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Empowering Future Nurses Through Competency-Based Education

Dr. Erin Lundeen recognizes that nursing education is not merely about imparting knowledge, but about fostering a supportive and empowering learning environment.

As a clinical assistant professor in St. Bonaventure’s Nursing program and the simulation coordinator for the department, Lundeen’s top priority is preparing students to become the next generation of compassionate and skilled health care professionals.

Her proactive approach to teaching includes remaining a lifelong learner. 

At the most recent national conference of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), Lundeen attended seminars on integrating competency-based education into simulation. She has since implemented several ideas as instructional strategies.

Innovative Teaching: Coaching and Simulation

“In today’s nursing education, there is a big push for programs to move to competency-based education,” she said. “We aren’t just teaching. We have to ensure students are competent in the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required of registered nurses, and we are accountable for tracking how we prepare them for the clinical arena. It is the answer to how we fill that gap between education and clinical practice.” 

She attended the one-day conference “Unlocking the Power of Simulation-Coach for Competency” in New Orleans in December 2024. Two of the main strategies she has since implemented in simulation include a coaching-style technique and a “pause and talk” method.

“Prior to this, I was coming from more of a lecture style, students were given minimal information ahead of time, and I provided suggestions in the de-brief after the student(s) completed the entire simulation” she said. “With this new approach, the student is provided with more information and resources ahead of time so that they fully understand the pathophysiology of the disease the patient is diagnosed with, and any medications being administered during the simulation. The conference taught me that there is no such thing as over-preparing the students, so I am spending more time in the pre-brief portion of simulation as well. Additionally, the conference taught me it is reasonable to pause the simulation when a student is struggling, or if a student needs to be redirected. This provides that coaching aspect of guiding them through the parts they aren’t well-developed in yet and need more assistance with.”

This approach recognizes that mistakes are an integral part of learning, and creates a safe space where students feel encouraged to explore, question, and grow.

Commitment to Excellence in Nursing Education

Lundeen said she is proud of the dedication she and her colleagues devote to the Nursing program at Bona’s.   

“We’re passionate about giving our students the very best. We work hard to stay involved in the latest evidence-based practice. We want our students mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically ready for the challenges of real-world nursing,” she said.