Nursing EDge Unscripted Podcast

Summary:

In this episode of NLN Nursing EDge Unscripted, host Steven Palazzo speaks with Barbara Sinacori about her research on baccalaureate nursing students’ perceptions of Dedicated Education Units (DEUs) and their impact on post-graduation employment. Sinacori explains how the DEU model provides students with immersive, hands-on clinical experiences by pairing them one-on-one with experienced registered nurses for extended shifts, helping bridge the gap between nursing education and real-world practice. The discussion highlights the value of DEUs as both an educational and recruitment strategy, with nearly one-third of study participants applying for employment at their DEU site. Sinacori also discusses how her program is expanding and evaluating immersive clinical experiences while strengthening partnerships between academic programs and healthcare organizations. The episode underscores the potential of DEUs to enhance students’ clinical learning, transition to practice, and connection to future employment opportunities.

Learn more:

Crincoli, S., Cannella, B., Rawlins, L., Hassler, L. J., Grano, C., Sinacori, B., Gillooly, D., Moscarella, D., Filippelli, A., & Rempel, M. (2026). Baccalaureate Nursing Students’ Perceptions of Dedicated Education Units and Their Impact on Postgraduation Employment. Nursing education perspectives, 47(2), 116–118. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NEP.0000000000001505

Summary:

In this episode of Nursing EDge Unscripted, Dr. Kellie Bryant is joined by disaster nursing experts Dr. Tara Heagele and Dr. Jamla Rizek to discuss how nurse educators can better prepare students for disasters, emergencies, and disruptions. They emphasize that disaster nursing is a professional responsibility for every nurse and that preparedness requires more than classroom instruction, including experiential learning, simulation, drills, and interprofessional collaboration. The guests offer practical strategies for integrating disaster nursing competencies throughout the existing curriculum, including clinical judgment, leadership, triage, incident command, ethical decision-making, and psychological first aid. They also stress the importance of recognizing that disasters do not affect all communities equally and preparing nurses to identify and address barriers related to social determinants of health, disability, transportation, language, and other sources of vulnerability. The episode concludes with a call for nurse educators to use the NLN’s disaster and emergency preparedness resources and to make disaster readiness an integral part of nursing education and professional identity. 

Read the NLN Vision Statement, Disaster Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery available at https://www.nln.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/nln-disaster-vision-statement.pdf?sfvrsn=6715683d_1.

Summary:

In this episode of Nursing EDge Unscripted, host Dr. Kellie Bryant is joined by Dr. Kimberly Kelly-Cortez and Dr. Kelli Selvage of Chamberlain University to examine the changing landscape of cheating and academic integrity in nursing education. The conversation explores how artificial intelligence, social media, wearable technology, and the commercialization of cheating are creating new challenges for nurse educators while raising concerns about clinical judgment and patient safety. The guests discuss practical strategies for promoting academic integrity, including redesigning assessments, fostering authentic learning experiences, and helping students understand the ethical responsibilities of the nursing profession. They also emphasize the importance of creating a culture of integrity through clear expectations, faculty development, and institutional support rather than relying solely on punitive measures. Throughout the episode, the discussion highlights why protecting academic integrity is essential to preparing competent, trustworthy nurses who are ready to provide safe, high-quality patient care.

Summary:

In this episode of Nursing EDge Unscripted, host Steven Palazzo speaks with Donna Badowski about her guest editorial, “Putting Wheels on the Tradition: Reimagining Innovation in Clinical Education,” published in Nursing Education Perspectives. Badowski argues that while simulation, community-based learning, and other innovative approaches are valuable, traditional hospital-based clinical experiences remain essential and should be reimagined rather than replaced. She discusses challenges facing clinical education, including limited student access to patient care activities, increasing reliance on preceptor-led models, and the need for faculty to remain actively engaged in coaching, questioning, and developing students’ clinical judgment. The conversation explores practical strategies for enhancing clinical learning, such as faculty-led huddles, guided clinical reasoning activities, and better integration of simulation and practice experiences. Badowski also reflects on the potential role of artificial intelligence as a tool to support faculty creativity and student learning while emphasizing the continued importance of human mentorship and intentional teaching in clinical settings.

Badowski, Donna. Putting Wheels on Tradition: Reimagining Innovation in Clinical Education. Nursing Education Perspectives 47(1):p 3-4, 1/2 2026. | DOI: 10.1097/01.NEP.0000000000001496 

Inspired by the insights shared in this episode of Nursing EDge Unscripted? Take the next step by enrolling in the National League for Nursing Excellence in Clinical Teaching asynchronous online course. Designed for health professions educators and all clinical educators in various types of clinical programs in all clinical learning environments from acute-care settings to community settings this evidence-based program equips educators with practical strategies to strengthen clinical judgment, create psychologically safe learning environments, provide meaningful feedback, facilitate reflective practice, and maximize every clinical learning opportunity. If you are committed to reimagining—not replacing—clinical education while preparing the next generation of nurses for practice, this course provides the knowledge, tools, and confidence to elevate your impact as a clinical educator.

