How to Become a Nurse Educator

by Sara Ellis RN, BSN
Attention Registered Nurses - Nursing Schools Need You!

Nursing is the nation's largest health care profession, with more than 2.7 million registered nurses nationwide, and nursing students account for more than half of all health professions students in the United States. Applications to attend nursing schools continue to increase nicely but did you know that thousands of students are being turned away because of an acute shortage of Nursing Educators?

A study done by the U.S. Bureau of Health Professions indicates that by 2020, the U.S. nursing shortage will grow to more than 800,000 registered nurses. How can we put a serious dent in stemming this dangerous tide unless nurses take an active role in educating the nurses of tomorrow?

Becoming a Nurse Educator is a wonderful career step

Registered nurses ARE teachers! RNs teach patients and their families how to manage their illness or injury, including post-treatment home care needs, diet and exercise programs, and self-administration of medication and physical therapy. RNs mentor and precept new graduates and new hire staff as well as develop and implement ongoing continuing education activities within clinical settings. RNs combine their clinical expertise and passion for teaching others in thousands of ways every time they work. Nurse Educators make use of that same clinical expertise and passion for teaching to guide and shape the future of the nursing profession- one student at a time!

Do you want to be doing direct patient care when you're 63 and still waiting to be old enough to retire? I say leave bedside nursing to the younger nurses, give your sore back a rest, and turn your talents towards building the next generation of nurses instead!

Some RNs choose to advance their nursing career by moving into administrative or management positions, but the responsibilities and stress of management isn't for everyone. For those RNs who would enjoy keeping in touch with direct patient care and in shaping the future of nursing the best career path to think about is becoming a nurse educator!

Given the growing shortage of nurse educators, the career outlook is strong for nurses interested in teaching careers. Nursing schools nationwide are struggling to find new faculty to accommodate the rising interest in nursing among new students.

Next >> Nurse Educator Career Benefits and Education Options

Explore theses accredited online nursing degree opportunities below and request free no obligation information from any that interest you.

We recommend getting information from several schools so you can compare the programs, costs, time commitments and financial aid options.

Chamberlain College of Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Educator Track

Advance your career and earn a Master of Science in Nursing degree from Chamberlain College of Nursing while you work. The pace is up to you - Attend class anytime, anywhere, 24/7 with flexible online classes and top-notch, degreed faculty. full degree description

University of Phoenix Nursing

Master of Science in Nursing/Health Care Education

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc. prepares advanced practice nurses to function in leadership roles in practice and educational settings. This course series is designed for nursing and health care professionals interested in pursuing or advancing in careers as faculty in higher educational settings.

Kaplan University Online

Master of Science in Nursing/Nurse Educator

Kaplan University's online Master of Science in Nursing degree is designed to prepare you for nursing education programs. Nurses who can assume administrative, faculty, or staff development roles are much in demand.

Capella University Online

MSN - Nurse Educator

Position yourself to meet the growing need for nurse educators with this MSN Nurse Educator specialization. The curriculum incorporates the Essentials of Master‘s Education for Advanced Practice Nursing established by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, with a focus on nursing education.

South University Online

Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Educator

The Nurse Educator specialization is designed for those who want to develop and train nurses to meet the challenges of a rapidly developing and continually changing healthcare environment.

Grand Canyon University Online

MS in Nursing: Nursing Education

The Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Education Track concentration prepares advanced professional nurses in the nursing role specialty of nursing education. The Nursing Education Track addresses the expanding educational needs of the nursing profession.

Walden University Nursing

M.S. in Nursing - Education (MSN)

Graduates of the Walden M.S. in Nursing (MSN) have the knowledge and skills to be leaders in the profession and contribute to positive social change in their communities and throughout the world.

Be a Nurse Educator and Shape the Minds that Save Lives
Not everyone has what it takes to be a nurse educator. It is an elite group comprised on the best and the brightest. The ones who want to give back and have the skills to do it, the medical instincts and training. Academic achievement, perseverance and compassion. If you're one of the lucky few who has these gifts and you have what it takes to pass on your knowledge and inspire you may touch hearts you have never seen. Save lives long after you're gone. Impact generations you'll never meet.

Registered Nurse Job Board
Point and click your way to an exciting, rewarding career as a Nurse Educator - new listings posted daily. Browse the job board by location, then search and apply online.

Articles
Journal for Nurses in Staff Development
Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing
Journal of Nursing Education
Nurse Educator

Find out more about your nursing degree online.