Student performance evaluations are often among the most dreaded tasks for nurse educators, but they don’t have to be a source of anxiety. In this episode of the Lippincott Spark Illuminating Nursing Education Podcast, host Dr. Kelly J. Dries speaks with Dr. Carol Huston, a renowned leader in nursing education and Professor Emerita at California State University. Together, they explore how to transform emotionally charged evaluations into powerful catalysts for professional growth.

With over 30 years of experience, seven books, and more than 150 published articles, Dr. Huston brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation. She breaks down the psychological barriers that make evaluations challenging for both faculty and students, including how past experiences shape reactions to feedback. Dr. Huston highlights common pitfalls that compromise objectivity, such as the halo effect, the horns effect, and the tendency to rate all students similarly, and she offers strategies to avoid them. The conversation moves beyond theory into practical, actionable guidance. Dr. Huston emphasizes the value of ongoing coaching so that formal reviews contain no surprises. She discusses how to create a supportive environment, including the importance of privacy, the role of student self-evaluation, and why trust is essential for meaningful feedback. Listeners will discover how to assess actual performance rather than intent and how to deliver honest, constructive feedback that motivates rather than discourages.

Whether you are a new educator or a seasoned faculty member, this episode offers a clear blueprint for conducting fair, consistent, and confidence-building performance evaluations. Join us to discover how to turn student evaluations into opportunities that truly help nursing students thrive.

For more information and resources:
https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/solutions/lippincott-nursing-faculty

Curious how nurses can jump-start their careers, earn a paycheck, and gain vital experience all at once? In this episode of the Lippincott Spark Illuminating Nursing Education Podcast, host Dr. Kelly J. Dries sits down with David Polk, the Director of Wisconsin Apprenticeship at the Department of Workforce Development, to uncover the transformative potential of nursing apprenticeships.

David shares his unique journey from a third-generation plumber to a national leader in apprenticeship innovation. Drawing on decades of experience, he explains how the proven "earn while you learn" model, used in the skilled trades, is now reshaping paths into the nursing profession.

Listeners will discover how apprenticeships allow students to work full-time, earn income, and receive structured mentorship while progressing through their education. This model removes financial barriers that often hold learners back, opening doors for a more diverse, representative workforce.

This episode explores how apprenticeships flip the traditional education timeline. Instead of waiting for years for clinical immersion, apprentices step into real-world practice from day one—applying classroom content directly to patient care. David discusses how this immediate integration eases financial stress, supports tuition coverage, and ultimately builds a more engaged, loyal workforce for healthcare employers.

You’ll also gain insights into the practical aspects of building a successful apprenticeship program. David offers advice for nursing educators, academic leaders, and hospital administrators on how to collaborate to build successful cohorts and design experiences that support both the learners and healthcare systems.

Whether addressing nursing shortages, creating new talent pipelines, or exploring innovative education models, this episode offers a fresh look at how apprenticeships can bridge the gap between learning and practice. Join us to discover why this model is a game-changer for the future of nursing.

For more information and resources:
https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/solutions/lippincott-nursing-faculty

The transition from student to practicing nurse is a defining moment—filled with excitement, uncertainty, and intense professional growth. In this episode of Lippincott® Spark: Illuminating Nursing Education, host Dr. Kelly Dries welcomes internationally recognized nursing education expert Dr. Tim Bristol for an insightful discussion on what new nurses truly need during this pivotal phase. 

Together, they explore the realities many new graduates face: emotional strain, “reality shock,” and a steep learning curve that typically peaks around the six month mark. Drawing on current trends in nurse stress and retention, Dr. Bristol and Dr. Dries highlight why structured onboarding, supportive preceptorship, and intentional mentoring are more essential than ever for sustaining the nursing workforce.  

Dr. Bristol explains that while students often learn concepts in isolation, real-world practice is far more complex--more like a chaotic “mud pit” where multiple patients, competing demands, and unpredictable challenges converge.  To bridge this gap, the episode offers practical, evidenced informed strategies for strengthening clinical judgment, including daily exposure to case studies that mirror real practice and surface common “landmines” such as medication errors, patient deterioration, and shifting care demands.  

Listeners will enjoy a rapid-fire segment revealing Dr. Bristol favorite scrubs color, the most underrated nursing skill, and the advice he would give his 20-year-old self. He concludes with a powerful reminder: clinical judgment is the “doing” that follows critical thinking—and new nurses must practice it every day.  

This episode delivers meaningful insights and actionable tools for building resilience, confidence, and competence in the next generation of nurses. Whether you are a new graduate, a seasoned educator, or a clinical instructor, this conversation illuminates a clear and supportive path toward practice readiness and long-term professional success.