Learn more about the NLN Excellence in Clinical Teaching course: https://ondemand.nln.org/product?catalog=ECT

Summary:

In this episode of Nursing EDge Unscripted, host Raquel Bertiz and Dr. Kellie Bryant welcome Dr. Jasline Moreno to discuss Objective Structured Teaching Encounters (OSTEs) and their growing role in nursing education. Dr. Moreno explains how OSTEs provide simulation educators with structured opportunities to practice teaching, receive feedback, and strengthen essential facilitation, prebriefing, and debriefing skills in a psychologically safe environment. The conversation explores common challenges faced by novice simulation educators, including the transition from clinical expert to effective facilitator, and how OSTEs help bridge gaps in educator development. Dr. Moreno also shares practical insights into designing and implementing OSTEs, including the use of standardized learners, peer evaluation, and virtual delivery models. The episode concludes with a discussion of the future potential of OSTEs as a competency-based workforce development strategy that can enhance educator preparation, leadership development, and healthcare practice across a variety of settings.

Summary:

In this episode, host Dr. Steven Palazzo speaks with Dr. Jacqueline Christianson about her study, Educating to Exhaustion: Intention to Leave U.S. Full-Time Nursing Faculty, published in Nursing Education Perspectives. Their conversation explores the growing nursing faculty shortage and examines how workload demands, inadequate rewards, and burnout contribute to faculty members’ intentions to leave academia. Dr. Christianson discusses key findings from a national survey of nursing faculty and highlights practical strategies for improving retention, including fostering autonomy, recognizing contributions, strengthening leadership support, and creating meaningful workplace connections. She also emphasizes that while salary remains an important factor, no single solution exists for addressing faculty burnout. This episode offers valuable insights for nursing education leaders seeking to build healthier work environments and sustain the academic nursing workforce.

Christianson, J., Malin, K., Leiberg, J., Grabert, L., Moser, S., & Zemlak, J. (2026). Educating to Exhaustion: Intention to Leave Among US Full-Time Nursing Faculty. Nursing education perspectives, 47(2), 86–95. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NEP.0000000000001492

Summary:

This special episode of Nursing EDge Unscripted explores the history and lasting impact of the Debra L. Spunt Memorial Lecture, one of the most distinguished traditions in simulation-based nursing education. Host Kellie Bryant traces the lecture series from its founding in 2007 through nearly two decades of influential presentations that have reflected the evolving priorities of nursing education. Along the way, listeners will discover how topics such as faculty development, patient safety, debriefing, resilience, health equity, competency-based education, and artificial intelligence have shaped the profession. The episode also celebrates the legacy of Debra Spunt, whose pioneering work helped establish simulation as a transformative educational strategy. As applications open for the 2027 lecture, this retrospective highlights the leaders, ideas, and innovations that continue to guide the future of nursing education.

The 2027 Debra Spunt Lecture Call for Applications is open through July 15, 2026. Learn more: https://www.nln.org/education/leadership-institute/center-for-innovation-in-education-excellence/center-for-innovation-in-education-excellence-offerings/debra-spunt-lecture-nomination-guidelines-and-selection-process.

Summary:

In this episode of Nursing EDge Unscripted, Dr. Kellie Bryant speaks with Dr. Paul Smith about nursing leadership, advocacy, and negotiation from a dean’s perspective. Dr. Smith shares strategies for advocating for faculty resources, including using data, aligning requests with institutional priorities, and clearly demonstrating impact on student success and workforce outcomes. The conversation highlights the challenges of recruiting and retaining nursing faculty, especially amid salary disparities and evolving educational demands. Dr. Smith emphasizes the importance of collaboration, relationship-building, and persistence in effective negotiation, noting that it is an ongoing process rather than a single event. The episode also underscores the need for innovative approaches to student support, inclusive excellence, and preparing the next generation of nurses in a rapidly changing educational landscape.

Summary:

This episode of Nursing EDge Unscripted explores the urgent Black maternal health crisis, highlighting stark disparities in outcomes and the systemic factors that contribute to them. Host Dr. Kellie Bryant is joined by Dr. Kandis McLean and Dr. Marie Wilson, who share their work in simulation, clinical practice, and community health to address inequities in maternal care. The conversation examines how bias, social determinants of health, and gaps in provider education impact the quality of care Black women receive. The guests emphasize the critical role of nursing education in preparing future clinicians to recognize disparities, provide culturally responsive care, and advocate for patients. Through practical strategies and real-world insights, the episode underscores how nurse educators can help drive meaningful change and improve maternal health outcomes.

