Meet the Next Generation of Nursing Educators

What is your particular area of expertise?

Wound and Ostomy care, Rehabilitation nursing, creating engaging and creative content, and kickball!

Who or what experience inspired you to become a nurse?

I fell into nursing after an advising session with one of my college professors. Initially, I thought I wanted to work in a lab, but I found out that I enjoy personal interaction and talking way too much to be successful in that space. 

I started my career as a nurse’s assistant in a nursing home and fell in love with the profession after my first week on the job. I loved the personal interactions I was able to have with the residents and that I could be part of their life stories.  I loved knowing I could brighten someone’s day with a milkshake and which residents had to be in full makeup to make it to weekly Bingo. Since then, I have met many inspirational nurses, physicians, and patients that continue to push me forward in my career. 

Why did you decide to pursue a career as a nurse educator? 

After obtaining my Master’s degree, I consulted a trusted Physician mentor. He had me make a list of duties I enjoyed most about my current job. On that list was mentoring new nurses and taking students. That led me to a nationwide search, and I was fortunate to have a college take a chance on me as an educator.

How has your unique background prepared you for success in your field?

I believe working my way up the nursing ladder has been the biggest assets to my success. It is hard to be respected when you haven’t walked in someone else’s shoes. Starting as a nurse’s assistant made me fully respect the hard work they put in every single day, and how much of a role they play in the quality of care received.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your career?      

The best part about my job is being able to walk with someone on their worst days. It is a privilege to meet someone for 12 hours and partner with them as they go through some of life’s hardest challenges. My goal every shift is to make some aspect of their day easier. It might be simple, like getting them the name-brand soda, or more complex, like honestly discussing their choices for care moving forward. 

As an educator, my biggest reward is seeing my students become my colleagues. I get such great joy from picking up the phone to give a report and hearing a familiar name or voice. Knowing I have been a small part of setting someone else up for a lifelong career is something I take great pride in.

Did you have a particularly inspiring nurse educator when you were in school?

Mrs. Jacobs was/is a brilliant nurse educator. She was my professor, but she also led me in a nursing externship. What stood out about her was that she took the time to know me as a person. She always made me feel safe to ask questions and had the perfect balance of professionalism and compassion. 

How can nurse educators best prepare students for the realities and rigors of nursing?

I think it’s important for nurse educators to stay current. Students listen more and have more buy-in if you tell them real-life stories. It’s a fine balance to not scare them out of the profession but to not sugarcoat the realities of the job. 

Tell us about your experience during the Nightingale Challenge with Kaplan. 

This was the confidence boost I needed as a younger educator. It was so refreshing to hear new ideas and see others like myself. 

What was the best part of working with your Kaplan Nursing Mentor? 

Meeting monthly with Tonya Taylor, MSN, RN, MBA, was a light in 2020. She was my own personal cheerleader and gave me unconditional positive regard. Her bright spirit, depth of knowledge, and professional guidance have been something I have been so desperate for. I wish for every educator to have a Tonya in their life!

Which Nightingale Challenge Meeting resonated most deeply with you and why?

I enjoyed learning about the Next Gen NCLEX. I struggle with question writing, and this gave me some great ideas for how to start elevating my thought process. 

What is the most important thing that you learned from this experience about being a successful and impactful nurse educator?

Having a personal mentor who supports you and knows you has made such an impact on me.  I hope I can now be that for my students. 

What was the most important takeaway for you from 2020: Year of the Nurse and Midwife?

There is always more to learn!

What was the most important piece of advice you received from your Kaplan Nursing Mentor?

As I was struggling with teaching a brand new class, Tonya told me, "Megan you are already a nurse, you know this content, you might need a quick refresh but you can teach anything."  Exactly the advice and confidence boost I needed!

How can nurse educators best prepare students for the NCLEX?

Start early! As a first-semester instructor, we begin discussing NCLEX-style questions on the first day: how to break them down, and how to be successful on “the big one.”

Is there a quote or saying that you live by―especially when it comes to nursing?

You can do anything for 12 hours, and when in doubt, carry a clipboard and act like you belong!

What will the COVID-19 pandemic change about the way we prepare nursing students for their careers?

COVID-19 has forced us to embrace technology, something most of our students are hungry for. This allows us to reach students in new ways and forces us to get out of the old ways of doing things. 

And finally, is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers?

If you are an educator and are wondering if programs like the Nightingale Challenge are worth your time, 100% yes. Do yourself a favor, take the chance, and I promise it will be worth it. 

Also, nurses, you are amazing!

What is your particular area of expertise?

My areas of expertise include maternal, neonatal, and women's health nursing. I am also passionate about promoting evidence-based practices. I enjoy collecting and reading vintage nursing textbooks and learning how nursing and medical practices have changed throughout time. The oldest book in my collection was published in 1902! I love to incorporate information about past practices from the vintage textbooks into my lectures for students to help demonstrate the importance of EBP―when we know better, we do better! 

Who or what experience inspired you to become a nurse?

My mother inspired me to become a nurse. Growing up with a nurse for a mother allowed me to learn more about the profession, and over time, I became mesmerized by it. My mom cares for those in need and is someone that others trust. She is an advocate, a healer, and so smart! As a child, I wanted to be just like her when I grew up. To this day, I still strive to be the nurse that my mother is. My mother currently works as a nurse in a pediatric hematology/oncology office. I am so proud of my mom! 

