How to Become a Nurse Educator

What is a nurse educator?

For nurses who are passionate about education and mentoring, there’s a role for you, and it’s one that is in high demand.  

Becoming a nurse educator can be an incredibly fulfilling career path. Nurse educators play a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare by teaching and guiding the next generation of nurses. They combine clinical expertise with a passion for teaching, creating a bridge between theory and practice.  

According to a report by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, U.S. nursing schools turned away nearly 66,000 qualified applicants in from baccalaureate and graduate programs in 2023 because of a shortage of faculty. 

The importance of nurse educators isn’t just all about numbers, though. Their contributions are being recognized national by The DAISY Foundation, which in January renamed an award to The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurse Educators. 

Nurse educators are responsible for teaching and training nursing students, practicing nurses, and other healthcare professionals. They work in various settings, including academic institutions, healthcare facilities, and community programs. Their role is critical in ensuring that nurses are well-prepared to meet the demands of patient care and the ever-evolving healthcare landscape. 

Key duties of a nurse educator 

So what exactly does a nurse educator do? Here are some key responsibilities of the role:  

• Curriculum development: Nurse educators are involved in designing, implementing, and evaluating nursing curricula. They create course materials, develop lesson plans, and ensure that the content is up-to-date and aligned with current best practices in healthcare. 
• Teaching: Nurse educators deliver lectures, lead classroom discussions, and conduct hands-on clinical training. They use various teaching methods, including traditional lectures, simulations, case studies, and online platforms, to engage students and enhance learning. 
• Assessment and evaluation: Educators are responsible for assessing students' knowledge, skills, and competencies. They develop and administer exams, quizzes, and practical assessments, providing feedback to help students improve. 
• Mentorship and advising: Nurse educators serve as mentors and advisors to nursing students and practicing nurses. They provide guidance on academic and career goals, help students navigate challenges, and support their professional development. 
• Research and scholarship: Many nurse educators engage in research to contribute to the advancement of nursing knowledge. They may conduct studies, publish articles, and present findings at conferences, contributing to evidence-based practice in nursing. 
• Professional development: Nurse educators stay current with advancements in nursing practice and education. They participate in continuing education, attend conferences, and engage in professional organizations to enhance their skills and knowledge. 
• Leadership and advocacy: In addition to teaching, nurse educators often take on leadership roles within their institutions and the broader nursing community. They may participate in curriculum committees, accreditation processes and policy development, advocating for the advancement of nursing education and practice. 

Roles of a nurse educator 

Nurse educators can work in a variety of settings, each with unique responsibilities and opportunities for professional growth. Below are some of the primary roles that nurse educators may fulfill. 

Academic nurse educator: Academic nurse educators work in educational institutions, such as nursing schools, community colleges, and universities. Their primary responsibility is to teach nursing students at various levels, from associate and bachelor’s degree programs to graduate and doctoral levels. 

• Undergraduate educator: Teaches foundational courses in nursing, such as anatomy, pharmacology, and clinical skills. They also supervise clinical rotations, helping students gain hands-on experience in real-world healthcare settings. 
• Graduate educator: Teaches advanced courses in specialized areas of nursing, such as nurse practitioner programs, nursing leadership, or education. They mentor students in developing advanced clinical skills and leadership abilities. 
• Doctoral educator: Guides students pursuing a PhD or DNP in nursing. They focus on research, evidence-based practice, and advancing nursing knowledge through mentoring and scholarship. 

Clinical nurse educator: In this role, educators work in healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They focus on providing continuing education, professional development, and competency training for practicing nurses and other healthcare staff. 

• Staff development educator: Designs and implements training programs for nursing staff on topics like new medical technologies, patient care protocols, and quality improvement initiatives. They also provide orientation for new nurses. 
• Clinical nurse specialist (CNS): An advanced practice nurse who often takes on educational roles within their specialty. They provide specialized training to nursing staff in areas such as critical care, oncology, or pediatrics. 
• Patient educator: Focuses on educating patients and their families about managing health conditions, treatments, and preventive care. This role is crucial in areas like diabetes education and chronic disease management. 

Community nurse educator: These educators work in public health settings, government agencies or non-profit organizations. Their role is to promote health and wellness, prevent disease, and address health disparities within communities. 

• Public health nurse educator: Designs and implements community-based education programs on topics such as immunization, nutrition, and disease prevention. They work with community organizations and government agencies to promote public health. 
• Health promotion educator: Focuses on promoting healthy behaviors within specific populations, such as schools or workplaces. They develop programs on topics that can include mental health awareness and smoking cessation. 
• Faith community nurse educator: Works within faith-based communities to provide health education and promote holistic well-being. They offer education on topics such as spiritual health and the integration of faith and healthcare. 

Steps to become a nurse educator

Becoming a nurse educator requires a combination of clinical experience, advanced education, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the path to this rewarding career. 