Summary:

In this episode of NLN Nursing EDge Unscripted, the conversation centers on the impact of interprofessional education (IPE) in preparing health professions students for collaborative, team-based care. Guests Katie Branch and Ashley Parikh share how the University of Texas Medical Branch has developed a robust, structured IPE program that includes a seven-activity core curriculum required across five schools. Students complete a selection of interactive learning experiences prior to graduation, with additional opportunities such as an annual symposium and a scholars program that extend learning beyond the core requirements. The discussion clarifies what interprofessional education is—and what it is not—emphasizing intentional collaboration, role clarity, communication, and shared accountability for patient outcomes. Throughout the episode, the guests highlight how thoughtfully designed IPE strengthens patient safety, improves quality of care, and fosters a culture of collaboration across disciplines.

Learn more about the University of Texas Medical Branch Office of Interprofessional Education and Practice: https://www.utmb.edu/ipep

Summary:

In this episode of Nursing Edge Unscripted, hosted by Steven Palazzo, Beth Ann Swan, Laika Steiger, and Nicholas Girdano discuss their article, Integrating Artificial Intelligence Technology Into Simulation for Pre- and Postlicensure Nursing Students, and explore how AI is reshaping simulation-based nursing education. The conversation highlights practical applications of artificial intelligence in both undergraduate and advanced nursing programs, including the use of AI to enhance clinical decision-making, personalize learning experiences, and create more adaptive simulation scenarios. The guests explain how AI tools can support faculty by streamlining scenario development, providing real-time feedback, and generating data to inform debriefing and assessment. They also address challenges such as ethical considerations, data privacy, faculty readiness, and the importance of maintaining sound pedagogical principles when adopting emerging technologies. Overall, the episode emphasizes that thoughtful integration of AI into simulation can strengthen student engagement, clinical reasoning, and preparation for contemporary practice across the nursing education continuum.

Citation:

Swan, B. A., Giordano, N. A., Febres-Cordero, S., Fugate, K., & Steiger, L. (2026). Integrating Artificial Intelligence Technology Into Simulation for Pre- and Postlicensure Nursing Students. Nursing education perspectives, 47(2), 129–130. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NEP.0000000000001397

In this episode of Nursing EDge Unscripted, host Dr. Kellie Bryant explores the Homegrown Solutions initiative with guests Dr. Rebekah Day and Dr. Robyn MacSorley. The conversation highlights how HomeGrown Solutions serves as a centralized platform for sharing innovative, low-cost simulation ideas developed by nurse educators and simulationists. Drs. Day and MacSorley discuss the importance of community-driven solutions, particularly for programs with limited resources or access to commercial simulation products. They also describe how the initiative promotes collaboration, creativity, and recognition of grassroots innovations that emerge from real-world educational challenges. Throughout the episode, listeners are encouraged to contribute their own ideas and engage with the simulation community to advance nursing education together.

Explore HomeGrown Solutions: https://www.nln.org/homegrown. 

Interested in submitting your own low-cost simulation innovation? HomeGrown Solutions applications are accepted three times per year, with deadlines on March 1, July 1, and November 1. Learn more and submit your solution here: https://www.nln.org/education/education/sirc/sirc/sirc-homegrown-solutions/how-to-submit-your-homegrown-solution.

In this episode of NLN Nursing EDge Unscripted, hosts Drs. Kellie Bryant and Raquel Bertiz are joined by Dr. Rose Rossi and Dr. Stephanie Jeffers to explore leadership and innovation in nursing education. The conversation centers on competency-based education (CBE) as a framework for rethinking and redesigning clinical education in undergraduate nursing programs. Drs. Rossi and Jeffers discuss how clinical competencies are defined, assessed, and aligned with program outcomes to better support student readiness for practice. They highlight the role of academic leadership, faculty collaboration, and data-informed decision-making in advancing competency-based approaches. Together, the discussion offers practical insights for nurse educators seeking to modernize clinical education while maintaining quality, consistency, and meaningful outcomes.

This episode of Nursing EDge Unscripted explores how nursing education can better prepare students to care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Dr. Suzanne Smeltzer and Ms. Colleen Meakim discuss the significant gaps in nursing curricula and emphasize the importance of integrating IDD content throughout undergraduate and graduate programs. They highlight practical tools such as the IDD Toolkit and ACE scenarios, which offer faculty guidance and simulation resources to enhance student learning. The conversation also addresses ableism in healthcare and the need for person-centered care that respects the lived experiences of individuals with IDD. Finally, the guests advocate for universal design and inclusive practices to support both patients and nursing students with disabilities.