Why did you decide to pursue a career as a nurse educator? 

I love empowering others with knowledge. While maternity care was my first love in nursing, I recognized how much I enjoyed teaching new parents and families how to care for themselves and a new baby. I also precepted nursing students and newly hired nurses on my previous maternity unit and realized how rewarding it was to share my passion and expertise with others. 

I remember the joy I felt celebrating each small victory with my preceptees, whether that was with a little dance in the hallway after they gave their first injection or a high-five in the supply room after they inserted an indwelling catheter for the first time. As a nurse educator, I could be a safe space, advocate, and an encourager―all the things that I wanted in a preceptor as a student and new nurse. I felt that this role was a good match for me due to my love for nursing, learning, and building up others.

If you hadn’t become a nurse, what other profession would you have pursued? 

Before becoming a nurse, I considered pursuing a career as a high school science teacher. I have always enjoyed taking science courses and had terrific high school teachers who further piqued my interest in both the subject and teaching.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your career?      

There are so many rewarding aspects of this career! One of the most rewarding is watching students grow personally and professionally throughout the nursing program. Our students’ hard work and tenacity lead to better lives―for themselves, their families, and those in our community. Our students inspire me and are the reason why I do what I do! 

Did you have a particularly inspiring nurse educator when you were in school?

Yes! Ms. Webb was an instructor who many in my class were initially intimidated by because she held students to such high standards. Eventually, we recognized that these high standards were making us better students and nurses. Even though she could be a tough clinical instructor, she had a good sense of humor. 

For our skin lecture, she came in with pool floaties, a large sunhat, and sunglasses on, and with thick, white pasty sunscreen slathered on her face. That was one lecture I will never forget! Ms. Webb was a perfect balance of being stern when necessary and being fun and light-hearted when appropriate. 

How can nurse educators best prepare students for the realities and rigors of nursing?

I believe that it is important for educators to be open and honest with students about their experiences, even the unpleasant ones. Nursing is a tough job, and not every shift will be delightful. Being aware of these realities will lead to less shock when encountering them in the future. We need to equip students with the resources, knowledge, and skills to deal with stress and difficult situations. It is also essential to teach students to advocate for their patients and themselves and act as an agent of change so that we can continue to improve the care patients receive and the environment in which nurses work. 

In your opinion, why is it important to teach students to “think like a nurse?”

“Thinking like a nurse” means that one is not merely completing tasks but thinking critically and using past experiences to assess situations and prioritize patient problems and care. Thinking at this deeper level allows nurses to pick up on subtle trends and be more proactive than reactive in their patient care and help prevent errors. Teaching students to “think like a nurse” is essential because it can help keep patients safer and healthier! 

Tell us about your experience during the Nightingale Challenge with Kaplan. 

The Nightingale Challenge with Kaplan has been an invaluable experience for me as a newer nurse educator. Each month, I participated in an interactive online session with my mentor, her expert nurse educator colleagues, and fellow nurse educator mentees from across the country. During these sessions, an expert would discuss the latest research and best practices in nursing education and how to implement these practices. The discussions throughout these sessions were engaging and inspiring and led me to make many changes in how I teach! 

What was the best part of working with your Kaplan Nursing Mentor? 

The best part of working with Dr. Susan Sanders was her willingness to help and how attentive she was to me as her mentee. During this mentorship, I reached out to her multiple times between our meetings to ask for her opinion and advice. Not only did I get a thoughtful and helpful response, but she also reached out to her colleagues to offer multiple perspectives from educators with a wide range of expertise and experience. Thank you for being a wonderful mentor, Dr. Susan Sanders!

Which Nightingale Challenge Meeting resonated most deeply with you and why?

The “Supporting EAL Learners in the Classroom” meeting resonated most deeply with me. One thing that I love about where I teach is diversity in the students that we serve. In my current role as a nurse educator, I have had the privilege to work with students from various countries who speak multiple languages. In the “Supporting EAL Learners in the Classroom” meeting, we discussed the many challenges our EAL students may face and how we can use evidence-based strategies to support them. Since this meeting, I have used these strategies and shared the information with my colleagues.

What is the most important thing that you learned from this experience about being a successful and impactful nurse educator?

One thing that was reinforced for me during this experience is the value of group discussion, especially with those from various backgrounds and experience levels. We each have value and so much to offer others, and there is always room for improvement! 

What was the most important takeaway for you from 2020: Year of the Nurse and Midwife?

Nurses and midwives make a difference in the lives of so many. We must continue to make improvements in the care we provide to patients, the environments in which we work, and the health of our community.

What innovations in nursing education are you most excited about?

I am most excited about innovations in clinical simulation. Clinical simulation offers invaluable learning experiences for students as they can fully function in the role of a nurse and make mistakes in a safe and controlled setting. Simulation is such an essential piece in nursing education, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds in this area! I have been amazed by some of the high-fidelity mannequin-based simulators and virtual simulation products I have used! 

And finally, is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers?

I would like to thank: Kaplan for creating this opportunity and allowing me to participate in such a high-quality learning experience; my mentor, Dr. Susan Sanders, for being so open and supportive throughout the mentorship; and Dr. Rita Revak-Lutz for nominating me for this opportunity. Thank you! 

