Practical Advice for Nursing Instructors: Mentorship, Teamwork, and Professional Habits

This updated guide helps nursing instructors strengthen teaching through continuous learning, intentional mentorship, and professional workplace habits. It covers avoiding unhealthy dynamics, building practical relationships with colleagues and support staff, asking clarifying questions, observing effective practice, prioritizing key tasks, and maintaining sustainable work habits like taking breaks and reassessing role fit.

Stay a Learner

Even experienced nursing instructors should treat every orientation, training session, and continuing education activity as an opportunity to sharpen skills. New technologies, updated guidelines, and evolving educational strategies (for example, simulation and competency-based assessment) change how we teach and supervise. Approach these opportunities with curiosity and a plan for applying what you learn in your clinical or classroom setting.

Use Mentorship Intentionally

Find a mentor who models the teaching and clinical behaviors you want to develop. If your mentoring relationship isn't working, discuss reassignment with your manager or seek informal mentors among colleagues. Mentorship can be formal or informal; both help you refine feedback techniques, clinical judgment teaching, and classroom management.

Protect Healthy Dynamics

Avoid getting pulled into workplace drama. When conflicts arise, pause and consider an appropriate, professional response. If you need support, involve a neutral third party such as a manager or a human resources representative. Model de-escalation and clear communication for the students you supervise.

Build Practical Relationships

Know the people you work with - clinical staff, support personnel, administrators, and other educators. You don't need to socialize outside work, but a basic understanding of colleagues' roles and strengths makes collaboration smoother and improves student learning experiences.

Ask Questions - Often

Asking questions is a strength, not a weakness. Clarifying patient care, institutional policy, or teaching expectations prevents mistakes and demonstrates a commitment to safe practice. Encourage learners to ask questions and model how to seek reliable answers.

Observe Effective Practice

Watch experienced clinicians and educators. Note how they communicate with colleagues and patients, manage difficult clinical scenarios, and integrate evidence into practice. Translate those observations into practical coaching points for students.

Prioritize and Delegate

Identify what truly matters for patient safety and student learning. Protect time for direct teaching and feedback. Delegate or streamline tasks that distract you from core responsibilities, and teach learners how to prioritize in clinical settings.

Engage Support and Management

Develop professional rapport with support staff and managers. Their perspectives help you solve operational problems and improve the learning environment. Treat every role with respect and avoid behaviors that create unnecessary friction.

Reminders for Sustainable Practice

• Take regular breaks and monitor signs of burnout.

• Periodically reassess whether your role fits your goals and strengths.

• Handle disagreements professionally; don't make or escalate enemies.

• Own your responsibilities and model accountability for learners.