N²E: Envisioning a process to support transition from nurse to educator

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Health Workforce Development
• Social Justice in Healthcare

Background:

• Significant challenges in Australian nursing include rising health inequities, persistent nursing shortages, and inadequate professional development for nurse educators.
• These issues negatively impact nursing workforce capacity, nurses' preparedness for practice, and their long-term retention in the profession.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose an innovative strategy to revitalize the Australian nurse education workforce.
• To address critical issues affecting nurse educators and, consequently, the quality of nursing education and practice.

Main Methods:

• Literature review
• Analysis of extensive educational experience
• Exploratory study involving nurse educators across universities, colleges, and health services
• Integration of critical social theory, transformative learning, communities of practice, and social media principles.

Main Results:

• Identified key challenges and their impact on the nursing profession.
• Developed a strategic framework for refocusing nurse educators around a social justice agenda.
• Proposed a structured process to enhance educator confidence and professional capabilities.

Conclusions:

• Refocusing nurse educators on social justice can significantly benefit the Australian Health Care System.
• This approach can lead to improved healthcare outcomes for all societal groups, including vulnerable populations.
• The proposed strategy offers a pathway to a repopulated, reinvigorated, and refocused nurse education workforce.