What advice do you offer your students as they prepare to start their nursing careers?

Remember that no one knows everything. It can be overwhelming to be a new nurse, but remember that every nurse you look up to was once a beginner like yourself. Do not be afraid to say, “I don’t know, but I will find out.” You want to build rapport with your patients and colleagues, and trust is the foundation for building relationships. It is better to clarify something that you do not know or are unsure of than to give false and potentially harmful information. 

As nurses, we are lifelong learners. Research, new technology, and emerging pathogens lead to information continually being updated- be sure to keep up with the latest evidence-based practices in your area of nursing! 

Is there a quote or saying that you live by―especially when it comes to nursing?

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.”

- Dr. Seuss

As a Family Nurse Practitioner, I managed patients primarily with endocrine disorders, including type 1 or type 2 diabetes, adjusting and interpreting insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring systems. In addition to practice, I thoroughly enjoy conducting and/or participating in research. While working as a nurse practitioner, I had an amazing opportunity to practice as a sub-investigator for two prominent clinical trials regarding new antidiabetic medications. I was born and raised in Nashville, TN. When I have time outside of teaching, I enjoy playing golf with my husband. We were both student-athletes in college on golf scholarships, and we still enjoy playing the game!

What is your particular area of expertise?

I’m an expert on chronic disease management, endocrinology (diabetes mellitus) disorders, experiential learning simulation, and playing golf.

Who or what experience inspired you to become a nurse?

My inspiration for pursuing a career as a nurse began with an experience at a young age. At the time of my tenth birthday, my grandmother was admitted to the hospital, facing a terminal illness that was rapidly progressing. We slept overnight in the ICU waiting room waiting on her passing, which is the worst experience for any 10-year-old on their birthday. The nurse caring for my grandmother learned that it was my birthday and bought a small cupcake, birthday beanie baby, and balloon in order to salvage some celebration activities. It was the same nurse that held my hand and took me back to say goodbye to my grandmother for the last time later that day. The way she comforted me while providing end-of-life care to my grandmother was a feeling that I will never forget. From that day forward, I have always wanted to care for others the way she cared for my family and me. 

Why did you decide to pursue a career as a nurse educator? 

As a floor nurse, I always enjoyed precepting either undergraduate nursing students that were attending clinical or novice new graduate nurses that were transitioning into practice. Overall, I enjoyed their eagerness to learn, the process of sharing knowledge, and then witnessing the growth in their confidence, skills, and critical thinking by the end of the rotation. I knew that nursing education was my calling when I experienced more fulfillment during shifts where I was responsible for precepting a student nurse.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your career?      

The most rewarding aspect of working in nursing education is creating opportunities for student success. I enjoy working with students to develop the knowledge, skill, and attitude required to provide compassionate, safe, and evidence-based care towards patients. As a nurse educator, I can improve patient care outcomes by appropriately training the next generation of nurses. Finally, I am blessed to work at an institution that promotes the importance of building meaningful relationships with Christ-centered students.

Do you have a particularly notable student success story to share?

In my final semester as an undergraduate nursing student, one of my friends and nursing peers committed suicide one month prior to our graduation. At the time, it felt unexpected, but after reflection, it became clear there were signs of distress. Therefore, as an educator, I have always strived to practice ongoing monitoring of student mental health and overall well-being. 

One of my notable student success stories was early recognition of a student in distress and quickly connecting them with appropriate resources. The signs were subtle but ones that I had seen before as a previous nursing student. Fast forward two years later, and the student approached me in a different class and said that I was the only instructor that had recognized their distress and connected them to counseling. The student became tearful and said that without my intervention, they may “not have been here anymore.” 

Did you have a particularly inspiring nurse educator when you were in school? 

It is because of the nurse educators that mentored me through undergraduate and graduate nursing school that led me to seek employment as a nurse educator from the university where I graduated. Their overwhelming commitment and involvement in my personal and professional journey were unmatched. From creating one-on-one learning sessions to accommodate my student athlete schedule, supporting me through the death of a classmate, adjusting my plan of study to ensure the success of my long-term educational goals, and providing ongoing encouragement while navigating the challenges of managing a chronic illness as a student were only some of the inspiring ways faculty made a difference in my journey as a nursing student.

In your opinion, why is it important to teach students to “think like a nurse?” 

It is of utmost importance to assist students in developing clinical reasoning and judgment skills. Historically, novice registered nurses are challenged in recognizing and responding to a change in patient condition resulting in failure to rescue. By assisting students in “thinking like a nurse”, they will be more confident and better equipped in early recognition and response to critical red-flag indicators that will translate into better patient outcomes. 

What do you think the future of nursing will look like for students and faculty? 

In looking ahead to the future of nursing education, I anticipate a change in the minimum entry-level requirement into the nursing profession and a shift or transition to competency-based education and assessment models. This change would allow for better consistency and intentionality in how nursing graduates are prepared for practice as well and emphasize the importance of community and team-based care. 

What was the best part of working with your Kaplan Nursing Mentor? 

I was honored to have been chosen to participate in Kaplan’s Nightingale Challenge. I thoroughly enjoyed the monthly webinars as they were tailored to novice educators and provided exposure to a variety of topics presented by experts in the field of nursing education. I appreciate that we have access to the recording of each session to be able to re-watch as needed. The topics presented helped create a stronger foundation of knowledge and skills needed to be successful as a nurse educator. 

