Nurse educators are responsible for the education and development of current and future registered nurses, advanced practice nurses, and nursing specialists. The nurse educator career focuses on combining an extensive education in nursing practice with real-world experiences in licensed registered nursing or a specialty practice in nursing.
Due to their robust knowledge in nursing practice and real-world application, nurse educators often prove to be an indispensable resource in preparing and ensuring their students are well acquainted and knowledgeable in not only the fundamentals and foundations of nursing, but the clinical and technical advancements and specialization that pushes the industry into the future.
Where do Nurse Educators Work?
Nurse educator careers are not limited to working in a university classroom or seminar-style professional development workshop. While many nurse educators choose to pursue a faculty or instructing position in an academic setting, many will go on to find employment in public or private healthcare settings focusing largely on training and advancing nurses in a professional development capacity. Explore some nurse educator careers below:
Higher Education
Among the top nurse educator careers available to graduates is working in higher education. Nurse educators can find a variety of different positions working in higher education, including as full-time faculty if they seek to transition entirely into teaching, as adjunct faculty for teaching specific courses while continuing to maintain a clinical nursing career, or as a clinical instructor to teach particular skills within a clinical lab or education setting.
Nurse educators who work in higher education can seek additional roles within higher education, including leadership positions within nursing or health divisions of universities. As a full-time educator for a university, they can climb the ladder into other similar leadership roles outside of nursing, including dean positions, provost positions, or even president if desired.
Healthcare Institutions
Nurse educator careers in healthcare institutions vary depending on the size and needs of the institution. As the nursing field continues to evolve and grow, currently practicing registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses must remain educated and informed of the latest nursing developments and advancements. Nurse educators in healthcare settings aid in these efforts by working in workforce development and continuing education positions to advance the field even after nurses graduate from programs.
Certifying & Accreditation Boards
One of the more unique nurse educator careers available is working for a certifying board or accreditation agency. For nurses to practice and apply clinical nursing skills and care to patients, they must first pass and receive specific certifications associated with their area of practice or specialization. Nurse educators who work for certifying boards ensure updated compliance and curriculum while also providing resources to nurses seeking certification.
Accreditation agencies are responsible for accrediting nursing programs. These accreditation agencies provide important oversights on the university’s nursing curriculum, teaching practices, clinical and practicum hours, and much more. Nurse educators who work for accreditation boards also ensure that nurses graduate qualified for practice by ensuring universities meet compliance with accreditation standards and practices.
Nurse educators in both these settings may also teach specific courses or certifications in specialized skill sets or disciplines to healthcare providers or the public.
How to Start a Nurse Educator Career?
The University of Providence offers both a concentration and concentration certificate in nurse education. The Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Educator Concentration offers a graduate-level degree in nursing education fundamentals, concepts, and applications. The concentration combines online, asynchronous learning with in-person practicums to prepare students for a career in educating future nurses. The concentration is also available as a Post-Master Nurse Educator Concentration Certificate for existing Master of Science in Nursing degree holders.
