IS Nurse Education for me?

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Specializes in Psych.

I *think* I want to continue my education toward being a nurse educator. I'm not entirely sure what this career track entails, though. I'm interested in patient education, writing, reading and keeping up on advancements in nursing, maybe even writing CEU courses. Bedside nursing isn't so much what I have liked. Does Nurse Educator sound like the right course for me?

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Do you like teaching? Do you have a talent for teaching? Those are key questions. What teaching experiences have you had? How did they go?

If you haven't had any teaching opportunities, I suggest you seek them out -- precepting, patient education, maybe teaching CPR, or leading a church group discussion, etc. Get your feet wet and see how it goes before you make a big investment in an advanced degree specializing in education.

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Specializes in Psych.

Hi llg,

Thank you so much for your kind input :)

I have always liked pt teaching...the one on one thing, and really liked writing and researching [not clinical research, not looking stuff up]. Not hugely comfortable in front of groups, though. I did lead group therapy in psych unit, and although i really liked guiding the educational part of the discussion, i remained uncomfortable up in front.

Of course in school we had to do research and a presentation in front of the class, mine was on cultural difference on the process of labour and delivery. Again, I think my work was good, original, and people paid attention. I was just nervous as hell. If I can get past the stage fright....I might be good in a classroom. Otherwise I could see myself in a smaller setting, maybe teaching small groups, or writing ed material.

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Specializes in Behavioral Health, Show Biz.

most education jobs are not 9 to 5. be prepared to pull 10 to 12 hour shifts and sometimes work at home on the weekends.

if you love teaching, look forward to the challenge of long hours and minimal pay. the rewards will pay-off with the joy of knowing you were influential in increasing the knowledge of others.

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Specializes in Psych.

Yuk. 10-12 hours shifts doesn't sound like my thing. I want to work part time!

Thanks for the head's up! :yawn:

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Specializes in Psych.

I'm thinking that even with a non MSN-Ed, you can still take on some teaching jobs, though, right? Just not top of the line education jobs. Like adjunct prof jobs at a community college? I really only want part time. So maybe I should go for the MSN -NP [psych] ...

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