What was the best part of working with your Kaplan Nursing Mentor? 

The best part of being mentored by Hallie Bensinger, DNP, APN, FNP-BC was being able to converse with an experienced educator about situations that I encountered throughout the year. She was encouraging and provided insight and support on how to practice self-care measures throughout the most challenging year of nursing education. Hallie also provided training on how to navigate Kaplan’s website and access resources that I can use to better support my students.

Which Nightingale Challenge Meeting resonated most deeply with you and why? 

I found all of the meetings informative, but the one that resonated with me the most was our final webinar discussing concept-based curriculum. The nursing program at the university where I am employed recently transitioned to a concept-based curriculum. It was beneficial and reassuring to hear some of the challenges that we are experiencing are “normal” and expected when transitioning from a traditional model to a concept-based model of education. The webinar was interactive and discussed active learning strategies that promote concept-based thinking. 

What is the most important thing that you learned from this experience about being a successful and impactful nurse educator?

In summary, to be a successful and impactful nurse educator, one must consider the learning needs of their student population, create opportunities for active student involvement in their learning, develop content and learning assessments that are linked back to course objectives or student learning outcomes, and establish a supportive learning environment where students and educators can produce work together.  

What was the most important takeaway for you from 2020: Year of the Nurse and Midwife? 

The COVID-19 pandemic has only magnified the challenges faced by nurses and exposed shortfalls in our healthcare system. This global initiative truly signifies the important work that nurses and midwives contribute to the nursing profession by way of disease prevention and health promotion around the world. We have a commitment to advancing our profession and ensuring its success through continued recruitment and retention of qualified nurses. 

Is there a quote or saying that you live by―especially when it comes to nursing? 

“The character of the nurse is as important as the knowledge he/she possesses.”

— Carolyn Jarvis

What advice would you give to the next generation of nurse educators based on the Nightingale Challenge experience?

I would strongly encourage seeking out various educational opportunities tailored to supporting or mentoring new nurse educators. This can be in the form of attending nurse educator or teaching and learning conferences, connecting with a peer mentor at the university and departmental level, or applying for a faculty fellowship opportunity. 

What is your particular area of expertise?

Simulation, active-learning strategies, and Socratic questioning. 

Interesting passion: learning about curriculum design.

Who or what experience inspired you to become a nurse?

My inspiration was the care I received from nurses at Spaulding Rehab in Boston during my time spent there for an injury.

Why did you decide to pursue a career as a nurse educator? 

Even in nursing school, I always enjoyed talking about nursing concepts as a peer tutor and student assistant in the labs. As a nurse educator, I get to help foster clinical judgment, which can have a positive impact on so many patients and families.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your career?      

The most rewarding aspect of being a nursing educator is witnessing the “aha” moments and getting to see the students connect the dots and bridge the gap from theory to clinical. Each day I am inspired by my students and the opportunity to observe knowledge evolve. 

Do you have a particularly notable student success story to share?

Success happens when a student comes back after graduation and references the simulation experience in the clinical environment as a new nurse. One student I taught very much disliked simulation. Anxiety in the simulation environment was a factor, so I worked closely with this student to change the mindset of fear to a positive learning experience. Over the course of two years, prior to graduation, this student was no longer fearful of simulation. The student went on to take a nurse residency program that incorporated simulation, and she told me how grateful she was to overcome her fear in nursing school and how this helped her become successful as a new-graduate nurse. 

Another example was a student who visited after graduating and spoke about one of the simulation scenarios I had taught. The scenario was on respiratory depression after medication administration. He was working as a new-nurse and experienced a very similar situation. He credited the simulation experience for being able to intervene appropriately and timely during this real clinical situation. 

It brings me joy to see past students avoiding failure to rescue events due to simulation.

In your opinion, why is it important to teach students to “think like a nurse?”

In my opinion, teaching students to “think like a nurse” is critical to clinical safety regardless of the job environment. Nursing curricula can be saturated with content-heavy information—making it challenging for students to filter. “Thinking like a nurse” requires deliberate skill and practice; thus, students need an opportunity to safely implement clinical judgment at all levels of education. 

In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing nurse educators today?

Outside of the pandemic, nursing educators face numerous challenges. Personally, I believe the biggest challenge is the nursing faculty shortage, which is projected to worsen over the next decade. Along with increased retirements of current faculty, research has reported that workload, lack of mentorship, and role-transition triggers nurse educators to leave academia.

What was the best part of working with your Kaplan Nursing Mentor? 

My mentor was Shannon Meijer, who is amazing! The best part of working with my mentor was the friendly guidance I received. I was able to talk to her about my thoughts, challenges, and concerns regarding nursing education. It was a nonjudgmental relationship, which was very beneficial for a novice educator (me). 

Which Nightingale Challenge Meeting resonated most deeply with you and why?

I am not sure I can pick just one! Each monthly meeting with my mentor and scheduled webinar topic was relevant and impacted my overall effectiveness as a nurse educator. Some topics did not apply to my current role, but I know I'll need this information down the road. For example, I do not currently write test questions or practice test analysis; however, this is a skill I want to master and might use one day. Again, each session was relevant and meaningful. I am so grateful for the Nightingale Challenge opportunity.  

