Nursing Instructor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s healthcare landscape, the need for proficient nursing instructors is more critical than ever.

As the healthcare sector continues to evolve, the demand for skilled professionals who can educate, mentor, and inspire the next generation of nurses grows stronger.

But let’s dive deeper: What’s truly expected from a nursing instructor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker wanting to understand the depth of this role,
• A hiring manager planning the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of nursing education,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable nursing instructor job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Nursing Instructor Duties and Responsibilities

Nursing Instructors, also known as Nurse Educators, use their expert knowledge of nursing to teach and guide student nurses in academic or clinical settings.

They ensure that the future generation of nurses are well-prepared and competent in their future roles.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Planning, developing, and delivering lectures on various nursing subjects
• Assessing the students’ performance and providing constructive feedback
• Supervising and evaluating students’ laboratory and clinical work
• Developing and implementing educational programs and curriculum for the nursing students
• Staying updated with latest trends and advancements in the field of nursing
• Conducting research and publishing findings in professional and academic journals
• Advising students on academic and career related issues
• Collaborating with healthcare professionals and field experts for guest lectures or workshops
• Participating in faculty and college committee meetings and other institutional activities
• Maintaining academic records and ensuring compliance with nursing education regulatory standards
• Providing mentorship, guidance, and support to student nurses

 

Nursing Instructor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Nursing Instructor to join our team of educators.

The Nursing Instructor’s responsibilities include teaching and mentoring students, developing lesson plans and curriculums, and providing a positive learning environment.

The ideal candidate should have a strong background in nursing, exceptional communication skills, a deep understanding of the subject, and the ability to inspire and motivate students.

 

Responsibilities

• Plan and teach courses in nursing to meet curriculum requirements
• Develop and implement innovative instructional methods
• Design, distribute, and utilize instructional material, aids and manuals
• Maintain records of student’s performance, attendance, and grades
• Evaluate students’ progress regularly, provide feedback, and remediate learning issues
• Assist students with securing practical experience
• Stay updated on latest nursing education modules and best practices in teaching
• Attend educational seminars and workshops for professional growth

 

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in Nursing
• Active and unencumbered RN license
• Previous experience as a Nursing Instructor or in a similar role
• Strong knowledge of current nursing practices and techniques
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in using computer and digital teaching tools
• Strong organizational and planning skills
• A passion for nursing and for educating others

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Nursing Instructor
• Work Environment: Educational setting with occasional travel for seminars or workshops
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Nursing Department
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $65,000 minimum to $90,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Nursing Instructor Do?

Nursing Instructors, also known as nurse educators, work in classrooms and in clinical settings within healthcare facilities.

They are experienced Registered Nurses who have chosen to educate the next generation of nurses.

In the classroom, they are responsible for creating lesson plans and teaching those plans to their students.

They cover a wide range of nursing topics, from patient care and medical terminology to specific nursing procedures and policies.

Nursing Instructors also provide hands-on training in clinical settings.

They oversee their students as they practice skills such as taking vital signs, giving injections, dressing wounds, and other basic nursing duties.

They provide feedback to students, correct their techniques, and assess their progress.

Nurse educators are also responsible for staying current on changes and innovations in the healthcare field.

They must continually learn and adapt their lesson plans to incorporate the latest practices and technologies.

In addition to teaching, they often conduct research, publish findings in medical journals, and may also provide leadership in developing nursing program curriculum.

Lastly, they also mentor students, providing guidance, support and advice for their career paths in nursing.

 

Nursing Instructor Qualifications and Skills

A qualified Nursing Instructor should possess a set of skills and qualifications that align with the demands of the job, including:

• A strong clinical background and experience to provide students with real-world insights and teach them practical nursing skills.
• Excellent communication skills to explain complex medical terminology and procedures in a clear, concise manner to students with varying levels of understanding.
• Patience and understanding to support students as they learn and practice new skills, and to provide constructive feedback on their progress.
• Interpersonal skills to form relationships with students, understand their needs and concerns, and motivate them to succeed.
• Organizational skills to manage course materials, lesson plans, student grades, and other administrative tasks related to teaching.
• Problem-solving skills to identify challenges in students’ learning and come up with effective strategies to address them.
• A commitment to continuous learning, to stay updated with the latest medical research and healthcare practices and integrate them into the curriculum.
• Leadership abilities to guide students, inspire confidence, and prepare them for the responsibilities they will face as professional nurses.

