There's A Growing Need For Nurse Educators In Baltimore
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 19 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations. Job opportunities should be good because of the need to replace workers who retire over the coming decade and because of the growing number of people with access to health care services."
Because of the growing demand for registered nurses in the workforce, there is also a demand for nurse educators. Brenda Overton - Associate Professor of Nursing, Practical Nursing Certificate Program Coordinator for Baltimore City Community College - offers some insight on how her education has helped her to achieve success in the nursing field.
How does your experience in formal education relate to your current role?
"My entry-level degree prepared me for the NCLEX and my role as a registered nurse. The degree in nursing education prepared me for the role of nurse educator by exposing me to theoretical and practical experiences necessary to provide future nurses with an excellent education."
How has your education helped to further your career and contribute to your success?
"In addition to the practical experience I have as a registered nurse, part of being a nurse educator involves understanding the learning process with regard to nursing education. You can be an excellent registered nurse with regard to patient care, but you also need to know how to explain and demonstrate nursing care to students. You can't do that without understanding the learning process and nursing education."
What is some advice you can offer others looking to go into the field of nursing or health administration?
"Do your homework. Decide what type of entry-level nursing program is best for you (ADN or BSN). Investigate the program with regard to tuition & fees; day versus evening/weekend courses; philosophy of the program; and NCLEX pass rates. Don't invest your time and money in a program that will not properly prepare you to pass the NCLEX and be competent as a registered nurse."
Sara Lugardo is a professional writer out of Chicago, Illinois. She has a bachelor's in communication and is currently working on her master's. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
