NLN Core Competency VIII: Function with the Educational Environment
It is imperative that the nurse educator have the skillset and knowledge to be able to function effectively in the nurse educator role. Halstead (2007) reports that the educator should understand the educational environment where they teach, including both internal and external factors. Factors that influence the faculty role in the education environment, as reported by Halstead (2007) are being “knowledgeable about the history, culture, governing structure, and political dynamics that exist within the institution, as well as current trends in nursing education” (p. 156). In addition to the internal factors within the institution, it is imperative that the nurse educator have a working knowledge of local, national, and international politics as these factors will also influence their role within the institution (Halstead, 2007).
Having a working knowledge and savviness of these factors allow the nurse educator to function effectively in the role of educator. According to Halstead (2007), the having a good foundation in these factors will allow the nurse educator to use their knowledge to make educated decisions and recommendations at the institutional and educational level. This foundation is also will also aide in the networking and professional collaboration with faculty and outside organizations and increase the influence they have among the academic community as well as function as a leader among academic peers. The foundation in the external political factors allow the nurse educator to act as a nursing education advocate among the political setting (Halstead, 2007).
To meet this standard, to function effectively in my current role, and to prepare me to function within the role as nurse educator in the academic setting is to ensure I stay up-to-date with the current events politically (national, international, and local). Doing this helps me to make informed and credible decisions with creation of education for my peers and compliance within Surgical Services documentation.
As recommended by Halstead (2007), I have created my teaching philosophy. I will utilize this philosophy to ensure that I find the best career ‘fit’ that is in congruence with the mission and values of the institution I will teach. I have taken steps to develop and work toward my career goals, where in five years I plan to be working as a full-time instructor within the academic arena.
To increase my personal competency in this area, within the next twelve months I plan to examine the schools of nursing within the area I plan to teach. As I study these programs I will be able to determine if my goals, philosophy, and values are in congruence with the mission and values of the institution where I will seek employment. It will be necessary for me to network and reach out to faculty members of the schools I am interested in to determine if the institution is going to be a good ‘fit’ for me personally and professionally.
References
Halstead, J. A. (2007). Nurse educator competencies: Creating an evidence-based practice for nurse educators. New York, NY: National League for Nursing.
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