OU offers nurses opportunities to answer demand for educators

Oakland University offers nurses looking to redirect or enhance their career goals two exciting ways to move from the operating room to the classroom, or from administering meds to administering exams.

Nurses interested in learning to become educators can take advantage of the School of Nursing's certificate and master's level programs in nursing education. Oakland's highly regarded curriculum focuses on instruction, program and course design, development, evaluation, learning styles, teaching methods and evaluation strategies.

Nurses who've already developed effective instructional skills and who have at least a bachelor's degree, three to four years of clinical experience, strong skills in their field, currency in best-practices and nursing methods, and a genuine desire to mold the minds of future nurses are invited to explore teaching opportunities at Oakland.

"Teaching is an excellent opportunity to provide knowledge and compassion in what you do every day to enhance the lives in future nursing students," said nursing instructor Peggy Jackson. Another advantage, she added, is that "Practicing RNs are able to incorporate current evidenced-based practices into clinical settings."

A shortage of nurse educators in the U.S. hinders tens of thousands of qualified students from entering nursing programs each year. Registered nurses can help answer this need by teaching full or part time, or by instructing in hospitals as preceptors in order to also continue caring in the clinical vein. Both full- and part-time nurse educators are vital for shaping future nurses and do so by combining their clinical expertise, knowledge and aptitude.

Transitioning from the bedside to the blackboard is a fulfilling way for nurses to continue pursuing their professional passion. Those interested in learning more about Oakland's nurse educator programs should call (248) 370-4253 or e-mail to nrsinfo@oakland.edu. Nurses seeking opportunities in clinical instruction at Oakland should contact Estella Nicholson at (248) 370-4256 or nicholso@oakland.edu.