EmpowerEd 2026: Transforming Nursing Education with Technology and Innovation” Monthly Workshop Series
The EmpowerEd 2026 series is a free monthly virtual continuing education workshop designed to elevate teaching excellence in nursing education. Each 90-minute Zoom session features expert-led discussions that support new and experienced faculty in applying evidence-based strategies across classroom, lab, and clinical settings. Participants gain access to practical resources, peer collaboration, and structured mentorship to strengthen their teaching confidence and effectiveness. Join us to enhance your skills, foster student success, and contribute to the future of nursing education.
January 30, 2026
Speaker: Michael Cary, PhD, RN, FAAN, and Elaine Kauschinger, PhD, MSN, FNP-BC, FAANP
Topic: AI & VR Integration in Teaching
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss the integration of AI and VR in clinical teaching.
- Explore case studies of successful AI and VR applications.
- Evaluate the impact of these technologies on student learning outcomes.
March 27, 2026
Speaker: Alhagie Sam, MSN, RN, NPD-BC
Topic: Workplace Violence: Recognition, Response, and Resilience in Healthcare
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the various forms of workplace violence in healthcare settings and understand the underlying causes and risk factors associated with such incidents.
- Learn how to develop and implement effective strategies and protocols for preventing and managing workplace violence, including de-escalation techniques and emergency response plans.
- Learn how to provide and access resources for emotional and psychological support for oneself and one’s colleagues to enhance resilience and support systems following incidents of workplace violence.
April 24, 2026
Speaker: Vickey Keathley, DNP-C, MSN, CNE-CL, RN, and Megan Scott, BSN, RN, CMGT-BC, PED-BC
Topic: Virtual & In-Person Mentorship Models in Nursing Education
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss the benefits of mentorship.
- Explore tools and platforms for effective mentoring.
- Evaluate the impact of mentorship on student success.
June 26, 2026
Speaker: Tonya Willingham, EdD, MSN, MA, RN, CNE, CNEcl
Topic: Teaching Strategies for Diverse Learning Styles
Learning Objectives:
- Define diverse learning styles in nursing education.
- Identify strategies to adapt teaching methods to various learning styles.
- Discuss the impact of personalized learning on student engagement.
July 24, 2026
Speaker: Jennifer Klien, MSN, RN, CNML
Topic: Patient-Centered Care: Bridging Theory, Research, and Clinical Instruction
Learning Objectives:
- Critically analyze the principles of patient-centered care through the lens of advanced nursing education.
- Design and evaluate teaching strategies that embed holistic, inclusive, and evidence-based approaches.
- Collaborate across roles (PhD, DNP, MSN) to bridge theory, research, and clinical instruction.
September 25, 2026
Speaker: Bridgett Sellars, PhD RN, CNE, FACHE, NE-BC
Topic: Professionalism in Nursing: Standards, Ethics, and Clinical Impact
Learning Objectives:
- Define professionalism in the context of nursing practice.
- Identify key professional standards and ethical guidelines for nurses.
- Discuss strategies for teaching and reinforcing professionalism in clinical settings.
- Evaluate the impact of professionalism on patient care and clinical outcomes.
October 23, 2026
Speaker: Tammi Hicks, DNP, RN, CEN, NE-BC
Topic: Evidence-Based Practice: Embedding EBP in Clinical Education
Learning Objectives:
- Define evidence-based practice (EBP) and its importance in clinical education.
- Explore strategies for incorporating EBP into clinical teaching.
- Discuss the impact of EBP on patient care and clinical outcomes.
- Evaluate methods for assessing and supporting EBP in clinical settings.
In support of improving patient care, the Duke University Health System Department of Clinical Education and Professional Development is accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), to provide continuing education for the health care team. Nurse Credit: Duke University Health System Department of Clinical Education and Professional Development designates this activity for up to 1.5 credit hours per session for nurses. Nurses should claim only credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in this activity. Physician Credit: Duke University Health System Department of Clinical Education and Professional Development designates this activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. Physicians should claim only credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Duke Health Clinical Education and Professional Development is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), and is authorized to issue IACET CEU, and authorized by IACET to offer .15 CEUs for this program.
