professional nursing associations have signaled that over the next decade they will require all of their specialty nurses to obtain a DNP degree. A recent survey of FNP online students showed overall satisfaction with the program, with some offering particular praise for their instructors. “My experience with my SMU professors has been, by far, the most inspiring of my healthcare career,” said Jeevan Suhas, MSN, who joined the first cohort of online FNP students last year. “I have had the opportunity to experience caring and support from professors who truly care about the next generation of nurse practitioners.” Suhas said his professors make time to answer questions even after hours to ensure his success in weekly assignments, quizzes, and exams.
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2016 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY
Advanced technology is enabling students in the online nursing programs to work together on group projects and interact with their professors at times when it’s convenient to their busy lives. “The key to creating community in the online environment is to offer multiple options for interactions,” said Hoffman. “Students love the flexibility of the online modality because they can do homework at times that work for them with their busy schedules.”
To make the digital classroom just as stimulating as the campus environment, online students use web conferencing, blogging, discussion boards, and collaborative documents. This year, video conferencing and storage was added so students can make presentations and their instructors can offer digital feedback. Later this year, FNP and CM students will be able to interview standardized patients in conjunction with the Simulation Center on the Oakland Campus. ◾