Looking for guidance on becoming a nurse educator

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Specializes in LTC, peds, rehab, psych.

Hi, I'm just looking for some input on experience needed to become a nurse educator. I've been working as an LPN for 10 years, mostly in longterm care, but some experience in peds, transitional care, and psych. I'm currently attending school to get my ADN. Afterwards I plan on looking for work in a hospital while continuing on at Waynesburg University to get my BSN and MSN in nursing education. If there are no gaps in between schooling, and I'm trying to make it so there are none, by the time I get my MSN, I should have about 3 to 4 years of RN experience.

So where should I go to gain this experience that is going to help me out the most in becoming an instructor? I've thought of Med Surg since it seems to be pretty well rounded. After I gain my MSN, should I immediately start seeking out educator jobs? I'm not sure how most people get their foot in the door for this type of a job and I'm looking for advice because I would really like to do this.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Adult med/surg would give you the most job opportunities as an educator. Get some solid experience there while you attend school. Establish good relationships with the instructors who bring nursing students to your facility. You'll also make contacts while attending school.

Most people get into the field by applying for posted job openings and/or hearing of an opening from colleagues they know through work, school, and professional organizations. So cultivate those relationships you make along the way.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

begin by becoming a certified instructor in as many courses as you feel comfortable. Talk to a local training center coordinator for American Heart Asso (may be one in your hospital). You will learn lots about teaching adults there. Once you do that, the Educators will take notice and begin to ask you to fill in on various things, like community teaching or assisting with skills and lab days. Once you have your ADN and some experience I believe you will find opportunities pop up. Even preparing posters and demos for your own unit is beneficial. I have one nursing student (works as tech now) and one ADN student I am grooming for this department. I ask them to help with activities and they do what they can. Both are learning!!

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Onc, LTAC.

I was actually just thinking about posting a question about this same thing... I just applied for Walden's MSN education program. I've been talking with my Med/Surg instructors in the mornings before I leave work (I work night's)... I'm not sure I'm quite ready for that, but I've also been looking at the Red Cross' nursing assistant programs to teach, possible CPR/BLS just to do something educational. But I'd like to eventually move onto clinicals and assist with classes. I'm also worried about getting a job after school is over too.

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Specializes in LTC, peds, rehab, psych.

Thank you for the info! I do believe I'm going to focus on med surg. I'm going to have to try to find out the qualifications for teaching CNA classes in Pennsylvania. Perhaps that would be a good start.

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