Nurse educator
Encyclopedia
A nurse educator is a nurse who teaches and prepares licensed practical nurse
s (LPN) and registered nurse
s (RN) for entry into practice positions. They can also teach in various patient care settings to provide continuing education to licensed nursing staff. Nurse Educators teach in graduate programs at Master’s
and doctoral
level which prepare advanced practice nurse
s, nurse educators, nurse administrators
, nurse researchers
, and leaders in complex healthcare and educational organizations.
The type of degree you are required to hold is dependent upon the state's Nurse Practice Act, the regulatory agencies that define the practice of nursing, including nursing education requirements (National Council of State Boards of Nursing) (reference: https://www.ncsbn.org/boards.htm). For instance, faculty can teach in LPN with an Associates Degree in Nursing. Most baccalaureate and higher degree programs require a minimum of a Master’s degree and prefer the doctorate for full-time teaching positions. At one time, many nurse educators have a clinical specialty background that is often blended with coursework in education. Now, many schools offer the Nurse Educator track which focuses on educating nurses going into any type setting. Individuals may complete a post-Master’s certificate in education to complement their clinical expertise if they choose to enter a faculty role.
Licensed Practical Nurse
Licensed practical nurse is the term used in much of the United States and most Canadian provinces to refer to a nurse who cares for "people who are sick, injured, convalescent, or disabled under the direction of registered nurses and physicians. The term licensed vocational nurses is used in...
s (LPN) and registered nurse
Registered nurse
A registered nurse is a nurse who has graduated from a nursing program at a university or college and has passed a national licensing exam. A registered nurse helps individuals, families, and groups to achieve health and prevent disease...
s (RN) for entry into practice positions. They can also teach in various patient care settings to provide continuing education to licensed nursing staff. Nurse Educators teach in graduate programs at Master’s
Master of Science in Nursing
A Master of Science in Nursing is an advanced-level postgraduate degree for registered nurses and is considered an entry-level degree for nurse educators and managers. The degree also may prepare a nurse to seek a career as a nurse administrator, health policy expert, or clinical nurse leader...
and doctoral
Doctor of Nursing Science
The Doctor of Nursing Practice is a terminal professional degree that focuses on the clinical aspects of nursing rather than academic research. The curriculum for the DNP degree generally includes advanced practice, leadership, and application of clinical research. The DNP is intended primarily...
level which prepare advanced practice nurse
Advanced practice nurse
An advanced practice registered nurse is a nurse with advanced didactic and clinical education, knowledge, skills, and scope of practice in nursing....
s, nurse educators, nurse administrators
Nursing management
Nursing management is performing leadership functions of governance and decision-making within organizations employing nurses. It includes processes common to all management like planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling...
, nurse researchers
Nursing research
Nursing research is the term used to describe the evidence used to support nursing practice. Nursing, as an evidence based area of practice, has been developing since the time of Florence Nightingale to the present day, where many nurses now work as researchers based in universities as well as in...
, and leaders in complex healthcare and educational organizations.
The type of degree you are required to hold is dependent upon the state's Nurse Practice Act, the regulatory agencies that define the practice of nursing, including nursing education requirements (National Council of State Boards of Nursing) (reference: https://www.ncsbn.org/boards.htm). For instance, faculty can teach in LPN with an Associates Degree in Nursing. Most baccalaureate and higher degree programs require a minimum of a Master’s degree and prefer the doctorate for full-time teaching positions. At one time, many nurse educators have a clinical specialty background that is often blended with coursework in education. Now, many schools offer the Nurse Educator track which focuses on educating nurses going into any type setting. Individuals may complete a post-Master’s certificate in education to complement their clinical expertise if they choose to enter a faculty role.