Nursing Educator

by Kiristin Briggs, CRNP

I seriously never thought being an educator was part of my career path, but I remember when the opportunity presented itself, like it was yesterday. At the time I was working as a resource nurse within a big hospital. I was caring for a patient whose mother happened to be the director of nursing. She approached me and said how impressed she was with my bedside manner and nursing skills. She asked if I ever thought about teaching nursing students. I had a blank stare because I never really thought about it. She handed me her business card and informed me to call her when I graduated from grad school. She said “you have a job”.

I learned a valuable lesson that day…..you NEVER know who is in your presence. You must remain professional at ALL times. Well…fast forward 8 years and I am still doing what I love…. teaching as adjunct faculty.

So, how do you know if teaching is right for you? Just like nursing, teaching isn’t for everyone. It requires a lot of compassion and patience, but so does nursing. You need a minimum of a master’s degree. Next, you have to be committed. You must be devoted to working with each student, and trust me when I say that you will often times encounter students that are downright CHALLENING. Flexibility is a must, particularly in the clinical setting. While, I’m thankful to have worked on great units and with great nursing staff, not all floors are conducive to the learning needs of the students.

There are multiple educator roles that range from adjunct or part-time faculty to full time educators. Working as adjunct faculty is a great way to get a small dose of where most of us started, at the bedside. It’s particularly great for me since I practice as Nurse Practitioner in an outpatient setting.

As mentioned, there are challenges. You are working with numerous students that often times have various learning needs. I’m open to constructive feedback just as much as I give it. My goal is to help individualize, if needed, the learning needs of my students….within reason of course.

Our job isn’t to discourage future nurses but to encourage and guide them along the right path. You will meet a lot of different personalities, but hey is that really that different from what we are used to day to day? I take my job very seriously.  I’m there to help mold a good nurse, an excellent nurse. I support and encourage each and every one of my students.

When it comes to my students, I keep the motto “yes you can”. Yes you can get through this program, yes you can become an excellent nurse and yes you can advance your career in whatever ever direction you may choose. Believe me, it’s rewarding!

Contact Kiristin Briggs, CRNP:

www.linkedin.com/in/kiristin-briggs
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