Seton Hall University’s nursing students are leveraging the invaluable hands-on learning opportunities available at the University’s Interprofessional Health Sciences campus in Nutley, NJ, to enhance their professional training. Known as Immersions, these practical sessions are an essential component of the Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) programs offered at the College of Nursing. Designed to complement online academic experiences, these immersive in-person training sessions enable future nurse practitioners (N.P.s) to practice advanced clinical skills, connect with faculty and peers, and engage in various career development activities. The aim is to ensure that students acquire the confidence and competence needed to succeed in today’s healthcare landscape.
The Role of Practical Training in Nursing Education
Participants in the Immersions come from various M.S.N. specialty tracks, including Adult Gerontology-Acute Care, Adult Gerontology-Primary Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care, and Psychiatric-Mental Health. During these Immersions, students perform and refine advanced nursing skills essential for their clinical training, all under the watchful supervision of faculty members who provide valuable feedback in a supportive setting. Emily Schneider, a student in the Adult Gerontology-Primary Care track, emphasized the critical importance of learning and practicing advanced skills in a controlled and educational environment, a feat that would be challenging to achieve in real-world clinical settings without prior hands-on training.
Jessica Lorvil, from the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track, shared a similar sentiment. She highlighted the significance of connecting with peers and faculty, which fosters a sense of community and support amid the demanding schedules of working nursing professionals. Through these connections, students not only enhance their clinical skills but also build a network of support that is crucial for their professional growth. The practical training sessions, therefore, offer a holistic approach to nursing education, blending clinical expertise with emotional and psychological support.
Advancements in Simulation Technology
The College of Nursing’s Simulation Center and state-of-the-art skills labs are vital to these Immersions. For instance, during Immersion III, students in the AGACNP track practiced critical skills such as intubation, arterial and central line insertion, and EKG interpretation. Mary Ellen Roberts, the chair of the graduate nursing department and director of the Doctor of Nurse Practitioner program, underscored the importance of learning through practice in the safety of a simulated environment. According to Roberts, this approach helps students build the confidence and competence required to perform these procedures in real clinical settings, thereby enhancing patient safety and care quality.
In addition to benefiting M.S.N. students, these immersive experiences also include collaborative learning opportunities where undergraduate seniors in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) program join N.P. students in high-fidelity simulation exercises. Kathryn Sanok, Director of Simulation for the College of Nursing, pointed out that these simulations replicate acute care patient settings, fostering teamwork and comprehensive care practices that ultimately improve patient outcomes. The collaborative nature of these exercises ensures that all participants gain a well-rounded experience, preparing them for the multidisciplinary nature of modern healthcare environments.
Financial Support and Future Prospects
Seton Hall University’s nursing students are taking full advantage of the hands-on learning opportunities at the University’s Interprofessional Health Sciences campus in Nutley, NJ. These sessions, termed Immersions, are a crucial part of the Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) programs provided by the College of Nursing. These immersive experiences are designed to complement online coursework by providing in-person training. They allow future nurse practitioners (N.P.s) to refine advanced clinical skills, foster connections with faculty and peers, and participate in numerous career development activities. This holistic training approach aims to ensure that nursing students develop the confidence and competence required to excel in today’s complex healthcare environment. Additionally, these experiences allow students to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing them comprehensively for their careers. Overall, Seton Hall’s immersive training method is key to producing highly skilled, well-prepared nursing professionals.
