Following in the footsteps of the exceptional educators who ignited my passion for nursing education, I aim to spark genuine enthusiasm in the students who enter my classroom. I do this by creating meaningful and engaged classroom experiences that are followed by practical clinical application. My teaching philosophy centers on a supportive learning environment where students feel safe to share, explore, question, and grow. I root the learning experiences I craft in what I call the PRACTICE+ model of nursing education. I developed this framework to promote the development of thoughtful, skilled, and compassionate health care providers. Each letter of the PRACTICE+ model represents an essential aspect of nursing excellence, while the “+” symbolizes the synergy required to truly elevate nursing practice. 

P – Perspectives: Value our differences. We all have experience to bring to the classroom. Celebrating our varied perspectives leads to improved learning for all. I encourage students to share stories from their lived experiences to promote mutual understanding that will prepare all learners for the varied patient populations they will serve.

R – Research: Translate evidence into practice. A significant gap remains between research and clinical care. I guide students to bridge this gap through the cultivation of skills that will help them identify, appraise, and apply the latest evidence.

A – Access to fair health care: Advocate for all populations. Healthcare disparities persist, and the next generation of health care providers must acknowledge these disparities to develop innovative solutions. By fostering a sense of social responsibility, we prepare nurses to be agents of positive change in their communities.

C – Champion patient-centered care: Every patient benefits from sharing their story. Through example and story-telling, I emphasize the importance of listening and tailoring care to the patient’s individual needs and sociocultural context. I encourage students to view patients as partners in the healing process, ensuring that care plans are inclusive of their values and preferences.

T – Technology: Embrace digital innovation. The digital era is revolutionizing healthcare. I incorporate technologies such as online health learning platforms, artificial intelligence, electronic health records, and telehealth into learning to help prepare students for this evolving healthcare landscape. Technology can promote efficiency and improve our capacity to provide higher-quality patient care.

I – Interprofessionalism: Excel in collaboration. Teamwork leads to better patient outcomes. I develop interprofessional learning experiences that promote the development of crucial communication skills and leverage the strengths of students in various health science disciplines. Patients benefit when we work together. This approach prepares students for the realities of modern healthcare delivery.

C – Continuous learning: Become life-long learners. Healthcare knowledge is constantly evolving, and a commitment to ongoing learning is essential to remain at the forefront of patient care. I empower students with tools to stay updated and relevant.  

E – Ethics: Uphold professional integrity. Ethical practice is integral to the nursing profession. In my classroom, we explore patient cases with complex ethical dilemmas that prepare students to navigate challenging situations with moral clarity and confidence. By emphasizing ethical practice, I prepare graduates from our program to be trusted and respected members of the healthcare community.

I employ several active learning techniques to fully realize this PRACTICE+ model:

• Case studies that bring complex realities to life
• Hands-on practice through simulation, standardized patient encounters, and the clinical setting
• Peer teaching to reinforce understanding and help students develop critical leadership skills
• Interactive technology for engagement and rapid feedback
• Role-playing activities to promote empathy and develop communication skills
• Interprofessional experiences to promote learning across disciplines
• A flipped classroom approach to help students develop skills essential for continuous learning and promote more time for engaged discussion in the classroom.

These methods deepen understanding and boost retention of content, promote the development of critical thinking skills, and improve problem-solving abilities. Through active learning, students develop both the competence and the confidence required to enter real-world advanced nursing practice. 

Throughout this educational journey, I serve as a mentor and guide. I offer support, though encourage independence. I set high standards, then provide the scaffolding the ensure that students can succeed.

My goal? To empower knowledgeable, skilled, and compassionate nurse practitioners who will not only provide exceptional patient care, but also function as leaders and innovators in this field. I envision my students as catalysts for positive change, shaping a more equitable, effective, and empathetic healthcare system for all. The PRACTICE+ approach equips them with the tools, knowledge, and mindset to make this vision a reality.