In March, 2019, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH hosted the conference: “Nursing Theory: A 50 Year Perspective, Past and Future”.  One theme that emerged from the lively dialogue at the conference was that nursing theory should be introduced and integrated in all pre-licensure programs. At the same time, participants noted that many pre-licensure educators lack knowledge and skills for teaching nursing theory.

Energized by the March theory conference, several nurse educators from Northeast Ohio joined together to offer a workshop on the basics of teaching nursing theory. The workshop, Making it Real: Connecting Nursing Theory to Nursing Education, was co-sponsored by Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), Ursuline College, and Lorain County Community College. There was no registration fee, parking was free, light refreshments were provided, and 2 contact hours of CE were awarded.

Patricia Sharpnack speaking at Nursing Theory: Making It Real

We scheduled the workshop to precede a Northeast Ohio League for Nursing (NEOLN) dinner meeting and program at the same location. The event was publicized through emails to directors of pre-licensure programs and, in the spirit of collaboration, the theory group and NEOLN each publicized the other’s event.

The program was coordinated by Dr. Mary Quinn-Griffin (CWRU). The planners kept the workshop to two hours so participants could see that they did not need extensive,highly theoretical content to begin incorporating theory in their class, lab, or clinical teaching. During the first hour, Drs. Joyce Fitzpatrick and Deborah Lindell (CWRU), and Dr. Patricia Sharpnack (Ursuline College) presented content on the disciplinary perspective, nuts and bolts of theories, core concepts of nursing, and strategies for integrating nursing theory in pre-licensure education. During the second hour, the participants worked in small groups to identify, and report out on, ways they could integrate nursing theory in their teaching.

Participants engaged in a group activity

We were delighted by the response to our workshop! In two days, we filled the 35 seats and had a waiting list! So, we repeated this program in November. Evaluations were highly positive and participants suggested topics for future programs, such as in-depth discussion and application of specific theories. We look forward to Making It Real, Phase II.

Please contact Debbie Lindell for more information about our theory workshop.