Abstract
BACKGROUND: Competence of nurse educators in several countries is still unclear. In fact, nurse educators have a role in improving the knowledge and skills of nurses and students so that they can provide nursing services in a variety of situations. Moreover, absence of competency list attributed to lack of recognitions and various terminologies, which also less logical. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the perceptions and experiences of nurse educators in exercising their educational competencies in hospitals. METHODS: This study uses a qualitative method of phenomenological study approach. The research was carried out in two hospitals: Universitas Indonesia Hospital and Persahabatan Central General Hospital, involving sixteen nurse educators. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify recurring patterns and themes in the data. RESULTS: The thematic analysis revealed five overarching themes: 1) Requirements to become a nurse educator, 2) Specific competencies needed for nurse educators, 3) Unclear nurse educator programs, 4) Nurses' perceptions of professionalism and managerial support, and 5) Expectations for clear career paths for nurse educators. CONCLUSION: This study underlines the existence of nurse educators' expectations for a clear career path. The importance of clear qualifications to become a nurse educator. Nurse educator programs also require support from hospital management.