What qualifications do nurses need to be an educator in the field of nursing? The first step is an R.N. degree and experience in nursing. Many nurses who have worked in hospitals across the nation chose to become educators to pass along their knowledge to others who are just starting out in the nursing field. Classroom learning and laboratory training are part of the education but the best nurses are those who have had experience in a variety of areas treating patients in clinics and hospitals.

Every situation is different and every nursing educator has a stock of stories ranging from funny to sober regarding patients and their care. When it comes down to the essential difference between the education needed for teachers, the life experience and training will make a huge impact on students. Currently, many nurses remain in their positions until they reach retirement age and few become educators after obtaining their R.N. degree.

The annual salary of a nurse educator may not match what they can earn in the hospital and clinic setting. This is one of the reasons that nurse educators are not flocking to the universities and colleges to teach students. The regulations and time put into the academics are not attractive to nurses who otherwise would choose a career in teaching. Thus, students are being turned away from schools. This is a problem because there is great need for nurses in all areas of patient care in the United States.

As the population grows, the need for nursing care grows. We need educators to teach those who want to care for others. Nurses are among the hardest working and most important part of our healthcare system. Nurses are the vital link between patients and physicians and have been so for generations. It is time to look at how the lack of qualified nursing educators can be changed and nursing students taught the importance and fundamentals of patient care and treatment. If this is not addressed, the healthcare of thousands will be at risk.

Changes in the pay scale of educators and the technology needed to stay current in the fields of study are part of the answer we need to implement. Other improvements include up to date schools and incentives for educators to stay in the field and teach. The need for qualified healthcare educators and students who will then graduate to assist the population in healthcare is there. Are we up to shouldering the responsibility of meeting the ongoing need? 

 Article provided by, Advocate Search Group – a recruiting firm focused exclusively on filling academic nursing program positions throughout the USA

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