Masters in Nursing Education: How Do I Know if I'm Ready?
Nurses are some of the hardest working people on the planet. They are always selflessly giving their time and attention to their patients no matter how their day is going. When it comes to in-demand careers, nursing is growing at a much faster than average pace as the population ages and more nurses leave the field.
That fact means that there needs to be above average instructors that are ready to tackle this influx of potential nurses. The question is, do you know if you’re ready to tackle the education needed to earn your master's in nursing education?
What is a Masters in Nursing Education?
A master’s in nursing is used to prepare current nurses for more specialized fields. Going towards a master’s in nursing education is explicitly used to put you in a position where you’ll be able to get into a classroom setting to teach the next class of nurses.
Why Get a Masters in Nursing Education?
The minimum requirements for some programs that teach nursing skills are being a registered nurse that still has a valid license along with a bit of clinical work experience. However, many programs do require for you to obtain a master’s degree in nursing education to become a teacher with their school. When it comes to the competition for these educator positions, it’ll often come down to what you have to offer your students when it comes to your education and experience.
Graduating from a program with your masters in nursing education can prepare you for your future. The courses you take will give you the skills you need to know how to impart your knowledge to the next generation of nursing following in your footsteps.
Why Focus on Education?
Education as a specialty for a nurse is often a natural career step for a profession that seeks to help others. Focusing on education for your master’s degree in nursing is beneficial for several reasons. You have the opportunity to shape the future of nursing with your students, and help grow the profession.
You’ll have a way to continue sharing your passion for this career without having to continue to work in a high-stress environment when you’re ready to lower your stress levels. It’s also great for nurses that are starting to feel the pains that can come from a nursing career of moving patients, bending, stooping, and being on your feet for long periods of time.
Is the Time Right for You?
There are a few clues that it may be the perfect time for you to start working towards your master's degree in nursing education.
- Do you feel that you want to give back to the next generation of nurses?
- Do you feel as though you’ve hit a peak at your current job?
- Are you the nurse that others look to when they have questions or concern?
- Do you find it natural to show others how to perform tasks?
- Does the administration come to you when they need help figuring out how to update policies or procedures?
- Do you excel at helping others learn nursing skills, such as teaching patients or their families how to handle a task before they’re discharged?
- Do you have the desire to teach others to succeed?
When you know that you’re not being fulfilled in your current job or you’re looking towards your future when you may not feel as physically able to nurse as you did when you started, education may be the next logical step in your career plan. Reaching towards your goals in a classroom may be right for you.
One thing that you can do to evaluate your desire towards becoming an educator is to look at current job postings in your area or areas where you’d like to teach. This search can give you an idea of the job market, the duties, and requirements that each requires. Then, you can evaluate your feelings over what you found before moving forward in learning more about this degree program.
Are you interested in becoming a Nurse Educator? If you want to move to the next step in your career and earn a Master of Science in Nursing, ECPI University offers this degree at an accelerated rate. For more information, connect with a friendly admissions advisor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Master of Science in Nursing
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