Nurse Educator Career in Brief
Nurse educators provide education and training for nurses at all levels, including students in their first year of nursing school all the way to experienced nurses seeking professional development. They combine clinical expertise and experience to serve as guides and mentors to other providers.
Nurse educators are experts in evidence-based practices and committed to continuous research, staying up-to-date on the latest ideas and developments in healthcare and the practice of nursing. They are leaders who direct teams, provide guidance, and exemplify best practices in nursing.
Primary Responsibilities
- Facilitate learning for nurses at all levels using multiple methods
- Monitor, evaluate, and assess courses, nursing programs, and students
- Motivate students and staff
- Serve as mentors and role models
- Integrate theory and practice
- Research and report on the latest evidence-based best practices
Key Skills
- Clinical expertise
- Leadership
- Communication
- Evaluation and assessment
- Curriculum design
Where Do Nurse Educators Work?
When you hear the word "educator," you automatically think of a school or classroom setting, but colleges and universities are just one place where nurse educators work. Educators can be found in nearly every healthcare setting. Hospitals, psychiatric and rehabilitation facilities, public health centers, and hospice care are also common work settings for nurse educators.
Although there are many opportunities for nurse educators, here are some specific responsibilities you might have in more common settings.
Medical Center/Hospital Nurse educators staff professional development, mentor nurses, participate in peer review committees, manage grant proposals, and advise leadership and staff. In acute care, they may collaborate with quality improvement departments to ensure the highest quality of care.
College/University Nurse educators lecture, act as a clinical supervisor, develop curriculum, serve on committees, and advise students.
Businesses Nurse educators coach wellness and health seminars, lead CPR, first aid, and similar programs, and instruct continuing education and professional development classes.
Why Become a Nurse Educator?
Becoming a nurse educator is not right for everyone. Although many people thrive in roles providing education and training for new nurses, others would rather provide bedside care. As you explore your options, consider the following pros and cons and whether it is the right choice for you.
Advantages to Becoming a Nurse Educator
Disadvantages to Becoming a Nurse Educator
How to Become a Nurse Educator
How Much Do Nurse Educators Make?
Nurse educators earn higher-than-average salaries; those working in major metropolitan medical centers and hospitals are the highest paid with average annual salaries of $119,050. Florida is the top-paying state for nurse educators with average salaries more than $5,000 higher than the next highest-paying state.
Colleges and universities, including junior or community colleges, are the lowest paying employers for nurse educators. Nurses teaching at junior colleges earn an average of $75,190 annually, whereas colleges and universities pay slightly better with an average salary of $84,320. Note that these salary figures are for full-time employment; many nurse educators work part time as instructors or adjunct faculty and are paid per course or per credit.
| Top-Paying States | Average Salary | Total Number of Nurse Educators |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | $116,650 | 3,980 |
| District of Columbia | $111,940 | 130 |
| Massachusetts | $106,950 | 2,300 |
| California | $106,420 | 3,510 |
| New York | $98,850 | 5,100 |
| Industry | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | $119,050 |
| Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals | $95,430 |
| Business Schools and Computer and Management Training | $90,080 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | $84,320 |
| Junior Colleges | $75,190 |
Resources for Nurse Educators
Frequently Asked Questions About Nurse Educators
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