What is the most important thing that you learned from this experience about being a successful and impactful nurse educator?

The most important thing I learned was about networking and resources. A successful educator cannot do it alone. It is critical to use the resources available or ask for help. Operating in silos has a negative impact. Remaining open to learning and flexible to change is also important on the road to success.

What was the most important takeaway for you from 2020: Year of the Nurse and Midwife?

This was a difficult year for many. My takeaway is the importance of resiliency. 

What does mentorship mean to you, and why is it important for nurses to have professional mentors?

To me, Mentorship means creating a trusting relationship with someone who wants you to be successful. Mentorship can increase job satisfaction and decrease attrition. It is important for nurses to have professional mentors because a fruitful mentee-mentor relationship can promote a healthy work environment. Patients, families, and students benefit from nurses working in healthy, supportive settings. 

What advice do you offer your students as they prepare to start their nursing careers?

You can do it! The path is not always easy, but you must believe in yourself. 

I would also recommend journaling and reflection. I have just recently learned how beneficial reflecting on your journey can be. I wish I had kept a journal to look back on during my first few years as a nurse. 

What advice would you give to the next generation of nurse educators based on the Nightingale Challenge experience?

To find a mentor—sometimes the mentor is outside of your organization, which is also awesome and beneficial. Also, take it one day at a time. Long-term goals and aspirations are needed, but living in the day is also critical to developing as an educator.

What is your particular area of expertise?

I am an expert in medical-surgical nursing, pharmacology, and utilizing the flipped classroom method of teaching. I am working diligently to become an expert at active teaching strategies specifically geared toward Generation Z students. One of my biggest passions is motivating and encouraging students, teaching them how to stay organized, how to multitask, and prioritize their numerous responsibilities.

Who or what experience inspired you to become a nurse?

My original plan was to become a surgeon. I switched gears during my sophomore year in college to pursue nursing instead of a biology major. My plan was to practice as a nurse for a few years, build up my savings, take the MCAT, and then apply to medical school. Once I began working as a nurse, I was exposed to so many various  job options. I began seeing nursing as a very versatile career full of endless possibilities for growth, learning, and training.

Why did you decide to pursue a career as a nurse educator? 

One of the biggest responsibilities of a bedside nurse is teaching. It is imperative to teach the patient, their family, and caregivers about the patient’s medications, plan of care, procedures, lifestyle changes, and other aspects of their health. I have always admired those who pursued higher levels of education and worked towards building their knowledge to become experts in the field. I never wanted to stop at my BSN and saw a career in education as rewarding and full of potential.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your career?      

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a nurse educator is counseling students who are struggling through nursing school, either in the classroom or clinical setting. It is wonderful having the opportunity to mentor these students, tutor them, and provide them with the necessary skills for studying, organization, and motivation. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing the effort, time, and hard work that you invested in helping a nursing student pay off in the student’s performance. Seeing a student get excited and motivated about learning is the icing on the cake.

If you hadn’t become a nurse, what other profession would you have pursued? 

My childhood dream was to be a surgeon. I knew that no matter what specialty or career I chose, I would be happiest working in the medical field.

How has your unique background prepared you for success in your field?

Since English is my second language, I can relate to ESL nursing students on a more personal level and work diligently to find teaching strategies and learning tools to help them meet their learning outcomes in my clinicals and classroom.

Being a young nurse educator helps me relate to learning obstacles and other challenges that traditional nursing students face, such as stress, anxiety, family obligations, workload, etc. Being a millennial also gives me the drive to utilize technology and active learning strategies in a f2f or online classroom that is specifically geared toward Generation Z students.

In your opinion, why is it important to teach students to “think like a nurse?”

Patients and medical scenarios never quite play out exactly as how they are presented in nursing textbooks. It is important to teach nursing students how to think critically and build their clinical reasoning skills. This will prepare them to react quickly and appropriately when they encounter an unusual patient scenario.

How can nurse educators best prepare students for the realities and rigors of nursing?

It is important to incorporate real anecdotal stories from your own nursing experiences when teaching theory and clinical courses. This will help students see different sides of nursing and the reality of healthcare which encompasses so many facets.

One of the most important skills that a nursing student and a nurse can have is adaptability. This can help them react and manage any scenario that comes their way.

What is the biggest challenge facing nurse educators today?

One of the biggest challenges is teaching utilizing numerous teaching styles geared toward a variety of student’s learning needs. It is important to find a good balance between presenting concepts, making learning engaging, and keeping a student’s attention while promoting the application of the content and critical thinking.

Tell us about your experience during the Nightingale Challenge with Kaplan. 

I was pleasantly surprised when I was selected as a participant for the Nightingale Challenge. It was a wonderful opportunity to work 1:1 with a mentor who invested a lot of time, energy, and effort to help me grow as a young nurse educator. I always learned something new each month through meetings with my mentor, reading articles, or participating in the webinars. My favorite part was learning something new and then trying that method in my classroom or clinicals. 

What was the best part of working with your Kaplan Nursing Mentor? 

Rebecca Potter, PhD(c), MSIDT, MSN/ED, RN, was a wonderful mentor who was professional, knowledgeable, and helpful. She helped me consider issues from numerous angles, which allowed me to explore alternate ways of thinking. She used her experience, education, and expertise to help me build the areas that I was weak in. Rebecca frequently encouraged and motivated me to pursue my career and education goals.

