The NLN Academy of Nursing Education fosters excellence in nursing education by recognizing and capitalizing on the wisdom of outstanding individuals in and outside the profession who have contributed to nursing education in sustained and significant ways. Comprising a select group of accomplished nurse educators, known as Fellows, the Academy embodies excellence, innovation, and leadership in the realm of nursing education. This spotlight will introduce us to four Fellows each month.
For more information on the Academy of Nursing Education, visit https://www.nln.org/awards-recognition/recognition-programs/academy-of-nursing-education.
Susan Hendricks
With a strong background in effective communication and teamwork, Dr. Susan Hendricks has contributed meaningfully to the body of knowledge regarding best practices in interprofessional didactic and clinical education. Dr. Hendricks has also led and mentored others through significant work in curriculum development and implementation across the US.
Desiree Hensel
Dr. Desireé Hensel PhD, PCNS-BC, CNE, CHSE is an experienced educator, researcher, former dean, and nursing education consultant who works with faculty to help them improve their teaching and testing practices. Drawing on her expertise as co-editor of Lippincott’s Q&A Review for NCLEX RN, she helped lead the Maryland Next Gen Test Bank Project, where faculty champions from 13 registered nursing programs learned item writing and curricular integration strategies to share with peers at their institutions. The project included creating an open-access test bank of case studies and stand-alone items written by the champions, which is now being used by programs nationwide to teach clinical judgment to prelicensure students.
Linda Silvestri
Dr. Silvestri’s passion and work has always focused on student success and she has prepared numerous NCLEX® preparation resources for both students and faculty. Her work has been a major force in improving the preparation of our future nursing workforce and competent practice ready nurses.
Penni Watts
Penni Isla Watts PhD, RN, CHSE-A, FSSH, FAAN is recognized internationally as an expert in the pedagogy of simulation and in faculty development. Her sustained and enduring contributions to simulation and nursing education excellence have focused on the development, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based standards to guide best practice in simulation. She leads simulation professional development initiatives and provides mentorship for leaders and educators in using simulation as a learning modality.