A nursing instructor is the person who prepares aspiring nurses for their careers. He teaches the principals of nursing to students in classrooms, clinics, private health facilities and community centers. Aside from lecturing, the instructor may also direct educational seminars and supervise nursing students in laboratory procedures. In a variety of medical environments, he normally monitors their performance and evaluates their patient communication skills.
Aside from teaching nursing students the particulars of providing optimum patient care, the instructor usually educates them in psychology and the biological and physical sciences. These classes often cover topics such as anatomy, nutrition and chemistry. Special training in treating surgical or terminally ill patients is commonly included in the nursing education curriculum.
At appropriate intervals, the nursing instructor administers tests and examinations to the students. He evaluates individual performance and counsels students on ways to improve their grades. His job generally requires keeping detailed records of students’ grades and their performances in clinical atmospheres.
As part of the medical teaching community, the nursing instructor commonly provides input on upcoming curricula and assists in compiling course reading requirements. He may be included in preparing teaching schedules and developing course outlines. A nursing instructor often communicates with nursing and medical personnel about innovative teaching methods and new nursing practices.
In addition to regular teaching responsibilities, an instructor in this field is often seen as a mentor or counselor by nursing students. New students who may lack confidence or question their career choice often will look to the nursing instructor for support and guidance on these issues. He is usually expected to allay their fears and help them gain a better understanding of the nursing profession and its rewards.
After nursing students graduate, many rely upon the nursing instructor to help them find careers. The instructor typically has ties in the medical community that can help open doors of opportunity. He also may direct new graduates to jobs in other geographic areas or assist them in choosing a specialty that matches their skills and interests.
Most nursing instructor positions require a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing or a related health field. Small facilities occasionally consider someone for the position who has impressive experience along with a bachelor’s degree and a registered nurse license. In most cases, a minimum of a year’s experience in medical or surgical environments is required to be considered for a nursing instructor position.