 

Nursing Instructor Experience Requirements

Nursing Instructors are usually required to have at least 3-5 years of experience in a clinical nursing setting.

This experience provides the practical skills and knowledge necessary to teach the next generation of nurses.

To gain this experience, many pursue careers as Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, or in other nursing specialties.

Throughout their clinical careers, they may work in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, private practices, and nursing homes.

Beyond clinical experience, some Nursing Instructor positions may require prior teaching experience.

This could be gained through roles such as a preceptor, mentor, or even teaching nursing classes on a part-time basis.

Candidates with more than 5-7 years of experience may be suitable for senior instructor positions or department leadership roles.

These roles often require experience in curriculum development, program accreditation processes, and department administration.

Additionally, all Nursing Instructors must possess an active RN license, and many positions require a Master’s Degree in Nursing, or a related field, with a focus on education.

 

Nursing Instructor Education and Training Requirements

Nursing Instructors typically hold at least a master’s degree in nursing.

However, many institutions prefer candidates with a doctoral degree in nursing or a related field.

They must also have an active registered nurse (RN) license.

This license is obtained by first earning a diploma, associate degree or bachelor’s degree in nursing and then passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

In addition to academic qualifications, nursing instructors should have several years of clinical experience.

This experience provides them with the practical knowledge necessary to effectively teach nursing students.

Nursing Instructors may also need to be certified in the specialty they plan to teach, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or oncology.

Some institutions may require nursing instructors to have experience or training in education or curriculum development.

Continuing education is important for Nursing Instructors to stay updated with the latest advancements in the nursing field.

Therefore, they are often encouraged to attend workshops, conferences, and seminars.

 

Nursing Instructor Salary Expectations

A Nursing Instructor can expect to earn an average salary of $75,423 (USD) per year.

However, the actual income can fluctuate based on factors such as the level of experience, educational qualifications, and the location of employment.

 

Nursing Instructor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Nursing Instructor need?

Nursing Instructors should have advanced nursing skills coupled with excellent communication and leadership abilities.

They need to be knowledgeable in the latest healthcare regulations and procedures, have strong organizational skills, and be good at motivating and inspiring students.

They should also be patient, empathetic, and have a knack for explaining complex nursing concepts in a way that’s easy for students to understand.

 

Do Nursing Instructors need a degree?

Yes, Nursing Instructors typically need a Master’s degree in Nursing, and often a Doctorate degree is preferred.

In addition, they should have an active RN license.

Some institutions may require Nursing Instructors to have previous teaching experience or a certain number of years of clinical experience.

 

What should you look for in a Nursing Instructor’s resume?

A Nursing Instructor’s resume should demonstrate advanced education in nursing and previous nursing experience, preferably in a clinical setting.

It should also highlight any teaching experience they might have.

Look for a strong understanding of nursing techniques, methods, and procedures, along with excellent communication skills.

Any additional qualifications such as certifications in specialized areas of nursing can also be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Nursing Instructor?

A good Nursing Instructor should have a passion for teaching and a deep understanding of nursing principles.

They should be patient, able to adapt to different learning styles, and have excellent communication skills to effectively convey complex nursing concepts.

They should also be empathetic and able to provide constructive feedback and support to students.

Additionally, they should be lifelong learners, always staying updated on the latest in healthcare and nursing education.

 

How challenging is it to hire a Nursing Instructor?

Hiring a Nursing Instructor can be challenging due to the specific qualifications and skills required.

They not only need to have extensive clinical nursing experience, but they also need to have strong teaching skills.

The demand for Nursing Instructors is also high, due to the increasing need for trained nursing professionals.

As such, employers may need to offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract and retain qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

We’ve unveiled the true essence of being a nursing instructor today.

And guess what?

It’s not solely about administering lessons.

It’s about shaping the future of healthcare, one student at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive nursing instructor job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to make your mark.

But why end here?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating finely-tailored listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every lesson delivered is a stepping stone towards a healthier future.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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