Educator Role Plan Essay

Envisioning my future and creating my personal strategic plan addressing my professional development needs for my career is imperative as I face changes in my career post-graduation. Realizing my strengths and weaknesses will allow for development in the areas of need. Faculty educators may perform different roles such as advisors and mentors. A strategic plan with set goals and sub-objectives will allow for prioritization and planning in meeting the requirements of the different roles. Professional organizations such as the National League of Nursing (NLN) also allow for networking opportunities, resources, and tools to meet the goals. Strengths and Weaknesses â€Å"Preparing new nurse educators, nurse educator curricula must address the core knowledge and skills essential for effectiveness and excellence in the nurse educator role† (Kalb, 2008, p. 217). Identifying strengths and weaknesses will enable the nurse educator to address and develop areas that are considered weaknesses and flourish in areas of strength. My primary weakness is that when work is slow, I tend to become less motivated. While some nurses would take that extra time on the floor to catch up on menial tasks, I would take the time to relax. I realized that early in my career as a floor nurse, so I would always ask for the first admission or look for ways to assist the team. With that being said, my strength from that is that I work well under stress. The closer I get to a deadline, the better my thought process seems to work. In order to develop my weakness, it is important that I manage the down time appropriately. Strategic Plan The nurse educator role, whether it is as faculty, school nurse, or public health, is essential to the development of the profession. â€Å"Nursing faculty drive the work that occurs in schools of nursing† (Milone-Nuzzo & Lancaster, 2004, p. 506). Nurse educators are the key to preparing a workforce that will provide quality care for the communities in which they serve. There is a core of skills and knowledge that the nurse educator will require, regardless of his or her particular role. The responsibilities of educators in various settings may differ in certain aspects, but the main role of any educator is to facilitate learning. â€Å"One method of future planning is to reflect on several possible scenarios and create a vision to support the desired outcome† (Hinojosa, 2012, p. 34). Faculty educators may perform roles such as advisors, lecture and clinical education sessions, skills labs, faculty committees, mentoring, maintaining competencies and accreditations. Faculty is responsible for curriculum development, student assessment and evaluation, and integrating appropriate teaching styles where necessary (Finke, 2009). To meet the objective to perform the roles, goals should be set with clear sub-objectives to identify the plan over the three to five year setting. Goal #1 To become an active member in the profession of nursing faculty at the local community college. Sub-Objective #1 In order to meet my goal, my first sub-objective would be to complete my education in the Master of Science in Nursing in education (MSN/ED) with the University of Phoenix. Sub-Objective #2 After graduation, I would develop a resume indicating educational and career background. Sub-Objective #3 I will apply, interview, and accept employment at the local community college, thereby meeting my goal. Goal #2 To commit myself to continual and lifelong learning to ensure I am knowledgeable and qualified to teach. Sub-Objective #1 After completion of the MSN/ED program at University of Phoenix, determine if more education for either nurse practitioner or Doctorate will be indicated for career advancement. Sub-Objective #2 Continue my education through continuing education units that will enhance and develop previous learning. Sub-Objective #3 Increase knowledge of culturally diverse students to better assist them in their learning experience. Professional Organization The NLN is an organization that addresses the academic spectrum of nursing programs. The NLN includes nurse faculty members and is â€Å"committed to delivering improved, enhanced, and expanded services to its members and championing the pursuit of quality nursing education for all types of nursing education programs† (National League of Nursing, 2014, para. 2). The NLN provides tools, activities, and resources to ensure the success of nursing educators. This organization offers career development and networking opportunities. Conclusion The NLN is a professional organization that provides resources for the members to be successful in nursing education. As new nursing faculty, a strategic plan with set goals will be key to meet the demands of a nursing educator. Development of strengths and weaknesses will allow for professional growth and development and I face the changes in my career post-graduation. References Finke, L.M. (2009). Philosophical foundations of the Curriculum. In D.M. Billings, & J. A. Halstead (Eds.), Teaching in nursing: A guide for faculty (3rd ed., pp. 3-17). St. Louis, MO: Saunders/Elsevier. Hinojosa, J. (2012). Personal strategic plan development: Getting ready for changes in our professional and personal lives. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 66(3), e34-8. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1017693193?accountid=458 Kalb, K. A. (2008). Core competencies of nurse educators: Inspiring EXCELLENCE in nurse educator practice. Nursing Education Perspectives, 29(4), 217-9. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/236656695?accountid=458 Milone-Nuzzo, P., & Lancaster, J. (2004). Looking through the right end of the telescope: Creating a focused vision for a school of nursing. Journal of Nursing Education, 43(11), 506-11. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/203966935?accountid=458 National League for Nursing. (2014). Faculty pr ograms and resources. Retrieved from http://www.nln.org/