Personal Philosophy of the Importance of Nursing Educators

The field of nursing has evolved into a multifaceted, multi-opportune

career field. There are opportunities in nursing Florence Nightingale or Mary
Eliza Mahoney probably never imagined. Taking the Hippocratic Oath of
Nursing no longer limits that nurse to displaying his or her dedication to the
profession just at the bedside. Nurses can be providers, such as nurse
practioners, bedside nurses, clinicians, researchers, educators and even earn
PhDs. With so many available opportunities, those who are responsible for
educating our future nurse innovators are decreasing in numbers. It is
important that the future of nursing is paved by dedicated, highly trained,
caring nurse educators. I hope to someday become someone who makes a
difference in a nursing students life both professionally and personally.
The nursing student and the success of the nursing student should be
at the top of the nurse educators to do list. It is the educator, who will
impact that students view on nursing. In the classroom setting, showing
students that you too are more than seems to help foster nurse/educator
relationships. I am more than a teacher. The educator may be a husband,
wife, parent etc., just as the student is. I like the personal introductions
incorporated into the beginning of classes. I hope to use this method as a
means to connect with my students and help my students connect with each
other. The nursing student is the clay and the educator is the artist. It is our
jobs to create fine works of art, by instilling the values of nursing that is so

important to our profession along with the value of team work. I believe
being a team player is very good quality for every nurse, no matter the role
to possess.
I also believe that every educator should be constant and up to date on
evidenced-based modalities in order to be an asset to his or her students. I
believe in constant growth and continued development in nursing
knowledge. Participating in scholarly activities such as doing research,
presenting posters to peers, attending lectures and simply reading is not just
limited to the student. I expect my students to stay current on medical
information and they should expect the same from me.
Teaching and learning go hand in hand. My teaching style is
interaction. It is boring when instructors stand and just talk for hours with
small breaks in between lectures. I am interactive. I enjoy engaging the
student while delivering important information. This is also a way to assess
the knowledge the student already possess. In using this technique, I have
often learned from my students. I believe in students engaging in discussion
and peer review. It is both informative and often eye opening. Differences of
opinion should be embraced, not stifled. Where discrepancies exist,
however, the nurse educator is there to clear up confusion and provide solid
information.
I have learned from my own endeavors that scholarship is very
important. Assignments must be read. Projects must be completed for

successful progression through programs of study. Good study habits are

encouraged. The student must understand, as I have, ones dedication to
personal success determines outcomes.
The nurse is the patients advocate. The nurse is sometimes the only
voice the patient has in treatment. The nurse must be knowledgeable and
committed to do the best job possible for his or her patient. That nurse must
also be prepared and confident. I am dedicated to the production of great
nurses. I believe in great nurses. Good is unacceptable. When my student
needs motivation or assistance, I will keep an open door policy. The quality
of the student determines the quality of the nurse. As educators we must
instill in our students the values of honesty, integrity, patient advocacy and
continued growth. Well trained students become invaluable patient
resources.
My values for nurse education fall directly in line with my nursing
schools vision, mission, core values and strategic priorities and goals.
Innovation and the knowledge of the ever-changing health care field is very
important. Research based, evidenced based learning prepares our future
nursing leaders. Values are something every nurse must have to do the
most good for the patient. Finally, the promotion of excellence insures
continued success and growth of the program and the student.