Charting a new course for nurse education: Adapting to the evolving demands of healthcare
Abstract
How we educate nurses in modern America is at a crucial juncture as healthcare evolves, demographics shift and technological advancements reshape the landscape. In this paper, we advocate for a fundamental shift in how nurse candidates are enrolled and trained, emphasising collaboration among educators, employers and policymakers. Addressing systemic challenges in nurse education, we examine the impact of ageing demographics, increasing diversity and the rise of nontraditional learners. Proposing alternative pathways for enrolment and leveraging technology for personalised learning experiences, we argue for inclusivity, diversity and adaptability in nurse education. Through effective collaboration between stakeholders, we envision a future where nurse education meets the demands of a changing healthcare industry. Our goal is to inspire transformative action, foster innovation and promote equitable access to quality education for all who want to become a nurse. This paper aims to spark discussions and guide stakeholders towards developing a resilient, adaptable and community-connected nursing workforce.
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Author's Biography
Kitty Kautzer Dr Kitty Kautzer is a seasoned educational leader with over 25 years of extensive experience in academic affairs, regulatory compliance and professional development within higher education and related sectors. Throughout her career, Dr Kautzer has focused on the application of technology to teaching and learning, faculty development and curriculum development. She has demonstrated a remarkable ability to innovate and streamline academic processes, optimise instructional delivery and enhance student success across multiple institutions. She has held leadership roles at institutions of all sizes, including a group of regionally and nationally accredited schools, which, combined, had 6,000 faculty members and 116,000 students. In 2015, Dr Kautzer joined Herzing University, where she has overseen tremendous academic innovation in healthcare and nursing programmes, leading the research and curriculum development of more than 20 new degree programmes and the addition of doctorate-level programmes at the institution. At Herzing University, she found an ideal fit for her desire to influence career pathways for adult learners and develop educational pathways that are truly student-centric. She has a strong track record of driving academic excellence, fostering innovation and leading organisational change, significantly influencing educational outcomes and institutional effectiveness. Dr Kautzer earned a bachelor of science in comprehensive science and secondary teaching from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. She received a master of science in education and a doctor of education from Northern Illinois University.
Citation
Kautzer, Kitty (2024, September 1). Charting a new course for nurse education: Adapting to the evolving demands of healthcare. In the Management in Healthcare: A Peer-Reviewed Journal, Volume 9, Issue 1. https://doi.org/10.69554/AFHH8019.
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