Nursing educators learn latest developments in nursing education at Faculty Development Institute conference

- Conference Provides Nursing Education Professionals With Real-World Technology Training

Nursing educators from across the country collaborated with industry leaders and learned the latest developments in nursing education at the 2010 Mosby's Faculty Development Institute conference earlier this month. Presented by Mosby, the three-day educational conference addressed challenges in the nursing industry from a variety of perspectives.

Mosby's Faculty Development Institute, which took place this year in San Diego from January 3-5, is designed for both new nurse educators and veteran nurse faculty. More than 450 attendees from 47 states had the opportunity to collaborate with other industry professionals on a range of topics including legal issues, teaching strategies, simulation and virtual experiences.

"During my preconference session, attendees shared innovative teaching ideas that work for both faculty in classroom and clinical settings," said Michele Deck, MEd, BSN, RN, LCCE, FACCE, President and CEO of G.A.M.E.S., and CEO of Tool Thyme for Trainers in Louisiana. Deck, a nationally recognized expert on ways to teach healthcare and technical content, led two conference sessions. "The specific examples that the learners shared with each other in how they make complex content easy and understandable was beneficial to all attendees."

Mosby's Faculty Development Institute focused on not only introducing new technology to nurse educators but aiding them in integrating it into their existing curricula. The Institute's most popular main conference breakout session included virtual clinical experiences, integrating simulation throughout the curriculum and using new aspects of technology in the classroom. By simulating real-world situations, attendees aided each other by sharing everyday tips, tools and techniques for higher quality teaching outcomes.

"Mosby's Faculty Development Institute conference was filled with gems of knowledge for both seasoned and novice nurse educators," said Dr. Judy Macke, Director of Undergraduate Programs from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. "This conference helped me establish strategies to meet the technology competencies required for accreditation."

Over the past 20 years, the Mosby conference has strived to provide nursing educators with the best possible array of industry experts who give their time and knowledge to help develop programs that produce expert practice nurses at all levels.

"Gatherings like this supported by academic institutions are important to mentor new faculty and support them in overcoming initial hurdles," commented Mary J. Yoho, PhD, RN, CNE, Director of Faculty Development and Consultation, eEducation, Elsevier. "There is nothing better than encouraging educators to stay in nursing so they can continue to help address the nursing shortage. We look forward to furthering this effort at next year's conference."