NLN's Competencies for Nurse Educators
Competency 1: Facilitate Learning
Nurse educators facilitate learning by assessing the learning needs and skills of the students to develop an effective teaching plan and create a productive learning environment (RNDegrees.net, 2006). Implementing a variety of teaching strategies using educational theory and evidence-based teaching practices will assist in the adaptation of the knowledge to the students’ own experiences (Halstead, 2007). Furthermore, the nurse educator must serve as a role model for the students and exhibit motivation and enthusiasm about learning (RNDegrees.net). I have accomplished this competency by using self-reflection, active participation in the classroom/online discussion forum, incorporating information technologies, serving as a positive role model and mentor, committing myself to a life of unremitting learning, and being actively involved in my clinical practicum. During my clinical practicum, I demonstrated my passion for teaching and learning by providing an environment of open communication to inspire and motive the students to set and achieve both personal and professional goals.
Competency 2: Facilitate Learner Development and Socialization
Nurse educators are accountable for promoting students’ development and improvement (RNDegrees.net, 2006). The nurse educator is responsible for mentoring and role modeling the expected behaviors, values, and responsibilities of being a nurse to provide a greater understanding of the expectations of a professional nurse (Halstead, 2007). During my online practicum, I was able to encourage socialization by encouraging the learners to think critically and to reflect on past experiences to provide class enrichment and development. I was exposed to a diversity of learners with different backgrounds and cultures, allowing me to utilize a variety of learning styles to address the different needs of the learners. I also encouraged the student’s to validate their ideas with research to promote learning and expose the students to different perspectives.
Competency 3: Use Assessment and Evaluation Strategies
Assessment and evaluation strategies help balance the aspects of admission, progression, and retention to ensure positive program outcomes (Wittman-Price & Godshall, 2009). Effective evaluation tools are essential in determining the fate of student success and public safety (Wittman-Price & Godshall). During my clinical practicum, I assessed the students’ level of knowledge, personal beliefs, and behavior at the beginning of the course and then evaluated each students’ progress at the completion of the course. Throughout the practicum, I provided substantial feedback to students regarding areas of strength and weakness by providing praise, guidance, and available resources to encourage student progression.
Competency 4: Participate in Curriculum Design and Evaluation of Program Outcomes
The nurse educator is responsible for designing the course curriculum, ensuring a connection with the mission of the institution (Wittman-Price & Godshall, 2009). Although I have not been directly involved in the curriculum design, I have been reviewing the design of the course to determine how the instructor developed the course through the evaluation of the program outcomes of my online practicum by reviewing/grading student papers and comparing the content of the paper to the outcomes for the course. I have realized that it is important to be aware of repetitive objectives among other courses of the program; therefore, continual evaluation of curriculum objectives provides a platform for structural changes. In addition, it is important to maintain an up-to-date curriculum with appropriate tools and information to accommodate the learning needs of the students.
Competency 5: Function as a Change Agent and Leader
As nurses, especially nurse educators, we continuously act as change agents; therefore, this is an ongoing behavior. Nurses and nurse educators act as change agents and leaders daily and greatly influence the profession. Throughout my clinical portion of the practicum, I acted as a role model to help model the students to be trustworthy, competent nurses. Politics influence change and has a large impact on the role of the change agent; therefore, I intend to stay abreast of the political issues occurring and remain sensitive to the current topics. Excellent communication skills, observational skills to monitor the change, knowledge of group dynamics, perceptive nature about political issues, supportive attitude, and establishment of trusting relationships are all key qualities of an effective change agent. Therefore, I will need to continuously be aware of these skills and seek opportunities to make effective, worthwhile change. Nurse educators help to shape the future of the nursing profession by acting as a role model to influence the future nurses’ attitudes and behaviors; thus, we have endless opportunity to complete this competency.
Competency 6: Pursue Continuous Quality Improvement
I have accomplished the competency of continuous quality improvement by demonstrating a commitment to lifelong learning by enhancing my education. In addition, I acted as a mentor to the students during the clinical portion of the practicum as well as provided appropriate feedback to guide the students in the direction regarding critical thinking and analysis. Realizing how time consuming online teaching can be, I have developed a strategy for effective time management to balance the demands of instructing a course that will allow for timely response to issues/questions presented, effective facilitation of discussion forums, and providing constructive feedback that will appropriately guide the student. During my practicum, I continuously assessed and evaluated my effectiveness in providing excellent education/instruction to the students and will continue to do so in my role as a nurse educator. In addition, I intend to remain aware of the most current evidence-based practice to ensure the presentation of the most accurate and foremost information available to produce excellent nurses/students.