Which Nightingale Challenge Meeting resonated most deeply with you and why? 

My two favorite topics included the Science of Learning and Benefits of Remediation because I am very curious about the science of how students learn, and I perform remediation in my pharmacology course. I was interested to see the evidence, research, and pros and cons behind remediation for nursing students. I began my doctoral program in August of 2020 and was taking three theory courses that focused on teaching the adult learner, different nursing theories, and the current trends and issues in nursing. The Kaplan topics complimented what I was learning in my graduate courses.

What is the most important thing that you learned from this experience about being a successful and impactful nurse educator?

It is important for nurse educators to continuously immerse themselves in current, up-to-date, and professional research. It is imperative to seek ways to improve their teaching methods no matter the platform or generation of student while striving to reach every individual and unique learning style.

What was the most important takeaway for you from 2020: Year of the Nurse and Midwife? 

Change is inevitable in nursing education. It is vital for nurse educators to continue to be lifelong learners.

What does mentorship mean to you, and why is it important for nurses to have professional mentors?

Mentorship is one of the most important relationships that a new nurse educator can have, especially at the beginning of their teaching career. It provides them the opportunity to transition into the educator role and promotes socialization in nursing education. It allows the mentor and mentee to work together to problem solve, discuss policy, promote engagement, and guidance for the curriculum and mission. Mentorship should also continue throughout the educator’s entire teaching career based on their specific goals for scholarship, service, teaching, and professional development. Quality mentorship can promote overall job satisfaction for the nurse educator and thus improve faculty retention.

What is the best piece of advice you received from a teacher?

Grades will never define you but saving a human life will.

Is there a quote or saying that you live by―especially when it comes to nursing?

“Leave it better than you found it.”

What innovations in nursing education are you most excited about?

I am excited to see how technology will continue to impact the classroom and clinical setting. Virtual simulation is an increasingly popular tool that is gaining quick momentum.

What will the COVID-19 pandemic change about the way we prepare nursing students for their careers?

Nursing educators across the world will have to continue to adapt to new teaching obstacles while continuously seeking ways to improve nursing education. Nurse educators should diligently stay up to date on healthcare issues, evidence-based practice, research, and technology. As the needs of the human population change, so should the educator to meet those demands.

And finally, is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers?

It is worth an educator’s time, energy, and effort to continuously seek ways to improve their teaching practices, philosophy, and methodology. Adaptability is one of the strongest qualities that an educator can possess. This skill can allow the educator to transform and meet the needs of new students, new policies, and the patient population's needs while staying up-to-date with the changing health care.

What is your particular area of expertise?

I’m an expert in Oncology (specifically chemo infusion), patient education, and communication skills. I’m also passionate about reading and completing full crosswords in under 12 minutes.

Who or what experience inspired you to become a nurse?

I’ve always been interested in healthcare. When I was a junior in college, after traveling to Ecuador, I became very ill and spent about two weeks in and out of doctors’ offices trying to figure out what was wrong with me. I was finally diagnosed with typhus (a rare neurological issue not commonly seen in the US). The nurses who took care of me were phenomenal, and that’s when I realized I wanted to do the same for others.

Why did you decide to pursue a career as a nurse educator? 

I love to teach and always have. In former positions, I always took on the role of patient and staff educator because I was passionate about giving people resources to take care of themselves, and education provides a great means to do that.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your career?      

I love seeing the “lightbulb” go off in someone’s eyes when they finally get something or connect a concept to what they’ve seen in practice/life. It’s so rewarding to see their confidence grow.

In your opinion, why is it important to teach students to “think like a nurse?”

I think it’s important for students to know HOW to do something, but if they don’t understand WHY they are doing it or WHY it’s important, then they can’t adjust as well if the HOW changes. Understanding concepts about how the body works and knowing cause and effect really allows students to be flexible and knowledgeable when a patient situation changes, or when they have to get creative. I also teach them to always anticipate what a patient might need, or how a patient situation could change―that way, they aren’t caught unaware but can maybe resolve something before it starts.

How can nurse educators best prepare students for the realities and rigors of nursing?

Clinical experience is a big part of this―how can you know what it’s like to be a nurse without having hands-on experience? I think having continuous open discussions about the reality of nursing, sharing personal experiences with them, and not shying away from challenging patients all can contribute greatly.

In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing nurse educators today?

In today’s environment of online learning, student engagement is a huge challenge. In a physical classroom, you can have activities where the students move around and interact, but online, it’s very difficult to incorporate those same activities to keep students engaged. Students also face challenges at home, so their focus and engagement can be strained and seep into class time. 

Tell us about your experience during the Nightingale Challenge with Kaplan. 

What a great experience! I’ve really learned a lot this year; all of the readings and webinars have been so helpful in shaping me as a nurse educator!

What was the best part of working with your Kaplan Nursing Mentor? 

My mentor is Dawn Oakley (now Whitfield), and she is AMAZING! So helpful and encouraging, provided so many great resources, and was a wonderful listener to my struggles over this past year. I am truly appreciative for her guidance and support!

Which Nightingale Challenge Meeting resonated most deeply with you and why?

