In recent years, there has been a growing sentiment among nurses that they want to spend more time teaching and mentoring their fellow nurses and nurse learners, according to 2023 McKinsey research. Currently, they’re spending an average of 2 percent of their shift on teaching peers and students when they really want to be spending double the time doing so. 

We’re not talking about full-time nurse educators, though those are great and important, too! We’re referring to full-time nurses wanting to teach other nurses and students. 

There are so many reasons nurses want to teach other seasoned and training nurses. Here are six benefits both those who teach and those who learn see. 

Benefits of nurses teaching other nurses

1. Improved patient outcomes

According to the McKinsey report, “Peer-to-peer teaching is an important component of building workplace cohesiveness, improving patient outcomes, and preparing new generations of nurses.” When nurses teach, they reinforce their own knowledge, clarify concepts, and solidify their understanding of best practices. This increased mastery of the subject matter directly impacts their ability to provide competent and confident care, positively influencing patient outcomes.

2. Knowledge sharing and professional development

Teaching among nurses enables experienced nurses to share best practices and up-to-date knowledge with their peers, ensuring the delivery of high-quality and evidence-based care. Through teaching, nurses enhance their own understanding, refine their communication skills, and deepen their expertise. 

3. Enhanced clinical judgment skills

Through teaching, nurses develop the ability to analyze complex information and convey it effectively. This process hones their critical thinking abilities and their clinical judgment skills, which can help student learners when they take their Next Gen NCLEX exams. Simultaneously, learners engage in critical thinking while processing the information shared. A study found that clinical learning using peer learning methods can directly improve various aspects of student competency achievement.

3. Emotional support

In the face of a worldwide nursing shortage, a recent study found a striking 90% of nurses are considering leaving the field. Being a nurse is arguably one of the toughest jobs there is. When nurses teach other nurses and nurse learners, they’re likely also being emotional support, too, to help them process what they’re dealing with. This can help both parties feel less alone, as they can discuss the troubles they’re facing with a safe party. Of course, lots of things need to change, like workload, the tasks they do, administrative burden, etc., but if we gave nurses what they want (to have more education/training with other nurses), perhaps they’d want to stay.

4. Collaboration and supportive environment: 

Teaching encourages nurses to work together, exchange ideas, and engage in open dialogue. It also creates a platform for mentorship, where experienced nurses provide guidance and support to their colleagues. Teaching facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing different healthcare professionals to learn from one another.

5. Building leadership/mentorship abilities

Nurses who share their knowledge serve as role models, sharing experiences and best practices. Through teaching, nurses gain confidence, advocate for patients, and contribute to teamwork and collaboration. Building leadership abilities through teaching extends beyond the classroom, empowering nurses to take on leadership roles in various aspects of their practice. This benefits the leader but also benefits the nurse or nurse learner because they now have a role model to look up to. 

6. Cultivating a culture of lifelong learning

Teaching reinforces the value of continuous improvement and professional development. Through teaching, nurses deepen their understanding and stay updated on the latest research and practices. It fosters curiosity, prompting nurses to seek out learning opportunities and stay at the forefront of their field. Moreover, teaching inspires a collective commitment to ongoing learning, elevating the nursing profession and improving patient care outcomes.

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