Step 1: Become a registered nurse (RN) 

This step requires completing an accredited nursing program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). There are several educational pathways to becoming an RN, including:  

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): A two-year program that prepares students for entry-level nursing positions. While an ADN is sufficient to become an RN, most nurse educators pursue further education to advance their careers. 
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A four-year program that provides a more comprehensive education in nursing. A BSN is increasingly preferred by employers and serves as a strong foundation for advanced education. 
• Accelerated BSN (ABSN): For those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, an ABSN offers an accelerated pathway to becoming an RN, typically completed in 12-18 months. 

Step 2: Gain clinical experience 

Experience is essential for nurse educators, as it provides the practical knowledge and skills needed to teach effectively. Most nurse educators have several years of experience working as RNs in various healthcare settings. This experience helps them understand the challenges and demands of the nursing profession, which they can then pass on to their students. 

It’s important to gain experience in different specialties to broaden your expertise. For example, working in critical care, medical-surgical nursing, or community health can provide a diverse range of experiences that will be valuable in an educational role. 

Step 3: Pursue advanced education 

To become a nurse educator, you will need to achieve an advanced degree, typically at the master’s or doctoral level. There are several educational options available, depending on your career goals: 

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a focus on education: This is the most common pathway for aspiring nurse educators. An MSN program with a focus on nursing education prepares you for teaching roles in both academic and clinical settings. The curriculum typically includes courses in curriculum development, instructional design, assessment, and teaching strategies. 
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): This practice-focused doctoral degree prepares nurse educators for leadership roles in clinical education. A DNP program often includes advanced coursework in evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, and organizational leadership. 
• PhD in Nursing: A research-focused doctoral degree that prepares nurse educators for academic and research roles. A PhD program emphasizes research methodologies, nursing theory, and the generation of new knowledge through original research. 

In addition to your chosen degree, it may be beneficial to take elective courses or certifications related to teaching and education, such as adult learning theory, instructional technology, and clinical simulation. 

Step 4: Obtain certification 

While certification is not always required to become a nurse educator, it can enhance your credentials and demonstrate your expertise in nursing education. The National League for Nursing (NLN) offers certification for nurse educators through the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) program. 

To be eligible for CNE certification, you typically need an active RN license, a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing, with a focus on education, and experience as a nurse educator. 

The CNE exam assesses knowledge of nursing education, including curriculum design, assessment, and evaluation. Obtaining this certification can enhance a nurse educator’s career prospects and demonstrate your commitment to excellence in nursing education. 

Step 5: Gain teaching experience 

Before securing a full-time position as a nurse educator, getting experience is essential. There are several ways to gain experience in teaching: 

• Teaching assistantships: While pursuing your advanced degree, you may have the opportunity to work as a TA (teaching assistant) in nursing courses. This experience allows you to assist with lectures, grading, and student mentorship, providing valuable exposure to the academic environment. 
• Adjunct faculty positions: Many nursing schools hire adjunct faculty to teach part-time while working in clinical practice. This allows you to gain experience without committing to a full-time academic position. 
• Clinical preceptorships: Serving as a clinical preceptor for nursing students or new nurses in your healthcare facility can provide valuable teaching experience. As a preceptor, you will mentor and guide students or new nurses, helping them develop their clinical skills. 
• Continuing education courses: You can also gain experience by leading continuing education courses or workshops for practicing nurses. These opportunities are available through hospitals, professional organizations, or online platforms. 

Step 6: Apply for nurse educator positions 

Once you have gained the necessary education, certification, and teaching experience, you can begin applying for jobs. The type of position you pursue will depend on your interests and qualifications, whether in academia, clinical education, or community health. They can include: 

• Academic positions: Look for job openings at nursing schools, community colleges, and universities. Positions may include titles such as nursing instructor, assistant professor, or professor of nursing. 
• Clinical education positions: Explore opportunities in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare systems. Job titles often are called staff development educator, clinical nurse educator, or education coordinator. 
• Community health positions: Consider roles in public health agencies, non-profit organizations, or community health centers. Job titles can be public health educator, health promotion specialist, or community nurse educator. 

When applying for positions, be sure to highlight your clinical experience, advanced education, and any certifications or teaching experience you have obtained. Tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific role and institution you seek. 

Step 7: Continue professional development 

Nurse educators must stay current with the latest developments in nursing practice and education. Continuing education is essential to maintain expertise and enhance your teaching skills. This may involve: 

• Attending conferences and workshops: Participate in professional conferences and workshops related to nursing education, clinical practice, and healthcare innovation. 
• Engaging in research and scholarship: Contribute to the advancement of nursing knowledge by conducting research, publishing articles, and presenting at conferences. 
• Joining professional organizations: Become a member of organizations such as the National League for Nursing (NLN) or the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). These organizations offer resources, networking opportunities, and professional development programs for nurse educators. 
• Pursuing further certifications: Consider obtaining additional certifications in specialized areas of nursing education, such as simulation education, online teaching, or instructional design. 

Becoming a nurse educator allows you to make a significant impact on the nursing profession and healthcare. Whether you choose to work in academia, clinical education, or community health, your role as a nurse educator will be vital in shaping the next generation of nurses and ensuring high-quality patient care for years to come.