The Ideal-Real Aspects of the Role of an Educational Leader

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What are the attributes needed by an education leader

As the previous generations of nurse education leaders are retiring and the health care environment is becoming increasingly complex, we as a profession need nurse educators that possess the competencies that facilitate students having the skills to practice evidence-based care in this environment (Hanson & Stenvig 2008). In this author’s opinion the following are some of the attributes that a nurse education leader should possess including: proactive, goal orientated, collaborative, organized, professional, supportive, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. The nurse educator’s ability to possess, demonstrate and renew these attributes will serve them in their ability to facilitate learning and attainment of program outcomes regardless of the setting or program outcomes (Hanson & Stenvig 2008).

This author’s literature review and practical experience have reaffirmed his belief that the facilitation of education must start with a respect for the student which has been shown to create a positive learning environment conducive to learning as well as teaching (Hanson & Stenvig 2008). The nurse educators in the practical setting have continuously demonstrated their ability to respect all humans regardless of student or colleague which has created an environment that is in line with the mission and conducive to learning.

The nurse educators in the organization have also maintained a proactive mindset in seeking and seizing every chance to participate in opportunities that can have a positive impact on patient care outcomes including: new grants, teaching opportunities, preventative strategies as well as different setting and age range of patients. My preceptor has dem...

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...y are utilizing the most effective strategies on behalf of the patients. The program planning meetings have been great in providing valuable insight in to curriculum development. The nurse educators during the program meeting critique and assess every part of the educational initiative for whether or not it is effective and assistive to learning by the patient. These meetings are collaborative in nature but also conducive to individuals, including myself, speaking their perspective on many aspects including the outcomes, format of sessions, strategies, and course materials. This author just wish that many staff nurses were able to attend these behind the scenes meetings which may bridge the gap between the nurse educator and staff nurse whom often refers patients to the initiatives, which could help them see how much effort goes into these valuable initiatives.

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