A nursing professor is a teaching instructor who develops a curriculum for students working to become professional nurses. As a nursing professor, you teach patient care in the classroom and in a clinic to provide hands-on learning. You give lectures on a variety of topics like mental health nursing, pharmacology, theories, and ethics while stimulating class discussions. Your duties include staying up-to-date on current industry trends, regulations, and best practices as this is a field that changes frequently. You may also participate in clinical research and present your work at conferences, aside from your teaching responsibilities. You can tailor your classes and teach from your specialization or experiences, such as mental health or pediatrics.