Developing Innovative On-Campus Intensives to Enhance Distance-Based Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Higher Education Pedagogy

Background:

• The shift to distance learning necessitates innovative higher education delivery methods.
• This article details the implementation of On-Campus Intensives (OCIs) within a revised curriculum for nurse practitioner (NP) students.
• Sequential OCIs are designed to support NP students' role transition and professional development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation of OCIs in an NP program.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of OCIs in promoting student development.

Main Methods:

• OCIs were developed using a core curriculum framework.
• Implementation involved extensive collaboration between faculty and staff.

Main Results:

• OCIs were successfully implemented across multiple semesters.
• Faculty, staff, and students reported benefits and areas for improvement.

Conclusions:

• OCI experiences foster student engagement, clinical competency, and professional growth.
• OCIs prepare NP students for leadership in evolving healthcare systems.