In this milestone 150th episode of Nursing EDge Unscripted, hosts Dr. Kellie Bryant and Dr. Raquel Bertiz welcome internationally recognized simulation pioneer Dr. Suzie Kardong-Edgren. Dr. Kardong-Edgren reflects on the early days of nursing simulation, from unpacking the first manikins to shaping standards and research that transformed nursing education. She shares lessons learned from early challenges and emphasizes the importance of mentorship, innovation, and perseverance in advancing simulation practice. The conversation explores her vision for competency-based, learner-centered education and the need to retain nursing’s humanistic focus on caring and spirituality. Listeners gain insight into Dr. Kardong-Edgren’s enduring impact as a trailblazer who continues to inspire educators to challenge convention and lead with purpose.

In this episode of Nursing EDge Unscripted, host Dr. Steven Palazzo interviews Dr. LisaMarie Wands about her research on integrating cognitive rehearsal training into nursing education to counteract incivility. Dr. Wands explains how incivility, from dismissive behaviors to overt hostility, harms nursing students and new nurses and contributes to burnout and attrition. Her study, funded by the NLN, used simulation to teach students strategies like pausing and scripted responses when encountering uncivil behavior. Findings revealed that students often struggled to act on these strategies because of their low power in clinical settings, but some reported applying the training once in professional practice. The conversation emphasizes the need for nursing programs to introduce even small-scale training or role-play to prepare students for the realities of incivility in the workplace.

Wands, L., McDermott, C., Bernard, N., Wolf, R., & Kimble, L. P. (2025). Implementing Cognitive Rehearsal Training With Nursing Students to Counter Incivility in the Clinical Setting as Students and New Nurses: A Sequential Mixed-Methods Study. Nursing education perspectives, 46(4), 243–245. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NEP.0000000000001325

In this episode of Nursing EDge Unscripted, hosts Dr. Kellie Bryant and Dr. Raquel Bertiz talk with Dr. Deborah Himes and Dr. Cindy Snyder about the critical role of genomics in nursing education and practice. The guests emphasize that genomics is not a specialty but an essential part of everyday nursing, influencing risk assessment, treatment decisions, and patient outcomes. They share practical strategies for integrating genomics into curricula, such as using family history tools, case studies, and analogies to make complex concepts understandable for patients and students. The conversation highlights updated nursing competencies, available resources, and the importance of preparing nurses to meet national expectations for genomic literacy. The episode concludes by stressing that genomics, epigenetics, and pharmacogenomics shape how diseases are understood and treated, making it vital that all nurses are prepared to apply these concepts in practice.

In this episode of the NLN podcast Nursing EDge Unscripted, host Dr. Raquel Bertiz speaks with guests Dr. Rachel Onello and Dr. Nicole Smith about the transformative impact of the NLN Faculty Intensives Course for nurse educators. The course equips both novice and seasoned faculty with evidence-based strategies in instructional design, curriculum mapping, and the science of teaching and learning. Drs. Onello and Smith emphasize the importance of shifting from clinical expertise to intentional educational practice, helping educators build confidence and improve student engagement. Participants often report personal and institutional growth, with some receiving teaching awards and others reconsidering their career paths in academia. The episode underscores that investing in faculty development not only enhances individual teaching excellence but also drives broader change across nursing programs.

Learn more about NLN Faculty Intensives: https://ondemand.nln.org/product?catalog=NFI2021

In this episode of Nursing EDge Unscripted, Dr. Steven Palazzo interviews Dr. Dawna Rutherford about her research on bullying behaviors in clinical settings and their impact on nursing students. The discussion centers on a simulation study that examined how bullying and distractions affect medication administration performance. Interestingly, students exposed to bullying completed tasks faster, possibly due to anxiety-driven responses, though this raised concerns about safety and decision-making under pressure. The conversation also explores how to design effective simulations and integrate education on bullying into nursing curricula. Dr. Rutherford emphasizes the importance of preparing students with strategies to handle real-world clinical challenges, including interpersonal dynamics.

Rutherford, D., Gillespie, G. L., Bresler, S., Johnson, K., & Smith, C. R. (2025). Bullying Behaviors in Clinical Settings: Potentially Harmful Distractions. Nursing education perspectives, 46(4), 246–248. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NEP.0000000000001380

In this episode of Nursing EDge Unscripted, Dr. Steven Palazzo hosts a discussion with Dr. Ashley York and Mrs. Laura Wynn about their article on fostering clinical judgment in nursing students through active learning. The conversation centers on a “7 Station Simulation” strategy designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and clinical practice for first-semester nursing students. This simulation includes hands-on experiences, realistic scenarios, and guided reflection to help students develop critical thinking and holistic care skills. Feedback from students highlighted increased confidence and a better understanding of the importance of documentation and patient-centered care. The educators plan to continue refining the simulation and measuring its impact on students’ transition into clinical settings.

