If you have trained as a registered nurse and want to take a break from the wards and get back into the classroom, you may have considered training as a nurse educator with this program.
The title of this job can throw many people off, but it is exactly what it says on the tin; you are a nurse who is an educator, usually to other nurses. Thus, it is a great step forward in your career if you want to go back into a teaching role as a nurse rather than a purely clinical-based one.
Of course, before you begin looking for training providers for this course, you will have some questions about it. In this article, five of the most commonly searched FAQs relating to the role of a nurse educator are answered.
What Does It Take to Train as a Nurse Educator?
At a basic level, to undertake an online nurse educator program from Ulndy, you will need to be a registered nurse. If you are looking to train in a different state, even if it is online, you may need to pass a competency test first.
Additionally, you will need to have at least two years of experience working in clinical practice, and you will need to be able to demonstrate your skills in teaching, leadership, and clinical knowledge.
Will I Need to Work at a University?
Not necessarily, although this is one of the most common places to work as a nurse educator.
In a university setting, many nurse educators oversee the training of registered nurses who are undertaking the degree. If you want to train in a more specialized area, you may be able to oversee the additional training that occurs on top of the RN qualification for newer nurses, such as the training to become a pediatric nurse or a mental health nurse. Some nurse educators work online or at clinics, so it’s a bit more versatile.
Can I Continue Clinical Practice?
Yes, you can, and many nurse educators do. It is a role that can allow you to balance your work life with that of teaching, enabling you to work both jobs part-time if you wish. Of course, you will be able to undertake this duty as a nurse educator solely through a university or college if you wish to, giving you a break from clinical practice.
Can This Training Help with Academic Research?
Yes, it can, and many of those who are trained as nurse educators also undertake research projects in the area of nursing relating to protocols, guidelines, and even the required physical assessments for patients.
So, if you liked conducting research during your BSc in nursing, this role can help you get back to that without neglecting the clinical aspects.
What Are the Career Prospects Like with This Qualification?
As mentioned before, many people who have trained as nurse educators go on to become researchers in the area of nursing for both academic and clinical purposes. Alternatively, you may be able to become the head of the nursing department at the university or other place where you teach. Or, you could even become the head of a ward while teaching part-time.
