Preparing the next generation of practice-ready nurses

This webinar discussed the ways nurse faculty and those in healthcare organizations can facilitate recent graduates’ successful transition from new nurse to practice-ready nurses by utilizing resources and technology. Among the issues discussed:

• Test Preparation - How have undergraduate nursing faculty changed the way they teach in response to the launch of the Next Gen NCLEX® exam and the AACN Essentials for undergraduate education?
• Simulation Technology - How are undergraduate nursing programs utilizing technology and resources to ensure students are adequately prepared to graduate, pass their boards, and successfully move to practice? What role does simulation play in preparing students to develop clinical judgment, to pass the NCLEX and be ready for practice? What is the right ratio of simulation to in-person clinical practice?
• Academic Partnerships - Practice/academic partnerships that facilitate transition to practice are becoming more popular and are endorsed by many nursing professional organizations. What makes these relationships successful for the student, the school, and the practice organization? Should we increase the number of practice/academic partnerships?
• New Nurse Orientation - Healthcare organizations have had to change how they orient new nurses. The goal is to get a new nurse safe to practice at the bedside as quickly as possible. How have orientation programs changed? Many institutions are again offering nurse residency programs; however, these programs come with significant cost. How do healthcare systems justify these costs?
• Preceptor Programs - Many healthcare organizations are struggling with their preceptor programs. How can healthcare organizations reinvigorate their preceptor programs to better prepare novice nurses for transition to practice? Is there a role for academia to give assistance?
• Nurse Retention - It’s well known that in the first two years of practice, new nurses often leave the bedside looking for other positions. What can organizations do to improve new nurse retention?

About the panel

Kenya V. Beard, EdD, AGACNP-BC, CNE, ANEF, FAAN

Associate Provost, Chamberlain University

Kenya Beard, EdD, AGACNP-BC, CNE, ANEF, FAAN, is Associate Provost for Social Mission & Academic Excellence at Chamberlain University. Dr. Beard Chairs the New York State Board of Nursing. She is a fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine, the American Academy of Nursing, and the Academy of Nursing Education. She serves on the editorial board for the American Journal of Nursing and on the American Academy of Nursing’s Institute for Nursing Leadership.

Marilyn H. Oermann, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN

Thelma M. Ingles Professor of Nursing, Duke University

Marilyn Oermann, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN, is the Thelma M. Ingles Professor of Nursing at Duke University School of Nursing. She is the Editor-in-Chief of Nurse Educator. Dr. Oermann is the author/co-author of 34 books, more than 215 articles in peer-reviewed journals, and many editorials, chapters, and other types of publications on nursing education and publishing topics.

Tim Bristol, PhD, RN, CNE, FAAN, FAADN

Director Nurse Think, Wolters Kluwer Lippincott® Nursing Education

Tim Bristol is a faculty development, NCLEX, and curriculum design specialist. He has taught at all levels of nursing and is an expert in bringing the evidence base of nursing, healthcare, and education to students and faculty. Dr. Bristol has certification as a nurse educator and is a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing. His motto: "Today, we will learn how to learn."

Candice Vaughan Griffin, DNP, RN, NEA-BC

Executive Director, Clinical Education & Professional Development, Banner Health

Candice Vaughan Griffin, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, is the Executive Director of Clinical Education and Professional Development with Banner Health. Prior to this role, Candice spent 13 years as a Trauma, ICU, and interventional cardiology nurse in academic medical centers such as the Medical College of Virginia and Massachusetts General Hospital.

Anne Dabrow Woods, DNP, RN, CRNP, ANP-BC, AGACNP-BC, FAAN

Chief Nurse, Wolters Kluwer, Health Learning, Research & Practice

A nurse since 1984 and a nurse practitioner since 1998, Dr. Dabrow Woods is passionate about confronting the challenges presented by a transitioning nursing workforce and promoting evidence-based practice to improve patient outcomes and global health. She currently practices as an acute care/critical care nurse practitioner at Penn Medicine, Chester County Hospital, and serves as adjunct faculty in the graduate nursing programs at Drexel University and Neumann University.

Prior to her role as chief nurse, she served as Director of Journal Strategy and Development and as a clinical editor at Wolters Kluwer. Dr. Dabrow Woods received a bachelor’s degree (BSN) from West Chester University, a master’s degree (MSN) from LaSalle University, a post-master's certificate from Drexel University, and a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree from Texas Christian University. She is also a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing.