How did you get started as a nurse educator????

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Specializes in emergency, neuroscience and neurosurg..

Hello all. I have a question for the masses of nurse educators. How did you get started as an educator?

I am currently enrolled in an RN to MSN bridge program with an education specialty. finishing my degree is still a couple of years into the future but occaisionally I cruise through job postings for nurse educators, both clinical and academic. In just about all of them experience is listed as a requirement. So, how do I get that experience? Is there any chance of obtaining a position while still in school? Even PRN or part time positions would give me some experience. I have over 12 years as a bedside nurse with strong clinical skills and knowledge. Am I just not marketing myself strongly enough or am I letting the posted "requirements" deter me from applying unnecessarily? Any advice or thoughts from those already there would be appreciated.

Thanks for taking the time to help a future colleage. :bow:

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, ED, Nurse Instructor,.
Hello all. I have a question for the masses of nurse educators. How did you get started as an educator?

I am currently enrolled in an RN to MSN bridge program with an education specialty. finishing my degree is still a couple of years into the future but occaisionally I cruise through job postings for nurse educators, both clinical and academic. In just about all of them experience is listed as a requirement. So, how do I get that experience? Is there any chance of obtaining a position while still in school? Even PRN or part time positions would give me some experience. I have over 12 years as a bedside nurse with strong clinical skills and knowledge. Am I just not marketing myself strongly enough or am I letting the posted "requirements" deter me from applying unnecessarily? Any advice or thoughts from those already there would be appreciated.

Thanks for taking the time to help a future colleage. :bow:

I just got my position in August. I always been interest in teaching. I was a substitute teacher for middle and junior high school while in nursing school. I had a great experience and rapport with the children. I knew right then and there I wanted to go into education.

I will be starting my MSN specializing in Education in January. I am an instructor for a PN program. Most PN programs wants you to have a BSN or in the process of earning one. If you want to teach in a ADN program you have to be in the process of earning a MSN. These rules apply to the area I live in. So this means when I start school in January I am able to teach in a ADN program up to a BSN program. I think I will remain in the PN program for awhile so I can get my feet soaking wet.

Which program would you like to teach in? I would consider you with a position with you back ground as a nurse and you are in a RN to MSN program. While I am in school I will continue to teaching. I think this would help at both ends of the spectrum. The advice I can give you is to apply, send in your resume, and make some phone calls. Do you have any friends who are teaching? Networking is great. Going to different seminars would also help.

I still work as a bedside nurse. I need to continue my skills so I would be able to teach my students. Good luck to you and put yourself out there. Keep us posted.

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Specializes in LTC, med-surg, trauma.

Hi edRNbailey ... want to come to Canada? I got my start as a lab instructor ... which I still am and loving it. I have the option of working full-time as a nurse educator, but I'm working on my MScN and am still working part-time as a staff nurse, so I'm quite happy with where I am right now. My goal is to teach theory courses once the MScN is done. But starting off as a lab instructor is an excellent way to get started, and the pay is wonderful (in Canada). Best of luck to you!!!

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Specializes in LTC, med-surg, trauma.

lkwashington's answer is great, too ... consider teaching in LPN programs as well as RN programs. :)

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, ED, Nurse Instructor,.

Now, I am co-teaching Med-Surg I with another instructor. I am teaching theory and clinicals with the same group of students. It feels good to have a chance to do both. Good luck to everyone.

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Hello all,I have 2.5 years nursing experience in psych. I would like to obtain employment as a nurse educator in the future.I currently have my BSN. I will pursue my MSN in education the next year. Will I have a difficult road obtaining nursing educator employment with out medsurg experience.

Thank you.

(I kept trying to post this as a new thread but no luck)

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, ED, Nurse Instructor,.

TexasflowerRN: Are you planning on doing classroom and clinicals involving Psych? If this the case I dont think you need Medical-Surgical experience. You may want to ask questions when you are applying for the job.

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Education.

I'm working as a clinical instructor in two different programs - one is with the NA's and the other with the ADN students. Most community colleges are always accepting applications for clinical instructors, get your foot in the door, gain experience and when a full time position comes open you will be in a stronger position to compete for it.

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