I have had the privilege of being involved in various teaching opportunities throughout my career. My experiences have shown me that using a variety of teaching methods to present information enhances learners’ understanding and assimilation of the content. I am proficient in using traditional didactic in-class instruction, simulation, hands-on clinical preceptor instruction, virtual/remote learning, large group presentation, and personalized one-one instruction depending on the needs of the learners and the educational program.

Technological advances and societal changes necessitate adaptation in teaching modalities. As the use of remote work/learning options, artificial intelligence applications, and web-based virtual environments become increasingly prevalent in other disciplines, nursing instructors must be prepared to integrate them into their teaching techniques to facilitate optimal learning for students’ changing needs and desires. I feel prepared for this transition.

In addition to using a variety of teaching methods to present information, two-way feedback between instructor and student is critical. Constructive feedback occurs in an environment that is physically and emotionally safe and where authentic connection has been cultivated. Instructors who demonstrate real caring for their students, get to know them individually, and adjust teaching methods to facilitate optimal learning based on real-time feedback can make a significant impact.

Nursing students are required to learn a vast amount in a relatively short period of time. In addition to learning about disease management, they must become proficient in hands-on skills, develop the ability to think critically and prioritize, adapt to the professional role of a nurse, as well as develop their own ethical framework. Many of my students have expressed disappointment with unethical behavior witnessed in the nursing workforce. They are determined to maintain their principles as they begin their careers. I enjoy facilitating thought-provoking discussions to further encourage students to evaluate their beliefs and actively plan how to uphold them.

My nursing students frequently witness and/or personally experience incidents of bias and discrimination during their clinical rotations. Despite increasing awareness of social justice and health equity issues related to diverse and vulnerable populations, significant gaps persist in translation to practice. I believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion content, including the use of simulation for experiential training, should be integrated throughout the nursing curriculum. Having worked with diverse and vulnerable populations throughout my career, and being a second-generation immigrant from Costa Rica myself, I am passionate about serving and educating these diverse groups and the future nurses who care for them