Master’s Graduates Display Poster at National Conference
Baby, it’s worth it! Three recent Excelsior College Master of Science in Nursing Education graduates and their mentor presented a poster at the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Master’s Education conference in Houston, Texas on Thursday, February 25, 2016. The poster presentation highlighted their capstone projects involving curriculum design and development. Using electronic posters in Glogster, as well as a professional tri-fold, Lori Gofter, Maureen Sileo, Andrew Palm, and their mentor Robin Dewald, PhD, RN, CNE, engaged educators in nursing master’s programs from around the country in discussions about using the capstone as a transition to practice opportunity. While the capstone course requires the development of an abstract for a professional presentation, these intrepid students made it real by honing their abstract development skills until they were accepted at this high level conference. All reported this was a fantastic opportunity to share their learning, network with leading graduate nurse educators, and gain insight into current graduate nursing education issues.
“I never envisioned having this opportunity when I started in the Excelsior MS in Nursing Education track. Continuing my nursing education has opened doors which I never knew existed and this is just one more example. The Excelsior curriculum prepared me well and I just passed my Certified Nurse Educator exam last week, so I had the additional benefit of starting to earn re-certification credit right away. This is a great team of educators, including Marie Anne Mancuso who was unable to make this conference. I have a difficult time seeing how I could have topped the educational opportunity Excelsior has given me.” – Andrew Palm, MS, RN, CNE
“This was a pivotal moment in my nursing career and a stepping stone into nursing education. At first, I was a little reluctant to embark on this capstone project however, it was one of the best experiences as a master’s student. Being able to apply what I learned in the curriculum is an experience that all graduate students should have. It bridges the theory to practice gap and provides a foundation for novice nurse educators. I was honored to be part of such a dynamic team including my classmates and mentor, Robin Dewald. This project highlighted teamwork and mentorship and I was proud to represent Excelsior and demonstrate the exceptional education I received in the master’s in nursing education curriculum.”- Lori Gofter, MS, RN, OCN, CAPA
“This was a great opportunity to move on to what I want to achieve. I worked with a fabulous mentor, Robin Dewald. We took on a tremendous project and it is still a work in progress after graduation. This capstone experience gave me direct educational experience in designing and redesigning a graduate course in nursing education. Excelsior prepared me so well I am following in my mentor’s footsteps. I have started my PhD in Nursing Education. I am truly a lifelong learner and I am so grateful for the opportunities I received at Excelsior. Thank you Excelsior for a great learning experience. ” Maureen Sileo MS, MPA, RN, CEN, CLNC, PhD(c).
