Adult Learners

           In educating nurses, it is important that the educator understand the foundational precepts in learning theory. The students are practicing nurses who have developed a base of knowledge, with the facilitator building on that base. I like to think of a knowledge base as a puzzle that is partially completed. Truly, the puzzle will never be completed because no one can know everything about a particular subject. The student is continuing to fill in the puzzle, as learning takes place.

                                                               

                                                                 Google images, 2014

         

           The trend in education continues to lean more and more towards student centered learning as opposed to teacher centered learning. The educator is no longer the source of knowledge, but a facilitator in learning (McGrath, 2009; RichEducators, 2008). The student gathers the information and applies the knowledge to a particular practice or situation with the help of the instructor to guide and direct.

(RichEducators, 2008)

Backdrop

       As a seasoned nurse and grad student in nursing education, I have rubbed shoulders with many nurses, and in particular, advanced practice nurses who are expected to educate others in their field. Nurse practitioners have a strong background in theoretical and scientific diagnosis and treatment of illness, as well as health teaching, counseling, and preventive services. Emphasis of their training is on advanced clinical skills, physical examination, health screening management of common illness, and techniques of prevention and risk reduction (Sonoma State University, 2013). 

    

It has been my observation, that Nurse Practitioners have had little or no training on how to educate; i.e. education theory, learning styles, and strategies for teaching and learning. The aim of this blog is to educate NP's how to educate. 

                                                              Microsoft images, 2013

Resources

Sonoma State University. (2013). Masters programs - family nurse practitioner program.
Retrieved from http://www.sonoma.edu/nursing/fnpp/