NLN Competencies for Nurse Educators
Each NLN competency contains my explanation and meaning to me at this point in my career. With experience my views will change and grow in depth. Also included are the Ferris State University (FSU) graduate nursing outcomes that correspond with each NLN competency.
Competency 1: Facilitate Learning
To achieve this competency a nurse educator must provide an inviting learning environment, and engage a variety of teaching strategies to meet the needs of the students' learning style. A combination of educational, and nursing theories, along with evidence-based teaching will set the framework to facilitate learning. Interactive learning strategies with initiate the use of critical thinking and prompt questions.
The MSN program at Ferris is virtual. All the educators have been readily assessable, provided constructive feedback, and have facilitated a learning environment conducive to success.
FSU Graduate Nursing Outcomes: Scholarship, Professionalism
Competency 2: Facilitate Learner Development and Socialization
The rate at which a student develops varies. Students are multicultural and multigenerational. By promoting the socialization of the learner, they can then extend their understanding to their colleagues and clients. The patterns of nursing knowing will assist in building positive relationships. By being mindful, I will gain a deeper understanding of my personal visions and beliefs as well as others. Through my studies at Ferris I have found reflective journaling to be a very effective tool to search for personal areas of development.
FSU Graduate Nursing Outcomes: Theory, Specialty Leadership, Scholarship
Competency 3: Use assessment and Evaluation Strategies
Nursing curriculums have program outcomes to be assessed and evaluated. It is important to assure each learner understands what they will be held accountable for. Multiple assessment and evaluation methods should be offered. Evaluations need to be constructive in nature. Feed back from the students' regarding the educator's performance contributes to continuous curriculum quality improvement measure implementation. The Ferris State MSN program offered opportunities to asses and evaluate other students' academic work, along with course evaluations each semester.
FSU Graduate Nursing Outcomes: Theory, Scholarship, Health Care Environment
Competency 4: Participate in curriculum Design and Evaluation of Program Outcomes
Health care change is ongoing. This rapid change cycle requires nursing curriculums to be evaluated more frequently. In order to keep curriculums evidence-based restructuring to incorporate the best standards of practice will be ongoing. By taking an active part the nurse educator will have input allowing growth of their own career. There have been several occasions to research curriculum design with the experience of designing a school of nursing. The outcomes of the gradate nursing program were communicated with clarity. In my current position as a school nurse, I prepare presentations for various age levels on multiple health topics. Although they are not entire curriculums, learning styles, research, creativity, etc. must be considered.
FSU Graduate Nursing Outcomes: Collaborative Leadership, Theory, Specialty Leadership, Health Care Environment, Professionalism
Competency 5: Function as a Change agent and Leader
By complying with competency 4, a nurse educator is in the role of a change agent and leader. The change agent and leadership roles are essential at the masters level of nursing. Nurse educators serve as mentors to their students. In my nursing career I have been a change agent and leader, however it has been outside of the educator role.
FSU Graduate Nursing Outcomes: Theory, Specialty Leadership, Health Care Environment, Professionalism
Competency 6: Pursue Continuous Quality Improvement in the Nurse Educator Role
Over the years, I have pursued CQI measures. These measures were both on an organizational and personal level. Both can be difficult endeavors. There is always room for improvement. Sometimes, the need for a personal CQI intervention can be uncomfortable. Any CQI can serve as a learning experience, and provide growth fro both the student and the educator.
FSU Graduate Nursing Outcomes: Specialty Leadership, Scholarship, Health Care Environment, Professionalism
Competency 7: Engage in Scholarship
I am committed to lifelong learning as evidenced by the completion of my MSN. Currently, I am exploring DNP programs to continue my education. The participation in professional nursing organizations demonstrates a desire to stay scholarly. Attending nursing conferences provides motivational experiences, drive the need for more information. Life-long learning provides the avenue to stay abreast of best practices.
FSU Graduate Nursing Outcomes: Scholarship, Professionalism
Competency 8: Function within the Educational Environment
To date, my experience as an educator has been as a preceptor and mentor, to new
employees and nursing students, and a health educator to students K-12. I enjoy providing health and wellness education to all ages. This competency will evolve with time as I enter new educational settings.