York, Ashley; Wynn, Laura. Fostering Clinical Judgment and Promoting Transition Into First Clinical Rotation Through Active Learning. Nursing Education Perspectives 46(4):p 260-261, 7/8 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/01.NEP.0000000000001293

In this episode of Nursing EDge Unscripted, Dr. Raquel Bertiz hosts a candid conversation with Dr. Amber Young-Brice and Dr. Kyla Farrar Stern about the evolving role and preparation of nurse educators. Drawing from their own academic journeys, Amber and Kyla share challenges they faced transitioning from clinical practice to teaching, highlighting the importance of mentorship and structured pedagogical support. They reflect on the gaps in educator preparation and offer insights on how institutions can better equip future nurse faculty. The discussion emphasizes the need to reimagine what it means to be a nurse educator in today’s academic and clinical environments. Through storytelling, humor, and honest dialogue, this episode sheds light on the personal and professional growth that shapes effective nursing educators.

Farrar Stern, K., & Young Brice, A. (2024). Change in expectations: A policy recommendation for future and current nurse educators. Journal of Professional Nursing, 54, 260–263. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2024.08.003

In this episode, Dr. Steven Palazzo hosts Ms. Melissa Hinds, Dr. Jannyse Tapp, and Dr. Claire McKinley Yoder to discuss their contributions to the book, Nursing Leaders Driving Health Equity: Tackling Social and Structural Determinants. The book, developed by the inaugural NLN/Walden Social Determinants of Health & Social Change Leadership Academy cohort, offers practical tools for nurse educators and leaders to address health inequities. They highlight how the book supports the development of nurse leaders committed to advancing health equity. Listeners are encouraged to consider how nursing education can promote social justice and transform health care systems. 

Nursing Leaders Driving Health Equity: Tackling Social and Structural Determinants. Explore this essential resource today at NLN Bookstore, powered by Wolters Kluwer: https://nln.lww.com/Nursing-Leaders-Driving-Health-Equity/p/9781975248307

Hosts Dr. Raquel Bertiz and Dr. Kellie Bryant welcome Dr. Lisa Seldomridge, professor at Salisbury University, to discuss faculty mentoring and the nursing workforce shortage. Dr. Seldomridge highlights the importance of structured mentoring programs to support new and experienced nursing faculty, ensuring their success in academia. The conversation explores the impact of the nursing shortage, emphasizing how mentorship can help retain faculty and strengthen the pipeline of nursing educators. Strategies for faculty development, including professional growth opportunities and peer support networks, are discussed as key solutions. The episode concludes with a call to action for institutions to prioritize mentoring programs, fostering a stronger and more resilient nursing education workforce.

Learn more about the Faculty Academy and Mentorship Initiative of Maryland (FAMI-MD):
www.salisbury.edu/academic-offices/health-and-human-services/nursing/fami-md-academy/

In this episode of NLN Nursing Edge Unscripted, hosts Dr. Raquel Bertiz and Dr. Kellie Bryant welcome Dr. Rachel Cox Simms to discuss the role of generative AI in nursing education. Dr. Cox Simms shares how she integrates AI tools like ChatGPT into her teaching, using them for NCLEX-style question development, case studies, and interactive learning. She emphasizes the importance of AI literacy for both students and faculty, ensuring educators understand its strengths, limitations, and ethical considerations. The conversation highlights challenges in AI adoption, including misinformation, bias, and the need for human oversight in AI-generated content. The episode concludes with practical advice for nurse educators, encouraging them to explore AI, experiment with its applications, and integrate it responsibly into nursing curricula.

Learn more about AI from Dr. Cox Simms:
Simms R. C. (2024). Work with ChatGPT, not against: 3 teaching strategies that harness the power of artificial Intelligence. Nurse educator, 49(3), 158–161. https://doi.org/10.1097/NNE.0000000000001634

Cox, R. L., Hunt, K. L., & Hill, R. R. (2023). Comparative Analysis of NCLEX-RN Questions: A Duel Between ChatGPT and Human Expertise. The Journal of nursing education, 62(12), 679–687. https://doi.org/10.3928/01484834-20231006-07

Simms, R.C. (2024). Using chatGPT for tailored NCLEX prep in virtual office hours. Nurse Educator, 49(4):p 227, DOI: 10.1097/NNE.0000000000001611