I particularly enjoyed the meeting about conceptual learning―my curriculum is conceptually based, and that’s how I learn, so it was helpful to feel confirmed and supported in my learning and teaching experiences.

What is the most important thing that you learned from this experience about being a successful and impactful nurse educator?

Time management and saying no―prioritizing what you need to do now and what can wait, and knowing how and when to say no to taking on more responsibilities. Stand up for yourself to protect your mental health.

What was the most important takeaway for you from 2020: Year of the Nurse and Midwife?

Having a mentor is such a wonderful and essential part of nursing, and being a mentor is a great experience as well.

What was the most important piece of advice you received from your Kaplan Nursing Mentor?

Renew and refresh yourself so you can give back to others―as a new educator, you can feel obligated to say yes to everything people ask of you. It’s ok to say no or not right now, so you can say yes later.

How can nurse educators best prepare students for the NCLEX?

Start early! As a first-semester instructor we begin discussing NCLEX style questions, how to break them down, and how to be successful on “the big one" on the first day.

Is there a quote or saying that you live by―especially when it comes to nursing?

“How very little can be done under the spirit of fear.” 

– Florence Nightingale

Don’t be afraid to take on new challenges and do things you haven’t done before, and don’t be afraid of change.

What will the COVID-19 pandemic change about the way we prepare nursing students for their careers?

I definitely think times are changing and nursing education will forever be affected. I don’t think that’s necessarily bad―online learning has opened up possibilities for smaller schools to provide quality distance education. However, I think that students today are challenged with many personal distractions that can impact their success in school―something educators MUST consider when planning classes and maximizing impact on student success.

And finally, is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers?

I love being a nurse―I continue to grow every day and hope to have more experiences like this one in the future! I hope to share that passion with others.

What is your particular area of expertise?

I’m an expert on medical/surgical nursing, the fundamentals of nursing instruction, nursing research, and learning to photograph the night sky.

Who or what experience inspired you to become a nurse?

Interestingly, I didn’t always aspire to be a nurse, and no one in my immediate family worked in nursing. Once I went to college, I did an analysis of my interests, such as working with people and learning about science and the human body, and thought nursing was a great fit. I was right!

Why did you decide to pursue a career as a nurse educator? 

I was a preceptor early in my career and immediately knew I loved teaching and training new nurses. I wanted to be an essential part of a nurse’s early career, providing knowledge as well as encouragement, guidance, and helping them build confidence. This inspired me to try out nursing education as an adjunct clinical instructor, then get a Master’s in Nursing Education, and eventually a full-time position in nursing education. 

What is the most rewarding aspect of your career?      

My favorite day of the year is taking fundamental students to their very first day in the acute care setting. Some are understandably anxious, but all are excited about the opportunity to connect with patients. It’s inspiring to see such excitement about the nursing profession.

If you hadn’t become a nurse, what other profession would you have pursued? 

I also considered careers in computer science and journalism because I love informatics and writing.

In your opinion, why is it important to teach students to “think like a nurse?”

You can teach students pathophysiology, facts, skills, and give them access to so many resources. But when you teach them to actually start thinking differently, they develop the tools they need to find answers in real-life situations. 

Tell us about your experience using virtual simulation as part of your curricula.

Our Simulation lab was amazing in implementing virtual sims, especially during the pandemic. I have enjoyed it so much and think students developed great critical thinking skills. It also gives students exposure to situations that may not always be there―for example, our fundamentals class did a v-sim that focused on the care of a patient with an ostomy.

What is the biggest challenge facing nurse educators today?

Literally “today”―it is obviously balancing pandemic-related problems, such as providing hands-on experience while keeping everyone safe. Another important issue among nurse educators is finding a good work-life balance in this age of always having access to your work online. We don’t want everyone to burn out!

Tell us about your experience during the Nightingale Challenge with Kaplan. 

I am so fortunate to have been a part of this challenge. The topics covered issues that were coming up in my daily work, and I was able to change aspects immediately after the meetings I had with my mentor or as a large group. I feel like this helped me grow tremendously.

What was the best part of working with your Kaplan Nursing Mentor? 

Ryan Goble was so resourceful. I would often give him a question or topic I wanted to know more about, and he’d pull together resources or invite others to come to our meetings, and each one was very insightful. He is also very knowledgeable about test writing, and in our time together, I learned how to improve my item writing skills. 

Which Nightingale Challenge Meeting resonated most deeply with you and why? 

The meeting about Active Learning Strategies and Test Blueprinting was very helpful as a new educator; I was able to put some of the things I learned into practice immediately. 

What is the most important thing that you learned from this experience about being a successful and impactful nurse educator?

There is not a one-size-fits-all answer to nursing education, but there are some great evidence-based practices that can guide you to be very effective and rigorous in your approach. Also, turn to your experienced colleagues and mentors; they’ve probably been through a lot of the same challenges.

What was the most important takeaway for you from 2020: Year of the Nurse and Midwife? 

Nurses are heroes and advocates. I can’t express my admiration enough for the students entering the profession during this pandemic.

What do you think the future of nursing will look like for students and faculty?

I think a lot of research will come as a result of the pandemic, and we will learn which of the innovations we had to put into play rapidly were effective. We are going to emerge as even stronger educators and nurses. 

