So much of how nurses gain knowledge is by experiences in the field as they encounter new problems or gain insights into new approaches from colleagues. This process depends on role models to encourage and shape the next generation of nurses. To ensure an optimal healthcare landscape now and in the future, it’s important for mentors to effectively guide future nurses.
The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Nurse Educator program prepares experienced nurses to become qualified nurse educators and influence future nursing professionals.
The Road Towards Becoming a Role Model
It is the responsibility of nurse educators to set up modeling as a foundational element in the education of prospective nurses. In order to prepare nurses to be leaders and role models in the field, nurse educators need to teach in a way that allows students to feel comfortable within the workplace environment.
Think of a scenario where nurse educators are perceived as “individuals” (as opposed to “teachers”) who are consistently positive or welcoming. In this case, students will be more engaged with the profession and activities they are learning throughout their time in school and in the nursing profession. When nurse educators are accountable, compassionate and strong communicators, those they teach are encouraged about the nursing profession.
There’s no doubt about it: Nurse education is the core foundation of the nursing profession. How students learn now will impact their future and how they influence others. Nurse educators should understand that their teaching methods influence nursing students’ attitudes regarding the profession and their careers.
Key Attributes Required for Success
According to an article by BMC Medical Education, successful role modeling is the result of the following five categories, based on qualitative research:
- Influencing others
- Developing dimensions among students
- Situational self-awareness
- Constructive feedback
- Continuous effort
UNCW’s online MSN Nurse Educator program prepares students in each of these areas. These skills allow students to fully comprehend the complexities of the nursing profession and become successful nurse educators upon graduation.
Nurse educators are required to be difference makers when preparing future nurses for careers in healthcare, which entails a working dynamic between educators and students to evaluate the effectiveness of their teaching. Even though they are at the helm of the classroom, nurse educators can find value in the comments and recommendations they receive from students. This feedback allows them opportunities to improve their methods of teaching.
Nurse educators are held accountable for their students, and students are representatives of their nurse educators. If the students are not doing well, the educator should assess the root cause and find ways to assist the student to be successful. If the educator fosters an environment of consistent communication, students succeed.
Become a Role Model With an MSN Nurse Educator Degree
One way to transform your career in nursing is to further your professional education through a Master of Science in Nursing degree. Those who enroll in the MSN Nurse Educator online program at UNCW will become well-qualified and effective nurse educators.
Graduates from this program will learn to effectively teach didactic, clinical and online nursing education courses. For example, the Principles of Research and Evidence-Based Practices for Nursing Education course covers the research evidence behind nursing education and the methods used to analyze specific practices within the profession. The Foundations and Evidence-Based Practices for Nursing Education Clinical Instruction course covers the theories and perspectives related to the clinical aspects of nursing and how to design future curriculum.
In as few as 12 months, students will acquire the necessary tools and knowledge to successfully teach a new generation of nurses, in a classroom or hospital setting. Additionally, they will be equipped to pursue specialty certification examinations.
Ultimately, graduates of UNCW’s program will learn the knowledge, skills and confidence for a nurse educator leadership role in academia, staff development and the greater nursing community.
Learn more about the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s online MSN Nurse Educator program.
