Would this make a big difference?

I am SOLID in the fact that my calling is to be a nursing instructor. I don't care about money, time, etc.....It is my true passion and I would do it for free. I am currently an ADN student with one more year left until graduation, and I am working on filling out my app for advanced decision placement into an RN~BSN~MSN program. They have 1 Nurse Educator route (which I was told would be easier to get into due to fewer applicants) and 4 NP routes (more competitive to be accepted). All of my instructors have been NPs or at least have a Master's in their feild, but not necessarily Nurse Educator. Does it matter? I overheard an instructor telling another student not to waste her time on the Nurse Educator Route, when she could get her NP to fall back when she was tired of teaching. I want to be as competitive as possible once I finish school to land a position. I hear about the shortage of educators all the time but don't see hardly any job postings in my area. Your oppinions please?

Hello asoldierswife,

I do not personally know any educators with the Educator certification distinction.

Not to discourage you with my post, but, you really do not need the educator certification in order to teach. I am an OB-GYN and family practice NP and am an educator without the educator certification. I teach OB-GYN, cardiology, pediatrics, and, serve as mentor to several NP grads as well as preceptor for BSN students. I dearly love education. For me, I utilized most of my career in clinical practice (still do part time...education part time). But, if I had obtained certification in education only, I would never have been able to do what I have done in the clinical areas. It would have been too narrow a choice for me.

It is not at all necessary to obtain the Educator certification to teach. It is an admirable goal, however. I encourage you to pursue this, if you desire the certification.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

I have an MSN with a concentration in management and leadership and am currently enrolled in an adult med-surg clinical nurse specialist. I could teach if I wanted to, but like someone else stated, the jobs around here at least are requesting clinical expertise. Good luck.