How do nurse educators know what they know?

I know this might sound silly but how do you know all the info that you teach? I have been told that a good nursing educator is a generalist in nursing, not necessarily a master of the subject. If this is true how do you prepare for these detailed classes that you have to teach? I just don't get it! I am hoping that someone can enlighten me because I have my hesitations when it comes to becoming an educator. I feel like maybe I need more experience in a specific specialty, maybe I need more hands on experience etc. etc. Fill me in if you will, thanks.

Hi. my opinion is that It does not mean that if your an educator, you should know everything, what is important is you know the basic knowledges or the fundamental concepts (of your subject) and with your creativity and strategies of teaching that would help (for starter), but of course, you have to spent of most of time on readings and studying ( reviewing, learning new concepts, continues acquiring knowledge). Attending seminars/trainings counts. "Experience is the beginning of knowledge and knowledge is the begining of wisdom" Yes wisdom is the secret of being a GOOD Educator.

I know this might sound silly but how do you know all the info that you teach? I have been told that a good nursing educator is a generalist in nursing, not necessarily a master of the subject. If this is true how do you prepare for these detailed classes that you have to teach? I just don't get it! I am hoping that someone can enlighten me because I have my hesitations when it comes to becoming an educator. I feel like maybe I need more experience in a specific specialty, maybe I need more hands on experience etc. etc. Fill me in if you will, thanks.

I really think this is an excellent question ... I am almost finished with my degreee, which will allow me to teach at the community college level. This has been a dream of mine for several years. I have also asked this question of myself several times.

I think an educator must have the practical field and professional experience in order to teach. But, I also agree with the previous poster in that nursing is a life long learning profession. Educators, like students, must emerse themselves in learning and further educational experiences. I know for me, once I start teaching .... I will continue to work clinically at my local hopsital. Not full time, but enough so that I can continue to reference my own personal clinical experience as I teach my students.

As far as theory goes ... I would think an educator must read and understand the topics they are teaching. Most often, the instructor is developing their course plan and the material they will be using for a particular class .... they must have a thorough knowledge of the material in order to translate that material in an effective and understandable way to the students. However, I do not believe an instructor will know it all. In fact, I would think that a good instructor or professor understands their topic, but is able to learn along with their students.

Finally, I also think that as instructors teach for several yers, their knowledge and understanding of the material becomes second nature because they have taught the material for several years. While there are new developments in nursing and advancing technologies .... I also think there are many things that stay the same. Instructors need to stay up on changes and advacements as well as being able to teach the basics.

Hope this helps and hopefully some faculty members of the board will come along and post their opinions as well.

You have received some wonderful advice, Geri. No, we don't "know it all" - Often as RNPATL stated, we are learning right along with our students! We at least try to stay a few weeks ahead! Seriously, I put a great deal of preparation into my instructional delivery. For a new subject matter, this can translate into 4-8 hours of preparation for each hour of lecture. I learn all I can about a subject, from several professional sources (not just the main textbook). Additionally, if it is a subject with which I have had no/ little practical experience in the clinical area, I will interview nurses who have the experience and try to glean "pearls of wisdom" from them to incorporate into my lecture.

Your responses have helped me understand the educators role. I've always felt I was a "Jack of all trades, master of none". This of course concerned me because I really thought you needed to be a master of the area you taught. It sounds like what you really need is good research and communication skills. I finally feel like I am headed in the right direction with my career. I can't wait to graduate and get started. Thanks!:)

I am so glad I stumbled on this discussion. For the past year or two I have been trying to decide if I should go into nurse education or not. I have been attracted to this field but was just plan scared about not knowing a question a student would ask me. (Or just plan afraid I would make an A** of myself) Its good to know I don't have to know everything about nursing.

Just curious on how current instructors handle student questions when its something you don't know?