Competency 7: Engage in Scholarship
The center of the nurse educator’s role is education, not only to sustain nursing skills but to integrate evidence-based research into practice (Badeau, 2010). Through my online student teaching portion, I used evaluations/assessments to measure my effectiveness regarding facilitation and student interaction. I was also able to apply technology while facilitating the online course. One way I will be able to meet this competency as an educator is through outcome design for the course(s) that I will instruct. As I mature in my role as a nurse educator, I look forward to opportunities to conduct presentations related to teaching/learning, participate in positive peer assessments of teaching innovations, and possibly submit my works for peer-reviewed publication.
Competency 8: Function within the Educational Environment
Nursing is a distinguished profession that collaborates and contributes to the overall mission of the organization and society (Wittman-Price & Godshall, 2009). Nurse educators have integrated into the larger community as experts in a discipline with a unique position of being both clinical and didactic (Wittman-Price & Godshall). The status of many institutions and colleges has been enhanced by the professionalism that nurse educators contribute to the larger academic community (Wittman-Price & Godshall). In my online clinical practicum, I actively engaged in building an atmosphere that encouraged student development by modeling collegiality, respect, professionalism, and compassion while functioning and interacting within the clinical and theoretical environments. During my nurse educator career, I will engage in developing and maintaining partnerships within the health care community.
References:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (1999). Position statement on defining scholarship for the discipline of nursing. Retrieved from http://www.aacn.nche.edu/publications/positions/scholar.htm
Badeau, K. A. (2010). Problem-based learning: An educational method for nurses in clinical practice. Journal for Nurses in Staff Development 26(6), pg 244-249.
Halstead, J. (2007). Nurse educator competencies: Creating an evidence-based practice for nurse educators. New York, NY: National League of Nursing.
RNDegrees.net. (2006). Mastering the core competencies of nurse educator practice. Retrieved from http://rndegrees.net/articles/nurse-educator-practice.html
Wittmann-Price, R. A. & Godshall, M. (2009). Certified nurse educ ator (CNE) review manual. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company, LLC.
Nurse educators facilitate learning by assessing the learning needs and skills of the students to develop an effective teaching plan and create a productive learning environment (RNDegrees.net, 2006). Implementing a variety of teaching strategies using educational theory and evidence-based teaching practices will assist in the adaptation of the knowledge to the students’ own experiences (Halstead, 2007). Furthermore, the nurse educator must serve as a role model for the students and exhibit motivation and enthusiasm about learning (RNDegrees.net). I have accomplished this competency by using self-reflection, active participation in the classroom/online discussion forum, incorporating information technologies, serving as a positive role model and mentor, committing myself to a life of unremitting learning, and being actively involved in my clinical practicum. During my clinical practicum, I demonstrated my passion for teaching and learning by providing an environment of open communication to inspire and motive the students to set and achieve both personal and professional goals.
Competency 2: Facilitate Learner Development and Socialization
Nurse educators are accountable for promoting students’ development and improvement (RNDegrees.net, 2006). The nurse educator is responsible for mentoring and role modeling the expected behaviors, values, and responsibilities of being a nurse to provide a greater understanding of the expectations of a professional nurse (Halstead, 2007). During my online practicum, I was able to encourage socialization by encouraging the learners to think critically and to reflect on past experiences to provide class enrichment and development. I was exposed to a diversity of learners with different backgrounds and cultures, allowing me to utilize a variety of learning styles to address the different needs of the learners. I also encouraged the student’s to validate their ideas with research to promote learning and expose the students to different perspectives.
Competency 3: Use Assessment and Evaluation Strategies
Assessment and evaluation strategies help balance the aspects of admission, progression, and retention to ensure positive program outcomes (Wittman-Price & Godshall, 2009). Effective evaluation tools are essential in determining the fate of student success and public safety (Wittman-Price & Godshall). During my clinical practicum, I assessed the students’ level of knowledge, personal beliefs, and behavior at the beginning of the course and then evaluated each students’ progress at the completion of the course. Throughout the practicum, I provided substantial feedback to students regarding areas of strength and weakness by providing praise, guidance, and available resources to encourage student progression.
