The ABCs of OCIs

Duke University School of Nursing's On-Campus Intensives (OCIs) are a pivotal component of the nursing education experience for students whose programs are conducted primarily virtually. Designed to bridge the gap between remote learning and hands-on practice, these intensives offer a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the Duke community, fostering both academic and personal growth.

The primary learning objectives of OCIs are to:

• enhance clinical skills
• promote professional development
• and facilitate the transition from theoretical knowledge to practical application.

During these sessions, students engage in a variety of activities, including in-person simulations, clinical assessments, and interactive workshops. These experiences are crucial for developing the competencies required for advanced nursing practice, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios and receive immediate feedback from faculty and peers.

OCIs provide in-person engagement with faculty and peers

One of the standout features of OCIs is the opportunity for students to connect with faculty and classmates. These sessions are not just about learning; they are also about building relationships and creating a supportive network. Faculty members dedicate time to mentor students, offering personalized guidance and sharing their expertise. This interaction helps students gain insights into the nursing profession and develop a deeper understanding of their roles as future healthcare leaders.

Casey Brown, DNP, RN, AGPCNP-BC, AOCNP is the director of the Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Primary Care program. “On Campus Intensives are important to the education of nurse practitioner students because they allow for real-time, hands-on experience with some of the most frequently experienced scenarios in the healthcare setting,” she explained. “OCIs allow students the opportunity to participate in simulation-based learning and standardized patient encounters to help them learn in realistic environments. At Duke, these OCIs are led by experienced faculty and clinicians who provide immediate feedback to the students. OCIs help reinforce competencies and ultimately help our students be able to deliver high-quality patient care.”

Additionally, the OCIs provide a platform for students to collaborate with their peers, share experiences, and learn from each other. This sense of community is invaluable, as it fosters a collaborative learning environment and encourages the exchange of ideas. “The most beneficial thing,” said Christine Snyder, a nurse in the pediatric emergency room at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, PA and a current student in the school’s Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program, “is seeing the realism of how different [specialties] come together in difficult situations, in code situations, and seeing how everybody works together to care for the patient.”

The OCI added bonus—exploring Duke and Durham

For remote students, OCIs also provide opportunities to experience Duke’s campus firsthand. Spending time at Duke allows students to feel more connected to the university and its resources. They can explore the campus, participate in extracurricular activities, and immerse themselves in Durham’s vibrant community.

Duke is proud to offer remote opportunities for students to earn their MSN or DNP nursing degrees, providing flexibility for those looking to advance their nursing careers without sacrificing time at jobs and with families. The OCIs enhance that experience, giving a much-needed in-person component to the programs that not only fosters academic success but grounds students in connection to their classmates, faculty, and Duke.

Take the next step in your nursing career by learning more about our MSN and DNP offerings, or apply today.