Strength in Action: Building Resilient Nursing Teams

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 [https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/solutions/lippincott-nursing-faculty]

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 [https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/solutions/lippincott-nursing-faculty]

Remediation in nursing education that actually works

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 [https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/solutions/lippincott-nursing-faculty]

Why new nurses leave—and what educators must do differently

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 [https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/solutions/lippincott-nursing-faculty]

Leading with abundance during times of scarcity

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 [https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/solutions/lippincott-nursing-faculty/lippincott-spark-nursing-education-podcast]: 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 [https://assets.contenthub.wolterskluwer.com/api/public/content/2992708-whitepaper-4aeae729be?v=f8032a55], 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 [https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/solutions/lippincott-nursing-faculty]