Simms, R.C. (2025).Generative artificial intelligence (AI) literacy in nursing education: A crucial call to action, Nurse Education Today, Volume 146, 106544,ISSN 0260-6917, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2024.106544

In this episode, Dr. Steven Palazzo hosts Drs. Deborah Finn-Romero, Megan Jester, and Sara Kaylor to discuss their contributions to the book, Nursing Leaders Driving Health Equity: Tackling Social and Structural Determinants. The book, developed by the inaugural NLN/Walden Social Determinants of Health & Social Change Leadership Academy cohort, offers practical tools for nurse educators and leaders to address health inequities. The guests stress the need to shift from cultural to structural competence and to empower nurses to drive systemic change through leadership and policy influence. Ultimately, the book serves as a practical, reflective resource for fostering inclusive, equity-driven nursing education and leadership.

Nursing Leaders Driving Health Equity: Tackling Social and Structural Determinants. Explore this essential resource today at NLN Bookstore, powered by Wolters Kluwer: https://nln.lww.com/Nursing-Leaders-Driving-Health-Equity/p/9781975248307

In this episode of NLN Nursing Edge Unscripted, hosts Dr. Kellie Bryant and Dr. Raquel Bertiz welcome guests Dr. Sarah Beebe and Dr. Donna Guerra to discuss Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI) and its impact on CPR training. They explore how RQI’s simulation-based, self-directed model enhances skill retention by replacing traditional biennial certification with quarterly, high-frequency, low-dose training. The guests share success stories demonstrating how RQI has boosted provider confidence and improved patient outcomes, including students effectively performing CPR in clinical settings. They discuss the implementation process in academic and healthcare institutions, addressing challenges, faculty and staff engagement, and system maintenance. The episode concludes with tips for organizations considering RQI, emphasizing clear communication, early staff buy-in, and the long-term benefits of integrating this innovative training approach.

Learn more about the RQI for Nursing Education program.

In this episode of NLN Nursing Edge Unscripted, host Kellie Bryant from the National League for Nursing’s Center for Innovation in Education Excellence is joined by Sabrina Beroz, Monique Davis, and Jasline Moreno. The episode explores the Maryland Clinical Simulation Resource Consortium (MCSRC), a statewide initiative supporting simulation-based nursing education through funding, training, and equipment. Originating in 2015 with a $3.1 million grant, the consortium has expanded to include 30 nursing programs, standardized simulation tools, and professional development pathways for educators. The discussion highlights the importance of needs assessments, stakeholder buy-in, and continuous evaluation in sustaining and growing the initiative. Future plans include immersive virtual reality, objective structured teaching encounters (OSTEs) for faculty evaluation, and endorsement programs to enhance simulation education. MCSRC is a model for other states seeking to establish similar simulation consortia.

Learn more about the Maryland Clinical Simulation Resource Consortium by visiting their website: www.montgomerycollege.edu/MCSRC. 

In this episode of NLN Nursing Edge Unscripted, host Steven Palazzo welcomes Drs. Andrew Bobal and Jennifer O’Rourke, authors of Teaching Tomorrow’s Nurses: A Technology-Enhanced Approach. They explore the integration of technology in nursing education, discussing strategies to engage students in large classrooms through polling, discussion boards, and gamification, while emphasizing the importance of aligning technology with learning objectives. The conversation highlights AI’s evolving role in education, encouraging faculty to leverage it for case study development, personalized learning, and assessment preparation. The guests stress the need for flexible, accessible, and affordable technology that adapts to diverse learning environments. The episode concludes with practical advice for educators: start small, experiment with technology, and integrate AI responsibly to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.

Teaching Tomorrow’s Nurses: A Technology-Enhanced Approach is available at NLN Press: https://nln.lww.com/Teaching-Tomorrow-s-Nurses/p/9781975248277.

In this episode of Nursing EDge Unscripted, host Kellie Bryant from the National League for Nursing’s Center for Innovation in Education Excellence is joined by Dr. Lou Clark, current president of the Association of SP Educators (ASPE) and the Executive Director of M Simulation at the University of Minnesota. This episode discusses a recent call to action from ASPE on properly honoring simulated participants (SPs) and collaborating with SP educators in healthcare education. Dr. Clark emphasizes the importance of respecting SPs as human beings, rather than referring to them as tools, and highlights the hidden work of SP educators in training, coaching, and safeguarding SPs. The conversation explores best practices for integrating SP methodology, such as using inclusive language, providing fair compensation, and recognizing SP educators’ contributions in research and curriculum development. Listeners are encouraged to access ASPE resources for guidance on SP recruitment, training, and evaluation. The episode concludes with insights on the future of SPs in simulation, emphasizing the need for collaboration with emerging technologies while maintaining the human element in patient care training.
 
