Lippincott Spark

LIPPINCOTT NURSING EDUCATION

Join Dr. Kelly Dries for the go-to podcast for nurse educators staying at the forefront of nursing education. Our episodes are expertly crafted to provide insights into the latest trends and innovations in the field. Join us in our digestible format, designed specifically for busy nurse educators and leaders. Gain fresh perspectives, stay informed on research and innovation, and find empowerment and inspiration in every episode. Subscribe now and become part of our nursing education community!

  1. 22H AGO

    Strength in Action: Building Resilient Nursing Teams

    What does it take to truly excel in nursing education? Is it mastering the curriculum, building strong teams, or leading with authenticity? In this episode of Lippincott Spark, Dr. Kelly J. Dries sits down with Dr. Kimberly Dunker atrailblazer in nursing leadership and education to explore what it really means to lead with purpose. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Dunker shares her journey from bedside nurse to director of MSN and DNP programs. Along the way, she reveals how strength-based leadership and team empowerment can transform not only outcomes but the people behind them. In this episode, we explore: · How self-awareness shapes more effective leadership · The true cost and impact of faculty turnover · How leveraging individual strengths can unlock team potential More than a leadership conversation, this episode is about connection. Dr. Dunker shares candid stories of overcoming challenges, building trust, and creating environments where both faculty and students thrive. From practical mentoring strategies to aligning strengths with roles, you’ll walk away with actionable insights you can put into practice right away. Whether you're a seasoned educator, an emerging leader, or passionate about advancing nursing education, this episode will spark new ways to lead with intention, inspire others, and drive meaningful change. Tune in to learn how to lead smarter, inspire stronger, and shape the future of nursing education. For more information and resources: https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/solutions/lippincott-nursing-faculty

    30 min
  2. MAY 12

    Mountain Model for Evidence-based Practice and Quality Improvement

    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

    22 min
  3. MAR 17

    Feedback that fuels: Transforming student evaluations

    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

    27 min
  4. MAR 3

    Nursing apprenticeships: Earn while you learn

    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

    26 min
  5. FEB 17

    Matters of the heart: Navigating transition to practice

    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

    28 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Join Dr. Kelly Dries for the go-to podcast for nurse educators staying at the forefront of nursing education. Our episodes are expertly crafted to provide insights into the latest trends and innovations in the field. Join us in our digestible format, designed specifically for busy nurse educators and leaders. Gain fresh perspectives, stay informed on research and innovation, and find empowerment and inspiration in every episode. Subscribe now and become part of our nursing education community!

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