5 Qualities of a Great MSN Nurse Educator
Albert Einstein once said that 'experience is the only true source of knowledge.' Maybe that's why people with Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) are held in such high regard.
MSN nurse educators play an important role in educating the nation's ranks of nurses. They are registered nurses who have earned their master's degrees in nursing. They've worked in the field, gained practical insight, and then chosen bring their real-world experience into the classroom to demonstrate and teach aspiring nurses how to care for patients. They are highly valued for their wisdom, experience, and guidance to the next generation of nurses.
Nurse educators typically serve as faculty members at nursing schools and teaching hospitals. They develop lesson plans, teach classes, oversee students in clinical environments, and ensure that new nurses have the skills and knowledge to succeed.
MSN nurse educators play a critical role in keeping the country healthy. But knowledge, skills, and experience aren't all it takes to be an effective MSN nurse educator. You also have to possess the right personality.
Here's a look at the personality traits that good MSN nurse educators seem to share:
1. Intellectual curiosity
Nurse educators typically work in academic settings, which is where many of the best and brightest gather to ask questions and search for answers. It can be intimidating to work with some of the smartest people on the planet. But nurses are naturally smart, curious, and willing to take on intellectually challenging endeavors.
Intellectual curiosity allows MSN nurse educators to stay current with new technologies, theories and changes in the health care industry -- and then explain the changes to students. It allows them to develop powerful curricula and programs that most effectively promote learning.
It can also lead to big changes in the nursing industry. Many MSN nurse educators are involved in research projects that help shape and advance the field of nursing. Intellectual curiosity is mandatory for successful research.
2. Compassion
Sometimes working with students can be challenging—especially when you are a highly trained, highly successful nurse. The best MSN nurse educators are able to remember what it was like for them when they were studying to become nurses.
They are patient. They are calm. They are compassionate.
Understanding and appreciating the stress students are under can go a long way towards being an effective teacher.
3. Communication
All great teachers are highly-skilled communicators. It is what allows them to effectively explain and demonstrate complex and conceptual ideas and actions.
The best MSN nurse communicators have the ability to communicate with students verbally as well as through writing. They have the ability to explain how nursing theory manifests itself in the practice of nursing. They are able to share their knowledge and experience and connect with students on a daily basis.
Being able to communicate effectively will allow you to evaluate learning outcomes, document students' performance and share that information with students so they can keep improving.
4. Passion
The best MSN nurse educators have passion for at least two things: nursing and teaching.
If you are passionate about nursing, teaching it will be easier. You won't think of it as a job, but of your way of giving something back to a profession that has already given you so much. Sharing your passion with others is a great way to make a positive difference in your profession and community.
5. Leadership
MSN nurse educators often serve on college and teaching hospital leadership teams. They make decisions about budgets, curricula, and even admissions. They have to be critical thinkers, strategic planners, and strong leaders because the quality of education provided by their institutions—and possibly the future of nursing—could depend on the decisions they make and their ability to lead.
Future Nurse@ECPI... http://t.co/zVMBDgHoAW
— Latosha Lea (@lealatosha) January 26, 2015
Share Your Knowledge
If you have the type of knowledge that can only come from experience as well as the traits listed above, a degree in Master of Science in Nursing - Nursing Education might be right for you.
Connect with ECPI University today to learn more about how you can earn your Master of Science in Nursing and then start sharing your knowledge and experience with the next generation of nurses. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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