Learn more about the Association of SP Educators by visiting their website: https://www.aspeducators.org

In this episode of Nursing EDge Unscripted, Dr. Steven Palazzo hosts Dr. Fabiola Lalande, an associate professor at Regis College, to discuss her study on the impact of reverse role simulation on nursing students’ ethnocultural empathy. Dr. Lalande explains how the pilot study used a pre-test and post-test design to measure changes in students’ empathy toward patients from diverse cultural backgrounds. She shares insights on how the simulation, which placed students in the role of patients receiving care in unfamiliar settings, helped foster a deeper understanding of empathy and cultural competence. The episode highlights the importance of experiential learning in nursing education.

Lalande, Fabiola D.. The Effects of Reverse-Role Simulation on Nursing Students’ Ethnocultural Empathy: A Quantitative Study. Nursing Education Perspectives 45(6):p 343-347, 11/12 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/01.NEP.0000000000001238

In part two of this two-part episode of NLN Nursing Edge Unscripted, host Dr. Raquel Bertiz from the National League for Nursing’s Center for Innovation in Education Excellence is joined by Dr. Laura Klenke-Borgmann from the University of Kansas School of Nursing. The discussion explores the integration of competency-based education (CBE) into nursing programs, focusing on initiatives at the University of Kansas School of Nursing led by Dr. Klenke-Borgmann. They implemented the “SimZones” framework, which progressively develops students’ skills through simulations mapped to Miller’s Pyramid of competency. This approach involves iterative evaluations, such as Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), to ensure students achieve proficiency through deliberate practice and reflective feedback. The program emphasizes transparency in evaluation and addresses challenges like shifting both student and faculty mindsets away from traditional pass/fail grading models. Outcomes from the pilot showed that 100% of students eventually reached competency, and their reflections highlighted the value of iterative learning and the pride in their development.

In part one of this two-part episode of NLN Nursing Edge Unscripted, host Dr. Raquel Bertiz from the National League for Nursing’s Center for Innovation in Education Excellence is joined by Dr. Laura Klenke-Borgmann from the University of Kansas School of Nursing. The discussion explores the integration of competency-based education (CBE) into nursing programs, focusing on initiatives at the University of Kansas School of Nursing led by Dr. Klenke-Borgmann. They implemented the “SimZones” framework, which progressively develops students’ skills through simulations mapped to Miller’s Pyramid of competency. This approach involves iterative evaluations, such as Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), to ensure students achieve proficiency through deliberate practice and reflective feedback. The program emphasizes transparency in evaluation and addresses challenges like shifting both student and faculty mindsets away from traditional pass/fail grading models. Outcomes from the pilot showed that 100% of students eventually reached competency, and their reflections highlighted the value of iterative learning and the pride in their development.

In this episode of Nursing Edge: Unscripted, Dr. Steven Palazzo interviews Dr. Cody Bruce about his qualitative study on strategies to promote the retention of Native American nursing students. Dr. Bruce discusses how the Self-Determination Theory, which focuses on intrinsic motivation, shaped his research and the effective retention strategies for this unique student population. He highlights the importance of cultural safety, community engagement, and role models in helping Native American students succeed in nursing programs. Dr. Bruce also shares recommendations for fostering stronger connections between students and their communities to support long-term success.

Bruce, Cody. Promoting Retention of Native American Nursing Students: Insights From a Qualitative Study. Nursing Education Perspectives 45(6):p 348-353, 11/12 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/01.NEP.0000000000001263

In this episode of NLN Nursing EDge Unscripted, host Raquel Bertiz from the National League for Nursing’s Center for Innovation in Education Excellence is joined by Dr. Beth Rogers, an assistant professor at Texas Christian University and associate editor of Clinical Simulation in Nursing. Together, they explore the critical role of simulation design in fostering clinical judgment, emphasizing the importance of foundational skills and intentional scaffolding to reduce cognitive load. Dr. Rogers shares insights from her research, highlighting how gradual progression in complexity enhances learner confidence and competency. This engaging conversation underscores the need for strategic simulation practices to better prepare nursing students for real-world challenges.

In this episode of NLN Nursing EDge Unscripted, Dr. Steven Palazzo hosts a discussion with Dr. Anne Krouse and Dr. Karen Morin about their newly developed instrument designed to assess nurse educators’ self-perception of leadership competency. As co-authors of the study, Dr. Krouse and Dr. Morin share insights into the instrument’s development and its potential impact on leadership in nursing education. Based on their earlier research, the tool aims to help nursing faculty evaluate their leadership attributes. Learn more about their work, “Assessment of Nurse Educator Leadership: Instrument Development and Psychometric Analysis.”