For more information and resources:
https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/solutions/lippincott-nursing-faculty

What happens when a simulation goes sideways, a clinical rotation takes an unexpected turn, or a faculty member ends up in a hilariously unplanned situation? In this lively episode of the Lippincott® Spark Podcast, we dive into the unpredictable — and often unforgettable — world of nursing education.

Join Dr. Sue Hendricks and Dr. Virginia Wangerin as they unpack their most surprising, chaotic, and laugh‑worthy moments from years of teaching. These aren’t just entertaining anecdotes. They’re powerful reflections on adaptability, resilience, and the art of turning the unexpected into meaningful learning.

From equipment failures to student surprises, the stories in this episode reveal the real‑world challenges educators navigate every day — and the creativity, presence, and flexibility required to guide students through them.

You’ll hear:

- Unfiltered faculty stories that capture the messy, human side of nursing education.
- How breakdowns become breakthroughs when educators model composure and curiosity.
- Strategies for building resilience and clinical judgment when plans change on the fly.
- How humor, humility, and connection strengthen relationships in both the classroom and the clinical.

This episode is a must‑listen for nursing educators, clinical instructors, and anyone who has ever had a day that didn’t go according to plan. Drs. Hendricks and Wangerin show that some of the most impactful lessons in nursing education come not from what we prepare for — but from what surprises us.

Tune in for a refreshing, relatable, and inspiring conversation that celebrates the wild, real, and wonderfully imperfect side of teaching. Share with a colleague who could use a laugh — and a reminder that flexibility is one of nursing’s greatest strengths.

For more information and resources:
https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/solutions/lippincott-nursing-faculty

In this episode of Lippincott® Spark podcast, we explore how nurse educators can set students up for success—before classes even begin. Guest expert Karin Sherrill, a veteran in nursing education, shares proven strategies for identifying at-risk students early and implementing personalized success plans that make a measurable difference. 

Karin discusses the power of early intervention, data tracking, and proactive faculty engagement in supporting diverse learners—including English language learners, career changers, and students juggling full-time jobs. She explains how using data to identify students who need support early on, building trust and motivation through strong faculty-student relationships, and creating individualized success plans can significantly improve academic outcomes. Karin also highlights how these early support strategies can enhance NCLEX readiness and long-term success. 

Whether you're a nurse educator, administrator, or advocate for student success, this episode offers practical tools and inspiration to help your students thrive from day one—and beyond.

For more information and resources:
https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/solutions/lippincott-nursing-faculty

What does it truly mean to be a scholarly nurse educator? In this episode, we explore why scholarship matters and how every educator can contribute. Many educators feel uncertain about engaging in scholarship, yet their insights and teaching innovations are invaluable to the profession. This episode of Lippincott® Spark demystifies what it means to be a scholarly nurse educator, offering practical advice and inspiration to help educators confidently share their expertise.
 
This episode features Dr. Marilyn Oermann, Thelma M. Ingles Professor of Nursing at Duke University and Editor-in-Chief of Nurse Educator. Dr. Oermann, a globally respected scholar, expands the definition of scholarship beyond research, including innovations in teaching and contributions that advance the field. She challenges common misconceptions, emphasizing the diverse and important ways educators can engage in scholarship.
 
Dr. Oermann reveals why sharing your work amplifies its impact, highlighting that innovations only strengthen nursing education when they are disseminated. She encourages educators to consider a range of options, from brief teaching tips and articles to conference presentations — reminding us that meaningful scholarship is accessible to everyone.
 
For those experiencing imposter syndrome or unsure where to start, Dr. Oermann offers practical encouragement and suggests starting small and building confidence through brief articles or abstracts.
 
Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Dr. Marilyn Oermann that reimagines scholarship as an accessible, essential part of every nurse educator’s career. Learn how your passion and expertise can make a lasting impact on nursing — and discover practical steps to start small, build confidence, and make your voice heard in nursing education.

For more information and resources:
https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/solutions/lippincott-nursing-faculty

What does it truly mean to support every nursing student? In this powerful episode of the Lippincott Spark Podcast, we welcome Dr. Cheryl Thompson, a passionate advocate for equity in nursing education, to explore how inclusive teaching practices can transform student outcomes and reshape the future of healthcare. 

Dr. Thompson dives deep into the systemic barriers that disproportionately affect students from underrepresented backgrounds — from classroom dynamics to clinical experiences. She sheds light on the persistent disparities in NCLEX® pass rates and offers evidence-based strategies to close these gaps. 

