What is the role of a clinical nurse educator?

Clinical nurse educators, or CNEs, are an inspiration to the healthcare industry. Without them, nurses would have the immensely difficult role of keeping up with the ever-changing demands of today’s dynamic healthcare system. Their role is fueled by a passion for the best patient care and a thriving medical industry.

With four times as many nurses in the United States as there are physicians, the nursing profession is an important profession that can have an astounding global impact. At IQVIA, our goal is to make this profession a positive one, and that’s why we draw so much attention to the clinical nurse educator career choice.

While education programs can vary, all clinical nurse educators must make the education of their students their top priority.

However, the role is diverse, and several facets shape a day in the life of a CNE. Let’s discuss some of these facets below.

Patient-focused vs. provider-focused

The definitive role of a clinical nurse educator is mostly determined by the nursing environment that must be catered to. For example, will the nurses be trained for one-on-one patient care, or will they primarily be working with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals?

The type of nursing will influence clinical nurse educator’s daily schedule and whether tasks are practical or administrative. Practical training may involve incorporating consenting patients into training programs, whereas provider-focused nursing may be more theoretical.

Strengthening the field of nursing

We’ve mentioned that the role of CNEs is essential to the health sector. One reason is that it entails strengthening the nursing field by passing on the right, proactive knowledge, but also by tightening relationships within an organization.

This is why you find that many CNEs incorporate team building and communication skills in their training. These soft skills help create a stable, determined nursing workforce that continues to carry a professional, patient-centric approach.

Evidence-based training (EBP)

This is where clinical nurse educators use research as an instrument in developing new teaching and learning strategies. Successful training methods are sourced and factored in.

Meanwhile, outdated or failed methods are scrutinized for shortcomings before being altered or completely dismissed.

This facet is also associated with student evidence-based learning, where CNEs encourage nurses to learn using research findings.

PubMed.gov found that EBP training programs effectively improve the knowledge, attitude, practice, and competency of both nurse educators and their mentees, making it an invaluable part of the job.

Ensuring that patients are provided with the best possible care

The best clinical nurse educators take time to invest in their students, sometimes on a personal level. Through empathy and understanding, they prepare aspiring nurses for the transition to the real world. This level of emotional and mental support and training helps nurses to take what they’ve learned and put it into practice so that patients are provided with the best possible care - the core focus of education in all health sectors.

Find a clinical nurse educator job with IQVIA

Are you ready for your next career move? IQVIA has an established history with clinical nurse educator programs across several therapeutic areas. A career with us is an opportunity to broaden your horizons as you network with ambitious and top physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers.

Browse our current clinical nurse educator jobs or sign up for job alerts and be the first to know about exciting opportunities in the industry. We’re excited to have you on board as we work together to change healthcare for the better.