Nursing Education & Transition to Practice
We develop breakthroughs in the science of nursing education.
Today, nurse educators are facing unique challenges with preparing nurses to enter an increasingly complex healthcare system. A shortage of nurse educators and clinical placement opportunities, advancements in technology, inadequate education of students in math and sciences, and the gap between education and entry to practice are just some of these challenges – innovative approaches are needed to keep apace.
Kent State nurse researchers are investigating these challenges and working to develop leading-edge solutions, including programs to help nurses transitioning into practice and those who are just beginning their careers.
Our research and scholarship in this area is acknowledged by the National League for Nursing (NLN). The NLN has designated Kent State University College of Nursing as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education for Advancing the Science of Nursing Education twice (2013-2017, 2017-2022).
Affiliated Faculty
- Loretta Aller, Ph.D., RN
Focus: The development of a contemporary model of undergraduate nursing education centered on decision-making and self-efficacy - Marcy Caplin, Ph.D., RN, CNE
Focus: Professional identity development for RNs in BSN-completion programs. - Lynn Gaddis, DNP, APRN, CNP-BC
Focus: The benefits of fellowship programs for new graduate APRNs to enhance transition, satisfaction, and retention and improve patient care. - Tracey Motter, DNP, RN
Focus: Diversity of the nursing student population and transition-to-practice for new graduates. - Denice Sheehan, Ph.D., RN
Focus: The development of a layered mentoring program with nursing students across academic programs and clinicians to advance the science and practice of end-of-life care. - James Tudhope, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Focus: Better alignment for early entry APRNs in community mental health with patients who have established complex integrative needs.
Recent Publications & Presentations
Smith, Y. M., Chen, Y. J., & Warner Stidham, A. (2021). Understanding online teaching effectiveness: Nursing student and faculty perspectives. Journal of Professional Nursing, 37(5): 785-794. doi.10.1016/j.profnurs.2021.05.009.
Tudhope, J. (2021, April). Designing or re-designing your curriculum: Evidence for a competency-based approach that will simplify your life and streamline your curriculum. Podium presentation for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Practice Transition Accreditation Program (PTAP) Symposium (virtual).
Aller, L. (2020). A contemporary model for undergraduate nursing education: A grounded theory study. Nurse Educator. [Epub ahead of print]. doi.10.1097/NNE.0000000000000933.
Blatz, M. A., Huston, A., & Anthony, M. K. (in press). Influence of NICU nurse education on intention to support lactation using tailored techniques: A pilot study. Advances in Neonatal Nursing, 20(4), 314-323. doi.10.1097/ANC.0000000000000702.
Mascolo, K. (2019, November). Primary prevention of incivility and bullying in nursing. Podium presentation for the 2019 Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Symposium: Inspiration, Innovation and Impact at Kent State University at Stark, North Canton, Ohio.
Sheehan, D., Chatfield, S. L., & Stephenson, P. (2020, January). Making it real: Engaging undergraduate and graduate students in qualitative research. Panel presentation for The Qualitative Report (TQR) 11th Annual Conference: Contemporary Qualitative Research, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Nursing Education & Transition to Practice
Dowell, J. (2019, July). Research literacy in nursing: Engaging graduate student nurses into research. Poster presented at the Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Research Congress, Alberta, Canada.
Chen, Y. J., Smith, Y. M., & Warner Stidham, A. (2019, May). Nurse faculty perspectives on online teaching effectiveness. Poster presented at the Sigma Theta Tau 2019 Annual Research Collaborative, Kent, Ohio.
Motter, T., & Meyers, T. W. (2019, March). Linkedin to Practice (LIP): A partnership to address the transition to practice. Podium presentation for the Ohio League for Nursing Education Summit, Columbus, Ohio.
Chen, K., Smith, Y., & Warner Stidham, A. (2019, March). Understanding online teaching effectiveness from nurse faculty perspectives. Poster presented at the 43rd Annual Research Conference of the Midwest Nursing Research Society, Kansas City, MO.
Caplin, M. (2018, April). The power of the BSN: Impact of professional identify. Paper presented at the 42nd Annual Research Conference of the Midwest Nursing Research Society, Cleveland, OH.
Recent Grants & Funding Awards
| Investigators | Grant Title | Funding Agency |
|---|---|---|
| Jim Tudhope, Wendy Umberger, Jeffrey Moore and Vikil Girdhar | Advanced Nursing Education Nurse Practitioner Residency Integration Program | Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services |
| Lisa Onesko | Awarded scholarship funding to support DNP student | Jonas Philanthropies Jonas Nursing and Veterans Healthcare program |
| Corey Hukill and Jim Tudhope | Received a generous gift of $50,000 to create the Psychiatric Mental Health Impact fund and two fully endowed scholarships for students interested in palliative care/hospice. | Ali Dariushnia, a Kent State University College of Arts and Science alumni, created the fund in memory of his mother Cheryl Swinehart Dariushnia. Cheryl was a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and graduate of the College of Nursing. |
| Katie Robertson, Jennifer Shanholtzer, Kellie Jarzembak and Jeremy Jarzembak | Learning in Action Through High-Impact Simulation | Elisabeth Severance Prentiss Foundation |
| Tracey Motter and Christine Kauth | Linked-In to Practice (LIP) BSN Program for Undergraduate Scholarships (Choose Ohio First) continuation award | Ohio Department of Higher Education |