Attributes of a Clinical Nurse Educator
Recently someone said to me “Never forget where you came from. Always remember your roots.” I think this motto can very well be applied to my past experiences as a nursing student… As an educator, I never want to forget what it was like to be a student. I remember all of the time that I spent in class and clinical, always struggling to master course content, trying to connect the dots, and continually feeling overwhelmed. I know that I would not have survived nursing school without teachers who took an interest in my education, and who encouraged me to keep going when I felt that I would never be able to successfully finish the program. Likewise I never want to forget what it was like to be a new nurse… I remember the massive responsibility that was entrusted to me from the beginning of my career, the high expectations of my manager and seasoned nurses on the unit, and the constant fear of making mistakes.… I know that I would not have been successful as a nurse without the preceptors and mentors who helped me throughout my learning process- passing on their knowledge to me, and encouraging me to persevere in my nursing career.
As I reflect on my future role as a clinical nurse educator, I want to be the kind of teacher who encourages students to persevere in their education, even when they think they cannot keep going!! I want to be a role model and coach to my students, giving consistent and encouraging feedback, and helping them to successfully meet their goals. I believe that my strengths as a teacher include a sense of caring, a positive attitude, and respect for my students. I want to inspire my students to take responsibility for their own learning. I know that I will not always be able to give them all of the answers, but I believe that it is important to equip students with the tools that they will need as nurses! I know that remembering my “roots” and thinking about all of the experiences I had throughout nursing school will help me to relate to my students in a meaningful way!
Jennifer
(March 21, 2015)
This is a picture of me and some of my classmates- taken at our "Commitment to Nursing" ceremony.
As I reflect on my future role as a clinical nurse educator, I want to be the kind of teacher who encourages students to persevere in their education, even when they think they cannot keep going!! I want to be a role model and coach to my students, giving consistent and encouraging feedback, and helping them to successfully meet their goals. I believe that my strengths as a teacher include a sense of caring, a positive attitude, and respect for my students. I want to inspire my students to take responsibility for their own learning. I know that I will not always be able to give them all of the answers, but I believe that it is important to equip students with the tools that they will need as nurses! I know that remembering my “roots” and thinking about all of the experiences I had throughout nursing school will help me to relate to my students in a meaningful way!
Jennifer
(March 21, 2015)
This is a picture of me and some of my classmates- taken at our "Commitment to Nursing" ceremony.