FSU Graduate Nursing Outcomes: Collaborative Leadership,Theory, Specialty Leadership, Scholarship, Health Care Environment, Professional
Each NLN competency contains my explanation and meaning to me at this point in my career. With experience my views will change and grow in depth. Also included are the Ferris State University (FSU) graduate nursing outcomes that correspond with each NLN competency.
Competency 1: Facilitate Learning
To achieve this competency a nurse educator must provide an inviting learning environment, and engage a variety of teaching strategies to meet the needs of the students' learning style. A combination of educational, and nursing theories, along with evidence-based teaching will set the framework to facilitate learning. Interactive learning strategies with initiate the use of critical thinking and prompt questions.
The MSN program at Ferris is virtual. All the educators have been readily assessable, provided constructive feedback, and have facilitated a learning environment conducive to success.
FSU Graduate Nursing Outcomes: Scholarship, Professionalism
Competency 2: Facilitate Learner Development and Socialization
The rate at which a student develops varies. Students are multicultural and multigenerational. By promoting the socialization of the learner, they can then extend their understanding to their colleagues and clients. The patterns of nursing knowing will assist in building positive relationships. By being mindful, I will gain a deeper understanding of my personal visions and beliefs as well as others. Through my studies at Ferris I have found reflective journaling to be a very effective tool to search for personal areas of development.
FSU Graduate Nursing Outcomes: Theory, Specialty Leadership, Scholarship
Competency 3: Use assessment and Evaluation Strategies
Nursing curriculums have program outcomes to be assessed and evaluated. It is important to assure each learner understands what they will be held accountable for. Multiple assessment and evaluation methods should be offered. Evaluations need to be constructive in nature. Feed back from the students' regarding the educator's performance contributes to continuous curriculum quality improvement measure implementation. The Ferris State MSN program offered opportunities to asses and evaluate other students' academic work, along with course evaluations each semester.
FSU Graduate Nursing Outcomes: Theory, Scholarship, Health Care Environment
Competency 4: Participate in curriculum Design and Evaluation of Program Outcomes
Health care change is ongoing. This rapid change cycle requires nursing curriculums to be evaluated more frequently. In order to keep curriculums evidence-based restructuring to incorporate the best standards of practice will be ongoing. By taking an active part the nurse educator will have input allowing growth of their own career. There have been several occasions to research curriculum design with the experience of designing a school of nursing. The outcomes of the gradate nursing program were communicated with clarity. In my current position as a school nurse, I prepare presentations for various age levels on multiple health topics. Although they are not entire curriculums, learning styles, research, creativity, etc. must be considered.
FSU Graduate Nursing Outcomes: Collaborative Leadership, Theory, Specialty Leadership, Health Care Environment, Professionalism
Competency 5: Function as a Change agent and Leader
By complying with competency 4, a nurse educator is in the role of a change agent and leader. The change agent and leadership roles are essential at the masters level of nursing. Nurse educators serve as mentors to their students. In my nursing career I have been a change agent and leader, however it has been outside of the educator role.
FSU Graduate Nursing Outcomes: Theory, Specialty Leadership, Health Care Environment, Professionalism
Competency 6: Pursue Continuous Quality Improvement in the Nurse Educator Role
Over the years, I have pursued CQI measures. These measures were both on an organizational and personal level. Both can be difficult endeavors. There is always room for improvement. Sometimes, the need for a personal CQI intervention can be uncomfortable. Any CQI can serve as a learning experience, and provide growth fro both the student and the educator.
FSU Graduate Nursing Outcomes: Specialty Leadership, Scholarship, Health Care Environment, Professionalism
Competency 7: Engage in Scholarship
I am committed to lifelong learning as evidenced by the completion of my MSN. Currently, I am exploring DNP programs to continue my education. The participation in professional nursing organizations demonstrates a desire to stay scholarly. Attending nursing conferences provides motivational experiences, drive the need for more information. Life-long learning provides the avenue to stay abreast of best practices.
FSU Graduate Nursing Outcomes: Scholarship, Professionalism
Competency 8: Function within the Educational Environment
To date, my experience as an educator has been as a preceptor and mentor, to new
employees and nursing students, and a health educator to students K-12. I enjoy providing health and wellness education to all ages. This competency will evolve with time as I enter new educational settings.
FSU Graduate Nursing Outcomes: Collaborative Leadership,Theory, Specialty Leadership, Scholarship, Health Care Environment, Professional