In part one of this two-part episode of the NLN Nursing EDge Unscripted Surface track, guests Cansu Akarsu and Rosie Patterson from Laerdal Medical reflect on their personal and professional journeys and the evolution of Laerdal’s 20-year partnership with the National League for Nursing. They share formative experiences—“breadcrumbs”—that led them to their current roles, highlighting their shared passion for simulation and innovation in nursing education. The episode recounts key milestones in the NLN-Laerdal partnership, including collaborative research and the launch of the Simulation Innovation Resource Center (SIRC). Cansu and Rosie emphasize the importance of cross-disciplinary teamwork, design thinking, and global collaboration in creating educational tools and solutions. The episode concludes with a look ahead to the next conversation, which will explore competency-based education and future innovations in nursing.

Dedicated to excellence in nursing, the National League for Nursing is the leading organization for nurse faculty and leaders in nursing education. Find past episodes of the NLN Nursing EDge podcast online. Get instant updates by following the NLN on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube. For more information, visit NLN.org.