What was the most important piece of advice you received from your Kaplan Nursing Mentor?

Ryan is obviously very current in his practice and showed me the value of staying up-to-date on the NCSBN and Next Generation NCLEX plans to guide my item writing style. He said students will recognize and appreciate it if my test questions look like the ones they see later on the NCLEX. 

What advice do you offer your students as they prepare for NCLEX and/or start their nursing careers?

Remember your "why." Nursing is an amazing career with many opportunities. Give yourself time to adjust to the new role and find a trusted role model or mentor you can have real conversations about the transition.

And finally, is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers?

I am very thankful that Kaplan put together this innovative program for new nurse educators and hope to keep in touch with my mentor Ryan for a long time to come. 

What is your particular area of expertise?

My area of expertise is Pediatric Nursing, with my clinical background specifically in Pediatric Emergency Nursing. My passion as an educator is providing emotional and spiritual support for my students, and my scholarship focus is the generational characteristics of nursing students.

Who or what experience inspired you to become a nurse?

In high school, I fell in love with science and became fascinated by how the mind and body are designed. Teaching has always been something I enjoyed. I helped friends with science during high school and college. Nursing is a great way to combine my appreciation of psychology, anatomy & physiology, and teaching! The fact that it is also one of the most respected professions and I have the ability to impact the lives of others through such meaningful work makes it even more of an honor. 

If you hadn’t become a nurse, what other profession would you have pursued? 

I’m sure I’d still be teaching in some form! Production is also a passion of mine, so perhaps I would have pursued full-time work in theatre or film. 

Why did you decide to pursue a career as a nurse educator? 

Becoming a nurse educator was my plan from the start. In fact, in nursing school, I was voted “Most Likely to Become a Nursing Professor” by my classmates.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your career?      

Mentoring students and providing holistic student care are very rewarding for me. I love being alongside students to help them develop their critical thinking as well as their emotional intelligence. 

In your opinion, why is it important to teach students to “think like a nurse?”

We walk around with the world of knowledge at our fingertips through our smartphones. So much of our students’ lives has been personalized, and they have grown up in a world where even truth can become a relative concept where people can pick and choose the science they agree with. As a result, the role of the educator moves to an emphasis on discernment, critical thinking, and metacognition. Learning “how to learn” and how to “think like a nurse” are crucial for this evidence-based field. 

How can nurse educators best prepare students for the realities and rigors of nursing?

Nursing is a difficult profession, and nurses are not exempt from anxiety, depression, or unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance use. Helping students to reflect on their learning and personal growth as they develop emotional intelligence is vital! We can provide students with the tools they need to process expectations, experiences, and responses, while role-modeling self-care and healthy coping strategies. 

In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing nurse educators today?

There are several undeniable challenges that we are facing as nurse educators, such as difficulty finding acute care sites and the need for creative clinical experiences. I believe that we are also beginning to encounter rising challenges relating to our students themselves. This generation requires additional emotional and spiritual support. Adolescence is prolonged well into the twenties, and the world our students navigate is difficult. We cannot take things like professionalism, literacy, emotional maturity, and a general acceptance of science being rooted in absolute truths for granted. The implications for these challenges must be considered by nurse educators in order to best support our students and equip our graduates for the nursing profession.

Tell us about your experience during the Nightingale Challenge with Kaplan. 

I felt such a sense of support during this experience! This was especially valuable during a pandemic, when an already demanding job reached new levels of difficulty. 

What was the best part of working with your Kaplan Nursing Mentor? 

Audrey Schou is an amazing mentor! She did a fantastic job of getting to know me and identifying resources to help meet my needs. She was an immense source of encouragement, and she went out of her way to provide me with opportunities to develop my scholarly pursuits and share my passions with other nurse educators.

Which Nightingale Challenge Meeting resonated most deeply with you and why?

Our first session stands out as one of my favorites. Dr. Becky Oglesby shared about Interactive Methods for Learning. There were so many practical tips and fun ideas!  

What is the most important thing that you learned from this experience about being a successful and impactful nurse educator?

It’s a team effort as we learn together and share our experiences and expertise!

What was the most important takeaway for you from 2020: Year of the Nurse and Midwife?

While there will always be progress to be made, I believe that we really saw the type of nursing that Florence Nightingale envisioned during our profession’s response to this COVID-19 pandemic.

What advice would you give to the next generation of nurse educators based on this experience?

Remember that you’re not in this alone. Surround yourself with people who are knowledgeable and who are passionate about what they do!

What advice do you offer your students as they prepare for NCLEX and/or start their nursing careers?

Learn how to learn! We will never know everything, and it is so important to balance humility while still having the courage to speak up and advocate for evidence-based practice.

What will the COVID-19 pandemic change about the way we prepare nursing students for their careers?

This pandemic continues to validate the value of simulation and pushes us to make creative changes that we may have otherwise been afraid to try! 

And finally, is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers?

As we work toward aligning our learning strategies with science and student characteristics, we may encounter some resistance. So, show your students more of the process. (Hopefully) very little of what we do is busy work, so explain the reasons and rationale in order to gain their buy-in and help them think critically even about their own learning.  

Also, as a nurse educator, your students need YOU. Offer yourself, be real, and role model the ongoing practice of self-reflection and what it looks like to navigate the nursing profession.