For example: Are you a preceptor? Are you a CPR instructor? Is there a department education committee (or shared governance council) you could join?

The best thing you can do for yourself is get yourself some actual education experience while you go to school. You may even be able to get a staff development job and become an educator with just your BSN. The actual teaching experience will help you develop teaching skills. It will also help you identify what type of teaching you prefer -- bedside, classroom, onlline, pre-licensure students, RN's, etc. Education is a huge field and there are a variety of types of jobs within the education field. Some people that they prefer some types more than others. Getting some actual experience now can help you identify your niche.

Also ... if you do not have expertise in a particular clinical specialty, you should probably focus on that, too. You will need to have expertise in something to have the best chance of being hired to teach. Beginners are rarely hired to teach what they themselves barely know. Develop depth in a specialty that will be marketable on the education market. Get certified in that specialty (or specialties.)

Becoming a recognized expert in a marketable field of nursing -- and getting some experience teaching it -- will go a long way to help you stand out as an applicant for a teaching job of any kind.

Good luck!

Edit: Sorry, forgot you have a little LTC experience. Is that what you want to teach? Can you get certified in geriatrics?

RileyRNBSN · Jul 9, 2012

I have wanted to be a nursing educator since I started nursing school. I completed my ASN and worked roughly 2 years in LTC. Decided to go back to school because of my career goals and just completed my BSN. I start the program for my MSN in nursing education in August but I would like to take a few steps forward in my career and teach something to gain experience in the field. Does anyone have any suggestions that could help?

Thanks so much for your input:)