Over the past 13 years that I have been an instructor, I feel that my EQ has grown exponentially. I now exhibit a lot more grace and patience with my students and coworkers than I did in the beginning. This makes for a better rapport between myself and peers/students and I feel more in control and effective;)

Being able to interact with your peers is so important for a healthy work environment! 

I think the skills were a great reminder of what we can do in the classroom and how to navigate those skill sets. 

Requiring a "computer course" in the first term of the VN program would be extremely helpful to the wide range of students in the nursing courses ( teens to adults).  Many teens might know how to text, but can they successfully navigate around the programs & upload & download required information.  Many adult learners have limited computer knowledge.  This course would definitely alleviate some of the anxiety seen in new students.

Vocational Nurses are required by the Board of VN/PT to have 30 units of Continuing Education every 2 years to keep their license active.  As part of the Management & Leadership class I introduce the students to NAPNES.  The National Association for Practical Nurses Education & Service that provides courses, certifications, continuing education, and education standards.  Student nurses can join NAPNES, memberships cost $10.00 /year for students.

I plan to encourage all my VN students to join NAPNES.

"The ability to interact effectively with others is crucial".  This can be developed by use of class discussions & presentations, as well as working in groups.  Discuss with students the 4 Basic learning styles  in order to understand other people's learning style (visual, auditory, tactile, kinesthetic).

Writing across the curriculum.  I think this is one aspect that ACC VN program lacks.  This is a trade school, so students do not receive a degree.  Students are in this school to "get a career".  The development of writing skills would be difficult to tackle as this is a fast paced, computerized learning program. 

The lack of Critical thinking in student nurses & new graduates has been a concern to the nursing profession.  It negatively affects the quality of service & directly relates to the high error rates.  One study identified that approximately 88% of novice nurses make medication errors with 30% due to lack of critical thinking.  Failure to rescue was reported as high as 37% (Gonzalez, Hsiao, Dees, et.al 2022).

The authors identify that Nurse Educators need to change the way they teach nursing to prepare students to be effective communicators, critical thinkers, & creative problem solvers.  Evidence-based practice has been advocated… >>>

Great information to instill on nursing students.  The Medical &  Nursing World are constantly changing!  We all need to be ready for, accept & promote these changes.  I disscuss this almost every day in the Theory class, with New Clinical Studies patients can become involved in, new medications for diseases that did not exist before.

I am an RN with awesome experience working at a Level I Trauma Center, Research & Teaching Center, Burn Center, Certified Stroke Center, Magnet Hospital...

After joining ACC as a clinical instructor in SNF's, I am shocked & amazed at the poor care given to… >>>

Comment on Kathy Burgos's post: 

Communication tool is SBAR.  Now used by hospitals as JCAHO requirement for "improve communication amongs caregivers".