Name: Nadine Keene
Current place of employment: J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College

Current role (clinical, administrative, dean, adjunct, etc.): Assistant Professor of Nursing
Highest level of education: Master's in Nursing

Number of years you have been an RN: 22
Number of years as a Nurse Educator: 2

Why did you choose to teach nursing (variety of work, flexible work schedule, encourage and educate eager minds, etc.)?
After receiving my Master's Degree, I decided to try something new and challenging. This opportunity came along, and I fell into it.

Over the year/s how has your initial opinion of teaching changed? What is responsible for those changes?
I was initially overwhelmed and unsure of myself outside of the hospital setting. I now place the highest value on the educational system to supply the community with intelligent, ethical, competent, caring nurses. I realize how critical the education process is for upcoming professional nurses.

Personally speaking, what is the best part of teaching nursing (advising students, classroom teaching, clinical instructing, etc.)?
The best part of teaching is starting with a group of students at one point, and ending up with the same group of students possessing knowledge, confidence, and potential. The student relationship is the factor that makes all of the work worthwhile. Sharing my expertise with a group of people who want to learn is fantastic. The clinical and classroom settings are very rewarding.

In your opinion, what is the most difficult part of being a Nurse Educator?
In the general sense, I think the difficulty comes in the lack of group support for persons in this academic level, the lack of a higher level association for the promotion of Nursing Educators. The other part of the difficulty is the low salary scale offered to Nurse Educators. We are required to have a higher education, but are not compensated for it at the same monetary level as other nurses with advanced degrees.

Would you encourage fellow RNs to consider becoming Nurse Educators? Why or Why not?
I definitely would encourage others to teach. I think the doors will open and conditions will improve as the need for nurses in the community increases. This is the time for us to join together and act.

In your opinion, what are some factors that retain you as a Nurse Educator?
The flexible scheduling; making a difference in the profession of nursing; continuing to function in the hospital and outside of the hospital; the overall joy it brings me to see the students succeed.

What is your opinion of using the Internet as a teaching tool? (For example, one instructor teaching hundreds of students non clinical classes (A&P, Psychology etc.) in a virtual classroom?)
I think there is room for Internet and online learning in nursing, but nothing can replace the nursing professional in person in the classroom. I do think that interactive and Internet learning absolutely does have a place, but should not be treated as a replacement for the classroom.

What is the main reason you see nursing students dropping out of programs?
In the community college setting, I think the main reason the student drops out of the program is lack of priority setting. These students work and try to balance families, etc., and do not realize the difficulty and commitment that Nursing Education requires. It is imperative to maintain high standards in order to protect the public and provide the community with competent care givers. Education should remain a priority.