University Archives

Significance:  Competency-based nursing education that bridges the classroom-clinical gap is an essential aspect of nursing education that continues to evolve and requires faculty to develop innovative models.

Purpose: The Integrated Learning Encounter (ILE) is an innovative approach that was developed to prepare entry-level nurses at the graduate level for the nursing profession.  Students and faculty from all courses and levels in the nursing program work together to explore the nursing care of a single patient from multiple perspectives.   Learning activities integrate knowledge from each class into seminar with discussion, team assignments, skills practice, simulation, and group and self-reflections.  Simulations are created using the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Model that incorporates the nursing process. Students work in teams within and across program levels during simulation and assignment completion, which enhances teambuilding and communication skills. Students experience the same patients at each level of their education, allowing them to experience their own progression.  

Outcomes:  Students and faculty report overall satisfaction with the ILE and value experiencing the challenges of communication and teamwork.  Students report that activities related to patient and family advocacy, patient safety and medication errors, and compassion fatigue are beneficial.  Students demonstrate increased understanding of the nursing process and key nursing interventions.  Faculty appreciate the collaborative aspect of the ILE as they work with colleagues to accompany students while applying course concepts to patient situations. 

Future Implications: As an innovative approach, the ILE continues to evolve with a future emphasis on measuring and individualizing competency attainment and enhancing the simulation experience.