Moving from clinical practice to being a nurse educator can be exciting and challenging. In this new position, you can guide the next generation of nurses and shape the future of healthcare!1 As teachers and mentors, nurse educators are responsible for:
- Providing theoretical and practical instruction to nursing students.
- Designing and updating course materials to match current best practices.
- Measuring student performance and program or course effectiveness.
- Keeping up with advancements in healthcare to ensure the curriculum remains relevant.
In this blog post, you’ll find advice on teaching and course design for those aspiring to educate new and experienced nurses.
Tips for Teaching Nurses
1. Encourage Active Learning
Using active learning strategies will engage your nursing students and help them retain information. One strategy is to apply theoretical knowledge to case studies and real-life scenarios. Where possible, you can draw examples from your own nursing experience! If you have access, use high-fidelity simulators to mimic clinical situations. Alternatively, students can role-play as patients and care providers.
Class discussions are also valuable, so push students to ponder and discuss ideas and dilemmas during class. Group projects are another sure-fire means to get everyone talking. While planning group work, you can also involve students from other healthcare disciplines, mimicking the interprofessional collaboration that happens in the workplace.
2. Create a Supportive Environment
A student’s learning environment significantly impacts their success. As a nurse educator, you want to build rapport with your students. Be friendly. Learn their names. Welcome questions, and make students feel comfortable expressing concerns or confusion. Your goal is to establish strong relationships with students built on trust and respect. Once they know you care about their success, they’ll be more receptive to your guidance and feedback on how they can improve.
3. Leverage Technology Effectively
In addition to incorporating the latest healthcare tech into your courses, the educational tools you use matter. From online learning platforms and interactive content to immersive virtual reality simulations, educators have many opportunities to enhance learning in the classroom and clinical settings. No matter what technology you use, make sure you support students with any difficulties that arise.
4. Set Clear Objectives and Outcomes
Setting clear objectives and outcomes is critical to guide you as an educator. Course objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, and relevant to the goals of the nursing program and your students. You must also communicate these objectives to your students so that they understand what they’re working toward. Students often find it motivating to know the course outcomes and how their studies will benefit their careers.
5. Continuously Update Your Curriculum
Healthcare evolves constantly. Your curriculum should, too. Update your courses and curriculum as you learn about new research and nursing or healthcare education trends. You may also need to align with accreditation standards or certification requirements.
To identify curriculum gaps and improvement opportunities, seek feedback regularly. Survey and talk with students, fellow instructors, and clinical partners. Then, analyze the data you receive to see what you can do better.
Additionally, track the success of your learning objectives and outcomes. Adjust your curriculum and teaching strategies if your students perform poorly on their assessments or in practice.
Strengthen Your Skills as a Nurse Educator!
Becoming a nurse educator requires dedication, continuous learning, and a passion for teaching. This career could allow you to make a lasting impact on the nursing profession. To prepare your students for the future, embrace active learning strategies and educational technologies, create a supportive environment, and continually improve your curriculum.
To build your skills in this specialized area, consider continuing your education. South University offers nurse educator programs at two levels:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization in Nurse Educator (online2 and at our Tampa campus)
- Nurse Educator Post Graduate Certificate for those who already hold an MSN (online2)
Both programs cover curriculum development, teaching strategies, and evaluation techniques. Students also take practicum courses where they can apply their new knowledge and skills in clinical and academic settings. Request information today to learn more.
--
1 South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
2 Online programs can have a ground clinical or practicum experience and may not be flexible.
