A nurse educator trains current and up-and-coming nurse professionals in both academic and practical on-the-job settings.
The complex world of healthcare demands that healthcare workers not only use best practices, but that they also consistently maintain their knowledge of the latest research and its applications. There is always a need for more education in health care and specifically in the nursing world.
The key to this endeavor is the role of a nurse educator (NE). Here are the top seven reasons why you should consider a career as an NE.
1 – Nurse educators shape the future of nursing
As a Nurse Educator in today’s constantly changing medical landscape, you will be informing the next generation of nurse educators. It’s also your critical mission to educate those currently in practice of new, dynamic, and life-saving techniques and theories.
2 – Teach in schools or in a clinical setting (or both!)
Nurse Educators enjoy a wealth of opportunities to teach in a setting like a hospital or clinic. Also, you could teach in a traditional or online classroom setting. You will have the opportunity to educate various populations. Your options are endless when you’re a Nurse Educator. Whichever path you take it is up to you.
3 – Care for patients and be a teacher
You are the type of person who enjoys variety in your career and always works toward achieving continual professional milestones. As a Nurse Educator, you have the opportunity to continue practicing nursing and blend in teaching courses or training others at the same time. If you have long dreamed of teaching but did not want to give up the patient care side of nursing, a Master’s degree in Nurse Education allows you the opportunity to do both.
4 – This career field is in high demand
Most people know that nurses are currently in high demand, but did you know that one of the key reasons for this is due to the lack of nurse educators able to train the next generation? As a nurse educator, you will not only contribute to helping solve a national nursing shortage, but your skills will be in incredibly high demand. The job outlook for this career is excellent.
5 – No more long hours on your feet
You absolutely love being a nurse, but maybe your body, or family, or lifestyle is asking for a break from the 12-hour shifts and time on your feet. By becoming a Nurse Educator, you can still contribute to the wonderful world of nursing, but change the demands on your body. Most of these educators work in an office, classroom, or conference room setting with shorter hours, creating a much better work-life balance.
6 – Nurse educators can wear multiple hats
As a Nurse Educator, your job will be dynamic. From mentoring students to creating curricula for hospitals to conducting practical trainings, you have a variety of options. You will be in a unique position to bolster your communication, writing, and training skills all while continuing in the field you have known and loved.
7 – Become a leader in your field
As a registered nurse, you are already a vital part of the health care field. Now become a leader. Imagine inspiring future generations of nurses. Imagine yourself at the forefront of emerging theory, recognized as a leader. Imagine becoming a nurse educator.
The Nurse Educator track is one of three track options for Concordia University’s Master of Science in Nursing degree. The other tracks are Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. This MSN program is offered 100% online. RN-BSN-MSN completion options are also available. Learn more about Concordia’s MSN program here.
This post was originally published on July 15, 2019. It has been updated to reflect current information.
— Vanessa Lane is the Content Marketing Lead at Concordia University and can be reached at vanessa.lane@cuaa.edu. When she's not at work, she can be found playing with her kids or watching NBA basketball with her husband.
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