Guest Editor
Nursing education is at a critical turning point. It is essential to ask: “Are student nurses being adequately prepared for the challenges they will face ahead?” The answer to this question is compounded by technological advancements, evolving pedagogical strategies, and the need for knowledgeable healthcare professionals to prepare the next generation of nurses.
In this edition of the DNA Reporter, we are proud to feature a dynamic and diverse group of authors who are tackling some of the most pressing issues in nursing education today. In the first article, Dr. Melissa Brown sheds light on a critical gap in curricula related to substance use disorder, advocating for enhanced training to better equip future nurses. In the second article, Dr. Kristine Gawrych explores the integration of artificial intelligence in nursing education, balancing its innovative potential with the challenges it presents. The third article, authored by Jenny Taylor, MSN, RN, CMSRN, highlights the importance of identifying and supporting at-risk nursing students early in their academic journey to improve success rates. Monica Scott, MSN, RN, authored the next article, which showcases the ‘pedagogy of play,’ a creative and engaging teaching method rooted in faculty development. In Dr. Charlotte Buoni’s article, she discusses underscoring the value of incorporating global studies into nursing programs to foster cultural competency in students. As guest educator, I also contributed an article that promotes the cultivation of a growth mindset, encouraging resilience and adaptability among nursing students. Rounding out this issue and the larger issue at work, one that leaves nursing education with a thready pulse — Dr. Kelly Davis, Dr. Lisa Drews, Dr. Jennifer S. Graber, and Melissa E. Ouellette, MSN, RN, CEN, confront the nursing faculty shortage in Delaware with collaborative, forward-thinking strategies to strengthen recruitment and retention. Together, these contributors offer thoughtful insights and practical solutions that reflect the evolving landscape of nursing education. Delaware is working to address this issue through initiatives aimed at collaborative efforts between the Delaware Nurses Association (DNA) and statewide nursing programs to support stronger recruitment and retention efforts for qualified faculty.
Nursing programs and faculty are under extreme pressure to ensure they are prioritizing what students need to meet the needs of an ever-evolving landscape in healthcare. By continuing to monitor and take the pulse on nursing education, nursing educators will meet the needs and challenges of an ever-changing landscape in healthcare to ensure we are preparing the next generations of nurses for their transition to professional practice. This is a call to action for nursing education institutions to address these critical areas as we continue to shape the future of the nursing profession. This can be done by embracing innovation, supporting students, and investing in faculty professional development. Together, nursing faculty will keep the pulse of nursing education strong and will remain resilient and responsive to the ever-changing healthcare landscape.
