How to become a nurse educator

A nurse educator has a vital role in the healthcare system. As the professionals responsible for training, educating and supporting other nurses, they significantly affect how healthcare is provided.

Becoming a nurse educator is an attractive career for many registered nurses, but there’s a lot to consider before taking steps towards this profession. Implementing research principles, using advanced communication and analytical skills, and the ability to put leadership into practice are key skills for becoming a nurse educator.

What does a nurse educator do?

A nurse educator’s role is to plan, design and deliver education to future and current nurses. On a larger scale, they work across many specialisations and settings, both in clinical settings including in hospitals and health centres, and in non-clinical settings, such as a university. These healthcare professionals are responsible for leading new generations of nurses through education and training, and to ensure current nurses are up-to-date on the latest nursing techniques and practices.

Kate Hoskin has had an extensive career as a critical care nurse and nurse educator, and now specialises in patient advocacy. She spoke to us about the versatility of the educator role and how it differs from other roles such as a nurse practitioner or registered nurse.

“Usually, as a nurse educator, you’re employed by an organisation, like a hospital, university or TAFE. Depending on where you apply your skills or prefer to work, there are many great options for a career as a nurse educator.”

How nurse educators make a difference

Unlike other nurse roles, a nursing educator does not have a direct patient care role. Instead, they focus on training and educating nurses, conducting research, presenting at conferences and developing nursing education accreditation standards. Along with these responsibilities, Kate describes their other day-to-day tasks.

“They oversee the recruitment of nurses, collaborate with universities to supervise students and graduates, deliver ongoing staff training and work in policy development and change management.”

A nurse educator usually practises in a specialisation, including paediatrics, aged care, family health and critical care. Other specialisations, like a diabetes nurse educator, require accreditation for registered nurses to become qualified.

Depending on experience, job titles include:

• academic nurse educator
• clinical nurse educator
• staff development educator

The different roles have an assortment of responsibilities, and they’ll differ depending on the settings and specialisation of the educators.

Professional settings for nurse educators

There are many reasons why a registered nurse might choose to expand their practice to education. These include wanting a new challenge, earning an in-demand skill set or the potential for better pay.

The job outlook for a nurse educator is expected to grow very strongly in Australia over the next five years, with a nursing educator salary of around $126,000 a year. However, experience, education and professional setting can impact this amount, with the setting having the potential to influence salary and professional duties. These settings include:

• Universities and educational institutions. A nurse educator working in a non-clinical setting will plan, design and deliver education to nursing students, monitor course outcomes and update educational needs based on current best practices.
• Community health centres and hospitals. A nurse educator working in a clinical setting will facilitate practical experiences for those in training, evaluate skills, develop policies and assist with professional development requirements.

How to become a nurse educator

Becoming a nurse educator requires sufficient on-the-ground experience as a registered nurse in a diverse number of settings. In addition, experience in the specialisation you hope to practise in is also a requisite.

Although the pathway will be unique for every nurse, depending on experience and qualifications, these are the traditional steps toward becoming a nurse educator:

1. Consider is this career path is for you

If you’re passionate about making a meaningful impact in both healthcare and education, a nurse educator role could be role for you. A nursing educator role is different to a patient-facing role. Focused on the training and education of other nurses, you may also work in a specialisation like community or family health.

2. Become a registered nurse

To become a qualified nurse educator, you must first become a registered nurse, endorsed by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. Following this, several years of nursing experience is required to become a nurse educator.

3. Complete a postgraduate degree

Choose a qualification that aligns with your professional goals as a nurse educator. Many nursing master's programs offer a major in education, which is the best option for pursuing this profession.

4. The importance of postgraduate education

A Master of Nursing Majoring in Education, like the one offered by James Cook University Online, is an ideal postgraduate program for becoming a nurse educator. This program delivers the skills required to study in clinical and non-clinical settings and facilitates work across various environments.

For those looking to progress towards a master’s, a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma postgraduate program is an alternative study path which prepares students to take the next step in their career as a nurse educator.

In Kate’s experience, someone who holds postgraduate qualifications or has done further study via nurse educator courses is particularly valued in the public health system. “Public health settings tend to require — or at least appreciate — a nurse educator with a master’s degree, or someone working towards one.”

Although not a condition, undertaking postgraduate study gives you valuable qualifications and career-relevant training. Ultimately, it makes you a more appealing candidate and better poised for professional opportunities that arise.

“As a nurse, there’s always an opportunity to learn,” says Kate. “It’s important to maintain your awareness — keeping up to date with research and evidence-based practice.”

If you decide to study nursing courses online, there are further advantages, especially for registered nurses aiming to upskill while they work.

A study path that suits your life

GlobalHealth Education partners with universities offering quality online education and flexible study for those wanting to become nurse educators. Select one of the course below to enquire and get in contact with a Student Enrolment Advisor.