Novice Nursing Professor here! :)

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Specializes in ACNP-BC.

Hi everyone! Wow, this is so very cool to be able to post this: I first came onto all nurses.com around 2005 or so when I first became an RN with my BSN. I have been an NP since 2008, and as of two months ago also received my DNP! :) I've been working full time as an NP for the past 9 years and also have acted as clinical preceptor for many MSN students in my clinic for their clinical rotations.

However, now...I am also going to be teaching MSN students online. I'm so very excited! I have been looking over many books and journal articles on teaching. I've asked my own (former!) professors for tips...so now I'm asking you all for tips too. Please give me any tips or advice on what you learned about how to be a great nursing professor. :)

Thanks!

Christine

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Be available to your students! Post often, and tailor your responses; the most annoying professor I had was a cut-and-paste queen, like no one would notice she was saying the same thing to everyone. :sarcastic: Be enthusiastic. Enjoy the experience!

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I agree with the first reply but I will say that be available but not too available. Remember that you DO get time off. Also, be prepared to change things up in the classroom on a regular basis. You learn to read that lights on nobody home look in students when lecturing and you learn to change things on the fly if you need to liven it up a little. I loved nursing... i was a good nurse, still am.... but I love teaching nurses even more! I think students can see that in a teacher... when they love it. If you're excited about something you're teaching... they will be excited about it :) Good luck!

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Don't be one of those professors who wait a week to respond to your email, or one whose hard to contact. Students like to feel comfortable knowing that if they have a problem with an online course their professor is readily available during school hours.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
Also, be prepared to change things up in the classroom on a regular basis. You learn to read that lights on nobody home look in students when lecturing and you learn to change things on the fly if you need to liven it up a little.

This is excellent advice, but the OP is teaching in an online program. :)

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Specializes in ACNP-BC.

Thanks for your advice everyone! I really appreciate it. :) I am also going to be in a nurse educator certificate program...am super excited to be doing this! I really feel it will be so very helpful for me in order to reach my educator goals. I found a really great program that is perfect for me. I love school! :)

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