Competency 4: Participate in Curriculum Design and Evaluation of Program Outcomes
The nurse educator is responsible for designing the course curriculum, ensuring a connection with the mission of the institution (Wittman-Price & Godshall, 2009). Although I have not been directly involved in the curriculum design, I have been reviewing the design of the course to determine how the instructor developed the course through the evaluation of the program outcomes of my online practicum by reviewing/grading student papers and comparing the content of the paper to the outcomes for the course. I have realized that it is important to be aware of repetitive objectives among other courses of the program; therefore, continual evaluation of curriculum objectives provides a platform for structural changes. In addition, it is important to maintain an up-to-date curriculum with appropriate tools and information to accommodate the learning needs of the students.
Competency 5: Function as a Change Agent and Leader
As nurses, especially nurse educators, we continuously act as change agents; therefore, this is an ongoing behavior. Nurses and nurse educators act as change agents and leaders daily and greatly influence the profession. Throughout my clinical portion of the practicum, I acted as a role model to help model the students to be trustworthy, competent nurses. Politics influence change and has a large impact on the role of the change agent; therefore, I intend to stay abreast of the political issues occurring and remain sensitive to the current topics. Excellent communication skills, observational skills to monitor the change, knowledge of group dynamics, perceptive nature about political issues, supportive attitude, and establishment of trusting relationships are all key qualities of an effective change agent. Therefore, I will need to continuously be aware of these skills and seek opportunities to make effective, worthwhile change. Nurse educators help to shape the future of the nursing profession by acting as a role model to influence the future nurses’ attitudes and behaviors; thus, we have endless opportunity to complete this competency.
Competency 6: Pursue Continuous Quality Improvement
I have accomplished the competency of continuous quality improvement by demonstrating a commitment to lifelong learning by enhancing my education. In addition, I acted as a mentor to the students during the clinical portion of the practicum as well as provided appropriate feedback to guide the students in the direction regarding critical thinking and analysis. Realizing how time consuming online teaching can be, I have developed a strategy for effective time management to balance the demands of instructing a course that will allow for timely response to issues/questions presented, effective facilitation of discussion forums, and providing constructive feedback that will appropriately guide the student. During my practicum, I continuously assessed and evaluated my effectiveness in providing excellent education/instruction to the students and will continue to do so in my role as a nurse educator. In addition, I intend to remain aware of the most current evidence-based practice to ensure the presentation of the most accurate and foremost information available to produce excellent nurses/students.
Competency 7: Engage in Scholarship
The center of the nurse educator’s role is education, not only to sustain nursing skills but to integrate evidence-based research into practice (Badeau, 2010). Through my online student teaching portion, I used evaluations/assessments to measure my effectiveness regarding facilitation and student interaction. I was also able to apply technology while facilitating the online course. One way I will be able to meet this competency as an educator is through outcome design for the course(s) that I will instruct. As I mature in my role as a nurse educator, I look forward to opportunities to conduct presentations related to teaching/learning, participate in positive peer assessments of teaching innovations, and possibly submit my works for peer-reviewed publication.
Competency 8: Function within the Educational Environment
Nursing is a distinguished profession that collaborates and contributes to the overall mission of the organization and society (Wittman-Price & Godshall, 2009). Nurse educators have integrated into the larger community as experts in a discipline with a unique position of being both clinical and didactic (Wittman-Price & Godshall). The status of many institutions and colleges has been enhanced by the professionalism that nurse educators contribute to the larger academic community (Wittman-Price & Godshall). In my online clinical practicum, I actively engaged in building an atmosphere that encouraged student development by modeling collegiality, respect, professionalism, and compassion while functioning and interacting within the clinical and theoretical environments. During my nurse educator career, I will engage in developing and maintaining partnerships within the health care community.
References:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (1999). Position statement on defining scholarship for the discipline of nursing. Retrieved from http://www.aacn.nche.edu/publications/positions/scholar.htm
Badeau, K. A. (2010). Problem-based learning: An educational method for nurses in clinical practice. Journal for Nurses in Staff Development 26(6), pg 244-249.
Halstead, J. (2007). Nurse educator competencies: Creating an evidence-based practice for nurse educators. New York, NY: National League of Nursing.
RNDegrees.net. (2006). Mastering the core competencies of nurse educator practice. Retrieved from http://rndegrees.net/articles/nurse-educator-practice.html
Wittmann-Price, R. A. & Godshall, M. (2009). Certified nurse educ ator (CNE) review manual. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company, LLC.