A discussion encompassing the changing needs of the healthcare environment and the call for well-educated nurses. Healthcare trends and workforce demands necessitate that nurses be ready to respond to a plethora of situations, placing a demand on nursing educators to step out of timeworn practices and modernize for the 21st century learner.
Kristen Bryan Wessel
Assistant Professor, Program Director, Nursing
Professor Wessel has over 15 years of experience as a professional Registered Nurse. She has over 13 years of clinical nursing experience, beginning her career in 1996 when she began clinical in the acute care setting, specializing in OB and Women's Health. Wessel has more than 5 years in nursing education she has acquired expertise in simulation and student-centered learning, integrating learning technologies. Her practice and educator experience have led to doctoral studies at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln where she is pursuing a PhD in Educational Studies, specializing in Instructional Technology. Professor Wessel joined Bellevue University in 2011 as an assistant professor and Academic Program Director of the Nursing program. She is currently developing curriculum for the RN to BSN degree completion program which will be offered online beginning in the fall of 2012.