Being an educator of nurses is a combination of two roles: nurse and educator. Either one by itself is challenging; together they can be daunting—or synergistic. The purpose of this book is to help both novice and seasoned educators gain skills in managing classroom experiences. The primary tool the educator has when teaching in a classroom is self. Perhaps the easiest way to conceptualize the importance of self is within the Emotional Intelligence framework. The relationship management aspects of emotional intelligence address the ability to work well with others and to utilize the understanding of self and others in subtle ways that induce desirable responses in others. Most of us began a nursing career with excitement, commitment, and a love for nursing and caring for human beings who are sick and in crisis. By role modeling the positive attributes of professional behavior, a positive attitude, a passion for nursing and teaching, and by building relationships with learners, the educator can enhance the learners’ experience and knowledge acquisition. Preparation for teaching a course or a class begins with a self-assessment of the educator’s current teaching skill set. The next key aspect of preparation begins with a review of the course syllabus or class objectives. Evidence-based practice and a focus on safe patient care are the current crux of educational efforts. Creating classroom interactions that transport learners to clinical experiences promotes the nursing essence, capitalizes on the expertise of educators, and focuses on becoming expert at learning.
