By #7: Adaptability
Adaptability is a key skill for a Nurse Educator because no two subjects (and indeed, no two students) are alike. It’s impossible to apply the same template to every type of situation with which you are presented.
It is worth noting, however, that being adaptable does NOT mean being a pushover! The Nurse Educator must have a strict set of ethics and practices that demand hard work from their students, but these rules must be balanced by the recognition that you can always adjust things as you go along.
#6: Social Skills
You don’t have to be the most vivacious flower in the garden, but it does help Nurse Educators to be open and communicative, among other things. Basic social skills are important as a teacher because you are a role model for your students. Emotionally, we learn to manage strong feelings such as anger and show empathy for others, which can be helpful when managing difficult students. Ethically, we develop the ability to sincerely care for others and engage in socially-responsible actions, which is of utmost importance when shaping the minds of future nurses. Behaviorally, we learn specific communication skills such as sharing and turn-taking — imagine a hospital without these skills, and you begin to realize how important they are.
#5: Positive Attitude
A positive attitude is helpful in any type of job, but is especially important when one is considering becoming a Nurse Educator. Positive thinking can bring happiness and levity, and helps a person cope with the setbacks of everyday life–especially when Nurse Educators find themselves dealing with the tedious minutia of academic life filled with endless bureaucracy and regulations. A positive attitude can overcome even the worst day.
Practice your own positive attitude by laughing at jokes, reading inspiring quotes, or simply writing down 10 things you’re thankful for. It can make a huge difference!
#4: Critical Reflection
Everyone makes mistakes, and if you’re lucky enough to be a Nurse Educator, your mistakes will likely be pointed out to you in a large classroom full of people who expect perfection. Embarrassing, yes, but it happens to everyone. The key is to learn from it. And why stop there? Learn from everything that you do. Think critically about your actions–not just at New Year’s resolution time or in the therapist’s office, but every day. Your job as a Nurse Educator is to be constantly learning. When you are looking in the mirror, you are looking at the problem. But, remember, you are also looking at the solution.