Listeners will gain insights into: 

• Identifying Systemic Barriers: Understand the hidden challenges that impact student success and how to dismantle them. 
• Creating Inclusive Learning Environments: Learn how to foster belonging and psychological safety for every student. 
• Building Critical Thinking Skills: Discover how inclusive pedagogy enhances clinical judgment and prepares students for real-world care. 
• Driving Student Success: Explore actionable strategies to improve outcomes and ensure all students — regardless of background — have the tools to thrive. 

This episode is essential for nurse educators, academic leaders, and healthcare professionals committed to building a more equitable and diverse nursing workforce. Dr. Thompson’s insights are both practical and inspiring, offering a roadmap for change that begins in the classroom and extends to the bedside. 

For more information and resources:
https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/solutions/lippincott-nursing-faculty

Burnout in nursing education isn’t just a personal struggle — it’s a systemic issue with ripple effects on student success, faculty retention, and the future of healthcare. In this inspiring episode of the Lippincott Spark Podcast, we welcome Dr. Bernadette Melnyk, a nationally recognized leader in evidence-based practice and wellness, to explore how prioritizing educator health can transform nursing education. 

Dr. Melnyk sheds light on the growing mental health crisis among nursing faculty and students, and why addressing burnout is not just beneficial — it’s essential. She shares evidence-based strategies to build resilience, foster self-care, and create a culture of wellness that supports both educators and learners. 

Listeners will gain insights into: 

• The educator-student wellness connection: How faculty well-being directly influences student engagement, performance, and retention. 
• Combating burnout: Proven techniques to reduce stress and prevent emotional exhaustion in academic and clinical settings. 
• Creating a culture of care: Practical steps to embed wellness into institutional policies, curricula, and daily routines. 
• Empowering future nurses: How modeling self-care and resilience helps students develop the skills they need to thrive in high-pressure environments. 

This episode is a must-listen for nurse educators, academic leaders, and healthcare professionals who want to lead with compassion and create lasting change. Dr. Melnyk’s insights are both practical and deeply motivating — offering a roadmap to healthier, more sustainable nursing education. 

Tune in to discover how investing in educator wellness is a powerful act of leadership. If this conversation resonates with you, subscribe, share, and leave a review. Together, we can spark a movement toward healthier educators and thriving students. 

For more information and resources:
https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/solutions/lippincott-nursing-faculty

Lateral violence and workplace incivility are pressing issues in the nursing profession — undermining not only the well-being of healthcare workers, but also the quality of patient care. In this episode, we delve into the deeply rooted problem of lateral violence — defined as hostile or disruptive behavior among colleagues— and explore how it contributes to stress, burnout, and emotional exhaustion among nurses.   

With our guest, Dr. Laura Beasley, we’ll unpack the psychological, emotional, and professional toll of these behaviors and emphasize the urgent need to foster a culture of respect, empathy, and collaboration in healthcare settings.  

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the root causes of lateral violence, including power imbalances, communication breakdowns, and systemic pressures. We also examine the ripple effects of incivility on team dynamics, staff retention, and patient safety — highlighting why addressing this issue is essential for building a healthier work environment.  

This episode is a must-listen for nurses, healthcare professionals, and leaders committed to creating positive change. You’ll learn practical strategies to recognize, manage, and prevent lateral violence while cultivating a workplace grounded in accountability and mutual respect.  

If you're ready to take action against workplace incivility and champion a more supportive, resilient healthcare culture — this conversation is for you.

For more information and resources:
https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/solutions/lippincott-nursing-faculty

In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare environment, preparing the next generation of nurses requires more than just updated curricula — it demands bold leadership and a commitment to innovation. In this episode of the Lippincott Spark Podcast, we welcome Dr. Kathleen Williamson, a visionary in nursing education, to explore how courageous leadership is transforming the way we teach, learn, and lead in nursing. 

Dr. Williamson shares powerful insights into why nurse educators must move beyond traditional teaching methods and embrace evidence-based, learner-centered strategies. She discusses how creating psychologically safe learning environments fosters curiosity, resilience, and critical thinking — essential traits for future nurse leaders. 

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how innovation and leadership intersect in nursing education. From advanced simulation technologies to interprofessional collaboration models, Dr. Williamson highlights the tools and approaches that prepare students for the complexities of modern healthcare. 

This episode is a must-listen for nurse educators, academic leaders, clinical instructors, and anyone passionate about the future of nursing. Dr. Williamson offers practical advice and a compelling vision for how courage and innovation can elevate both education and patient care. 

Tune in to be inspired, challenged, and equipped to lead change in your own educational or clinical setting. If you enjoy this conversation, please subscribe, share, and leave a review — your support helps us continue to spotlight the voices shaping the future of nursing.

For more information and resources:
https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/solutions/lippincott-nursing-faculty