Lippincott Spark

In this episode on the Lippincott Spark Podcast, Dr. Julie Waldrop and Dr. Jayne Jennings Dunlap join Dr. Kelly J. Dries to explore the Mountain Model—an innovative, practical framework that unites evidence-based practice (EBP) and quality improvement (QI) for today’s nursing workforce. Designed to simplify complex processes, the Mountain Model offers a clear, step-by-step pathway that empowers nurses at every level, from students to experienced clinicians, to drive meaningful change in patient care. 

Dr. Waldrop and Dr. Dunlap share the origin and evolution of the Mountain Model, explaining how it translates academic concepts into real-world action. They break down how this framework helps nurses identify clinical problems, locate and assess evidence, and implement targeted improvements directly within their practice environments. This approach not only strengthens patient outcomes but also fosters a culture of curiosity, continuous learning, and professional growth. 

For nursing educators, this episode provides valuable insight into a highly teachable and scalable methodology. You’ll hear how the Mountain Model has been successfully integrated into academic programs, including those at the University of West Virginia, to better prepare students for the realities of modern practice. Our guests discussed how educators can use the model to bridge the gap between classroom learning and clinical application, ensuring students graduate as confident, practice-ready nurses capable of contributing to quality improvement from day one. 

We also explore the model’s impact within healthcare organizations and clinical settings. Dr. Waldrop and Dr. Dunlap share real-world stories illustrating how the Mountain Model has guided projects aimed at improving workflow, strengthening patient safety, and optimizing care quality. Its structured yet adaptable design makes it useful for teams of all sizes, from unit-level initiatives to systemwide transformation efforts. 

Join us for this engaging conversation about how the Mountain Model is reshaping nursing education and practice. Whether you’re a nurse educator, administrator, or student, you’ll discover a practical, accessible tool that makes evidence-based practice and quality improvement not only achievable but inspiring.

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

What if remediation wasn’t a penalty but a powerful learning tool for every student?

How can you build meaningful review into an already packed syllabus without adding to your workload?

And why might re‑reading textbook chapters actually be holding students back? 

In the latest episode of Lippincott Spark, host Dr. Kelly Dries sits down with nationally recognized nurse educator and simulation expert Karin Sherrill—one of today’s leading voices in remediation to answer these exact questions.

Karin Sherrill reveals how to seamlessly weave previous concepts into daily classes, labs, and clinicals without adding extra content or time. She shares her game-changing approach to multi-system patient scenarios that help students think like confident, practice-ready nurses. She also challenges the idea that NCLEX prep should be the end goal shifting the focus instead to true, real‑world practice readiness.

You’ll walk away with practical, time‑saving strategies you can use immediately, whether you teach in the classroom, lab, or clinical setting.

Tune in to Lippincott Spark and discover how deep, lasting learning is built—one intentional teaching moment at a time.

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

Why do so many new nurses leave within their first year—despite completing rigorous academic programs and clinical training?

Welcome to Lippincott Spark: Illuminating Nursing Education, the podcast that fuels teaching, innovation, and leadership. Hosted by Dr. Kelly Dries, this episode explores a transformative mindset for nursing education: Why new nurses leave—and what educators can do differently.

What if the biggest reason new nurses leave has nothing to do with clinical competence and everything to do with the hidden curriculum we never explicitly teach? How can educators empower new nurses to navigate boundaries, build confidence, and make sound decisions in the real world?

Special guest Kati Kleber, MSN, RN—nurse educator, national speaker, and founder of FreshRN, shares her candid insights into the emotional load new nurses carry, the disconnect between structured onboarding and real-world practice, and the pivotal role of preceptors in shaping success.

What unspoken skills are we assuming new nurses will “just pick up”—and at what cost?
Tune in to discover how educators can bridge the gap between intention and impact, equipping new nurses with the skills they need to thrive.

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

How can nurse leaders protect well-being, cultivate trust, and create a sense of abundance—even in uncertain or resource-limited environments? In this episode of the Lippincott Spark: Illuminating Nursing Education Podcast, host Dr. Kelly J. Dries sits down with Dr. Tim Cunningham, acclaimed nurse leader, humanitarian, and executive, to explore the powerful practice of abundant leadership.

Drawing on experiences from global crisis response—ranging from Ebola care in West Africa to supporting educators in Ukraine—Dr. Cunningham reveals how abundance can emerge where it’s least expected. He also shares practical, real-world strategies leaders can begin using immediately to strengthen connection, resilience, and compassion within their teams.

If you’re wondering how nurse leaders can foster well-being, build authentic trust, or slow down to lead with greater purpose, this episode offers timely insights you won’t want to miss.

Listen to discover how abundance can transform leadership—even when resources are scarce.

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

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