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Key Takeaways from the Educating Nurses: A Radical Transformation Conference
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The inaugural Educating Nurses: A Radical Transformation conference was an inspiring gathering. It featured legendary figures in nursing education, such as Dr. Patricia Benner, Dr. Christine Tanner, Dr. Pat Kyriakidis, and others. Attendees were treated to powerful insights that challenged us to rethink our approach to nursing education.
It was encouraging to see the emphasis on clinical judgment and preparing students for practice, that KeithRN has been sharing for 13 years, validated by this event. Keith also presented a breakout session on the need for a broader shift — from individual transformation to the reformation of nursing education; aligning how nursing is taught to its original purpose — preparing graduates for real-world practice. Here are our key takeaways from the conference:
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We've Been Focusing on the Wrong North Star
Dr. Garrett Chan, CEO of HealthImpact, the event's lead sponsor, opened the conference by challenging the nursing education community to consider that we have been chasing the wrong North Star.
We have prioritized NCLEX preparation over equipping students for clinical practice for far too long. Instead, we should focus on nurturing students to become compassionate, competent caregivers, teaching them to care for patients and themselves.
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Experiential Learning is Essential
Dr. Patricia Benner shared insights from her research with experienced nurses. When asked what they did, many provided a list of skills. Dr. Benner stated they were "trained, but not educated into practice."
This reinforces the importance of experiential learning — students must be given opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
Are you focused on training students to perform skills and complete a checklist, or are you providing narrative understanding and contextual knowledge of the patient and situation?
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Engagement, Curiosity, and Purpose-Driven Learning
Dr. Christine Tanner captivated the audience with her personal stories and profound wisdom. She shared escapades from her collaborations with Dr. Benner, and the audience did not want her to stop talking. She exhibited the power of narrative pedagogy!
Dr. Tanner underscored the importance of engagement and curiosity in the learning process. As educators, our job is to spark that curiosity and help students find purpose in their work.
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Lifelong Learning is a Necessity
Now in her 80s, Dr. Benner continues to be a shining example of lifelong learning. Despite her illustrious career, she still took notes and photos during presentations. Her ongoing curiosity and commitment to learning serve as a powerful model for students and educators alike.
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Final Thought: Leading with Purpose
Reflecting on the discussions around patient care and transformation, we wonder if our true "North Star" should be to ignite passion and purpose in our students. By leading with purpose, we have the potential to not only reshape our profession but also meaningfully impact the world.
As Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has.”
The Educating Nurses: A Radical Transformation conference reinforced the idea that actual change begins with us — nurse educators — but does not end with us. Let’s set our course toward a future that prioritizes purpose, engagement, and deep, experiential learning for future nurses.
Look for our upcoming community updates and Facebook/YouTube Live events, which will continue to feature summaries of the presentations from this conference.
Take care,
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Keith Rischer, PhD, RN, CCRN, CEN
Founder/CEO, KeithRN |
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Maria Flores-Harris, DNP, RN, CNE
Nurse Educator Consultant |
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Upcoming Workshops & Events |
- Feb. 7 at 11AM CST / 12PM EST
Free Workshop: "How to Develop Clinical Judgment with KeithRN Resources" Attend for a chance to win a three volume set of Think Like a Nurse textbooks (valued at $159.95)! Please note the new time for our 2025 workshops.
- Feb. 13 at 7PM CST / 8PM EST
Facebook/YouTube Live: "Nurturing Students to Become Compassionate, Competent Caregivers." Dr. Garrett Chan, CEO of HealthImpact and the visionary leader behind the inaugural Educating Nurses: A Radical Transformation conference held last month in Las Vegas, will join us as a guest to share essential takeaways from the conference and practical strategies every educator must implement to transform nursing education. If you missed this conference, you won’t want to miss this follow-up event.
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Join us for an Interview on Facebook/YouTube Live! |
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We want to spotlight and feature your work as a guest on a future Facebook/YouTube Live! We are looking for educators in practice or academic settings with research or resources highlighting the development of clinical judgment or bridging the academic-practice to ease the transition to practice.
Learn more and apply to be a guest educator during our monthly live events. Apply now » |
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KeithRN is committed to supporting anti-trafficking programs.
We're proud to partner with Venture, a nonprofit that supports programs to rescue and provide safety for women and girls. Watch » |
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Together, KeithRN and nurse educators are creating a safer world for women and children. A portion of your membership directly supports Venture’s life-changing work. Read more » |
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KeithRN.com | ThinkLikeaNurse.com |
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Together, KeithRN and nurse educators are creating a safer world for women and children. Learn more » |
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