Did you know that Maryland is the first state in the nation to have all acute care hospitals offer a nurse residency program for Newly Licensed Registered Nurses (NLRNs)? In 2013, nursing leaders formed the Maryland Nurse Residency Collaborative (MNRC) to help support Maryland hospitals implement high-quality nurse residency programs.
These residency programs across the state are coordinated by fantastic nurse educators who provide a strong foundation and smooth transition into the profession for newly licensed nurses.
This series puts a spotlight on those MNRC and NRP coordinators here in Maryland!
Lauren Raynor, MS, RN, NPD-BC is the Education Specialist for the Nurse Residency Program at Greater Baltimore Medical Center. She was kind enough to share about her journey below.
Tell us briefly how and why you became a nurse educator.
"Early on in my nursing career, I knew I wanted to obtain an advance degree but was unclear what specialty area I wanted to study. Five years into my nursing career I met a school liaison who had come to our hospital and she encouraged me to go back to school. She made the process so easy I couldn’t say no. During my enrollment in my Master’s program I reflected on what I liked best about my role as a nurse.
I enjoyed being involved in change, understanding the why behind the change, and teaching the nurses I work with why this change is important for both nursing and our patients. This guided me in the direction of nursing education.
Upon completion of my Master’s degree, I knew it was time to take the next professional step in my nursing career. I applied for a Nurse Residency Program Educator position where I would have the opportunity to develop curriculum, teach, and mentor newly graduated nurses. When I accepted the position, I had no idea how challenging yet rewarding the role would be.
I love being an educator because each day is different but I get to draw upon all aspects of my 16 years of nursing experience to help guide practice changes, collaborate with leaders, and mentor nurses."
What is the most important thing you’ve learned in your career as an educator?
There are many things I have learned as a nurse educator and it is very hard to identify the most important thing. However, I would have to say one of the most important things I keep in mind when educating or creating a plan for education is that:
Each of us are unique individuals and it is important that your team of stakeholders and/or educators is diverse in experience and learning styles in order to meet the needs of the entire group of learners.
Education is not just sharing of knowledge. It is identifying how to educate to allow the leaners to adapt and make practice changes that improve patient outcomes and allow the leaner to grow professionally. This is not a one size fits all job.
What advice would you offer to those interested in becoming an educator?
As an educator the reward for all your hard work often takes months sometimes years to see.
It is not about instant gratification. It is more about the long term gains.
For example, when implementing a change to your curriculum, you may notice that the nurse now has new knowledge but the real reward comes when they are practicing at the bedside and they are able to recall that information and make a change to their practice.
The second piece of advice I would give to those interested in becoming an educator is that when an opportunity presents itself, say yes to taking on new roles or challenges. You will always learn something from that role that will make you better in your next role.
All of your experiences in nursing will make you a better educator."
What is your proudest accomplishment as an educator?
"My proudest accomplishment as an educator is seeing new nurses who I once taught grow into competent leaders within the organization.
I now have the pleasure of working beside many of them to help other nurses be successful."
Thank you to Nurse Residency Program Manager Lauren Raynor for sharing her story and insight, in addition to the important work she does every day guiding new nurses!
Stay tuned for future spotlights on nurse residency coordinators here in Maryland.
Learn more about the MNRC and the NRP Experience.
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