Your Contribution to the Future of Nursing

-By Jeri L. Brandt, PHD, RN, Nursing Program Director, Nebraska Wesleyan University

How will nurses of the future describe your legacy? You can contribute to the future of nursing by volunteering to be a preceptor or working part time as a clinical instructor. Preparation to become a preceptor for student nurses or new staff nurses typically requires additional on-site preparation provided by the hospital or agency of employment.  Most institutions require nurses to be employed at least one year before they become a preceptor.  Preceptors help students and new graduates develop into skillful nurses of the future.

Think about your favorite nursing instructor, what attributes made that person an effective teacher? Do you enjoy sharing your passion about nursing with others? Are you thinking about a career that may give you additional scheduled time off to spend with your family? Nurse educators are in demand throughout the United States. You may want to try out nursing education as a part time clinical instructor. Many schools of nursing will employ nurses who have completed a BSN as a clinical instructor. 

Graduate programs throughout the country prepare nurses for a career in nursing education. Nebraska Wesleyan University offers both a BSN completion program and a MSN program with a nurse educator specialty. Our nursing program, with locations in Omaha and Lincoln, is available for BSN graduates as well as admission for diploma or associate degree nurses who have a history of superior academic achievement. Nebraska allows nurses to work full time while attending classes one day each week to attain their goal of a BSN or MSN degree.

Nurses who seek satisfaction through a career that promotes creativity as well as keeping current with trends in nursing are ideal nurse educators.

Editor’s note: Similar graduate programs as the one described above are available across the country. For more information, contact your State Board of Nursing to find an accredited program nearest you.