stepping stone jobs for developing training programs

[Kitty Hawk, ADN, RN]

Other than the usual nursing education degrees, what kind of nursing jobs have opportunities to develop training programs.

The position only requires minimum nursing experience 1 in LTC but here are the requirements they are looking for.

• Knowledge of learning principles and training techniques.
  
• Skilled in developing and conducting training programs.
  
• Skilled in work assessment.
  
• Ability to communicate effectively with residents and their family members, and at all levels of the organization.
  
• Knowledge of state and federal requirements for accreditation and certification.
  
• Possesses basic computer skills
  
• Ability to work with a culturally diverse resident and employee population.
  

So how would a nurse gain experience in the developing training programs piece? I'm just curious what type of jobs would lead up to something like this. I am more interested long term for wellness coaching, but that's really neither here nor there. For the above referenced job it would seem you need more than the "minimum" years that they will consider yet I'm wondering how someone with minimum experience would have experience in training others! FTR I think more experience is better to be able to train that's why I'm wondering what kind of stepping stone jobs would lead to this. Thanks

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I am SO GLAD you are interested in moving in this direction!! I'm a (non-academic) nurse educator - this is my stomping ground.

Although we have a lot in common with academic educators, our environment is much more complex, in that we have to not only achieve (very measurable) outcomes, but do it without violating Federal employment law & adhere to tightly constrained budgets for course delivery/development as well as participant wages. As you can see from those job qualifications that you posted, educator knowledge/skills are in a realm that is totally separate from nursing practice. Training/staff development is very expensive and employers are not willing to risk hiring anyone who doesn't have the right skill set.

I always recommend that wanna-be educators start with becoming a BLS instructor. This experience will help you discover whether this is really something you like to do. You can also volunteer to teach inservices or participate in orientation.

Unfortunately, nursing specialization only occurs at the Graduate level, so this is where you would obtain 'formal' education. But, you can also engage in self-study and informal learning via the ANPD ANPD - Association for Nursing Professional Development This is the specialty organization for non-academic nurse educators. There is a lot of information on the site about how to become a staff educator. If you have a BSN, you can become certified.

Good luck to you. You may also want to visit the staff development forum (under Specialties) here on AN.