If you are a qualified nurse and want to use your expertise to train the next generation of nurses, then a Lecturer in Nursing role might be your next career move.
Applications for nursing degrees have soared since the coronavirus pandemic, according to a report by UCAS. This factor, along with the fact that nursing is now a degree profession, means universities and colleges are always looking to hire expert nursing staff to teach and inspire trainees.
What does a lecturer in nursing do?
Qualified nurses from all four nursing specialisms – adult, children, mental health and learning disability – who can help to build high-quality nursing education programmes are in high demand.
Although many nurse lecturers are involved in research activities, teaching trainee nurses is the primary focus of the role.
The duties of a nurse lecturer include:
- Teaching, learning and assessment of trainee nurses at undergraduate and postgraduate level
- Supporting learners on placement as a ‘link tutor’ in hospitals and other healthcare settings
- Module and curriculum design
- Delivering education through blended learning and simulation
- Supporting trainees as a personal tutor
- Forging strong links with employers and placement providers
Most nurse lecturer jobs are offered on a full-time, permanent basis; however, many nurse lecturers combine the role with clinical practice so their skills and registration are kept up-to-date.
As well as lecturing roles in the four nursing specialisms, you will also find more specialised teaching positions in, for example, health and social care or midwifery.
Lecturers in Health and Social care work in both higher education and Further Education (FE), such as in colleges or other vocational training settings.
They generally have a background in nursing and train students who wish to work in social care, as a care worker or therapist.
What qualifications and experience do you need?
A first degree in nursing or health and social care-related discipline is essential for lecturing roles in universities.
For lecturing jobs in further education, a minimum Level 3 Health and Social Care qualification would be essential, though a degree in nursing would be highly desirable.
Previous experience in teaching, delivery and assessment at Level 3, undergraduate and postgraduate levels would also be necessary.
What’s the pay?
Salaries range from £25,186 to £35,837 in further education colleges and can be higher for health and social care lecturers in higher education.
What can it lead to?
Depending on whether you are lecturing in a university or college, the next step up would be senior lecturer (higher education) or curriculum lead (further education).
Where can I find nursing jobs?
Lecturers in health and social care nursing are in high demand, particularly in FE, due to the acute need for newly-trained staff in the care sector. Most jobs are offered on a permanent, full-time basis.
Further information:
Want to be a lecturer
My wife is a G.P. with over 20 years of clinical experience. She will soon retire (age 62). What would it take for her to lecture in a school of nursing, or any allied health profession?
Thanks