Krouse, Anne M.; Patterson, Barbara J.; Morin, Karen H.. Assessment of Nurse Educator Leadership: Instrument Development and Psychometric Analysis. Nursing Education Perspectives 45(4):p 208-212, 7/8 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/01.NEP.0000000000001259

This episode of NLN Nursing EDge Unscripted is hosted by Amber Young-Brice and features guests Taylor Pamperin, Maria Keegan, and Julie Radford. They discussed the increasing number of multilingual and English language learners in nursing programs and the challenges these learners face. The guests noted a lack of cohesive support systems for these students and highlighted the need for better data collection and more structured resources. They emphasized the importance of inclusive course design to support multilingual learners. The conversation called for a cultural shift in higher education, advocating for institutions to provide proactive support rather than expecting students to arrive fully prepared.

This episode of the NLN Nursing EDge Unscripted features guests Shannon Daly, Sterling Roberts, and Lawanda Greene. The guests explore the impact of end-of-life (EOL) simulation on nursing students’ anxiety and self-confidence. The discussion centers on their research, which implemented an EOL simulation using the ELNEC (End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium) curriculum. The study revealed the importance of early and ongoing EOL training, highlighting that even seasoned nurses often experience anxiety and discomfort in these situations. The authors emphasized simulation as a safe, effective tool for building communication skills and empathy in nursing students. They also stressed incorporating spirituality, diversity, and interdisciplinary collaboration into EOL education, starting at the undergraduate level, to prepare future nurses for these critical conversations. Learn more about their work, “Implementation and Evaluation of an End-of-Life Standardized Participant Simulation in an Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program.”

Daly, Shannon; Roberts, Sterling; Winn, Sheryl; Greene, Lawanda. Implementation and Evaluation of an End-of-Life Standardized Participant Simulation in an Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program. Nursing Education Perspectives 45(3):p 172-173, 5/6 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/01.NEP.0000000000001167

This episode of NLN Nursing EDge Unscripted features guests Crystel Farina, Carman Turkelson, and Christine Thomas, who discuss the profound impact of the NLN Simulation Leadership Institute on their careers. The program enhanced their networks and equipped them with crucial skills for growth in simulation education and leadership, fostering confidence and long-lasting collaborations. The guests highlight the value of mentorship—both from instructors and peers—in overcoming challenges and cultivating leadership skills in a field where individuals often step into roles with limited preparation.

This episode of NLN Nursing EDge Unscripted features guest Shellye Vardaman. Dr. Vardaman shares insights from her study on the shortage of academic nurse educators and emphasizes the need for higher recognition of nurse educators as advanced practice nurses, as well as the importance of competitive salaries, mentorship, and pedagogical training. The conversation highlights challenges like the lack of formal training for new faculty and the barriers to attracting qualified educators, such as the salary gap between academic and clinical nursing roles. Dr. Vardaman also discusses the work of the National Consortium of Academic Nurse Educators in advocating for the profession, including their efforts to promote certifications and policy changes.

Learn more about the National Consortium of Academic Nurse Educators, Inc. (NC-ANE): https://nc-ane.org/.

Learn more about her work, “Addressing the Shortage of Academic Nurse Educators: Recommendations for Educational Institutions Based on Nominal Group Technique Research.”

Vardaman, Shellye A.; Logan, Laura; Davis, Suja P.; Sciarra, Erica; Doria, Jenneth B.; Baker, Jordan; Feeney, Sheryl; Pajarillo, Edmund J. Y.; Seibold-Simpson, Susan; Bajwa, Maria. Addressing the Shortage of Academic Nurse Educators: Recommendations for Educational Institutions Based on Nominal Group Technique Research. Nursing Education Perspectives 45(4):p 201-207, 7/8 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/01.NEP.0000000000001264

This episode of NLN Nursing EDge Unscripted is part two of two featuring guests Jasline Moreno and Elizabeth Wells-Beede. They continue the discussion on the importance of formalizing mentorship and professional development for nurse educators, addressing challenges such as system limitations, time constraints, and funding. The guests emphasize the need for administrative support, a structured orientation for new faculty, and the use of technology, including AI, to support educators and improve learning outcomes. They also highlight the necessity of self-advocacy, curiosity, and intellectual humility for educators to thrive in their roles.

This episode of NLN Nursing EDge Unscripted is part 1 of 2 featuring guests Jasline Moreno and Elizabeth Wells-Beede. Kellie Bryant, Director of the Center for Innovation in Education Excellence at the National League of Nursing, hosts the discussion about challenges faced by new nurse educators. The conversation emphasizes the need for professional development, support systems, and mentorship to help educators thrive and bridge the competency gap in nursing education.