Search Website
Experiential Learning
Abe Oudshoorn, PhD, is one of the Nursing faculty members teaching in the MN-Leadership program. His research into the impact of community-based programming for chronically homeless women explores many of the same areas of research that are central to the program's curriculum.
Students in the MN-Leadership program will supplement their online studies with participation in synchronous residency periods during their course of study. Residency provides students with the opportunity to directly apply what they have learned through coursework within that term into activities that simulate authentic professional practice settings. During the designated residency periods scheduled for each term, students will have the opportunity to work closely and interact with faculty members, researchers, and leaders in the field of Nursing, receiving support in building necessary skills and feedback on their learnings to date. Students will also have the opportunity to build connections with their class cohort, and gain leadership experience within a collaborative setting.
The program’s experiential learning and mentorship component, known as the Knowledge Synthesis/Capstone course (during the Spring/Summer term), provides each student with a unique opportunity to develop and achieve professional learning objectives while working with and receiving mentorship from a dedicated mentor.
Working in collaboration with faculty and the experiential learning placement team, students will identify potential areas of interest (e.g., leadership, professional practice, education/scholarship, research, quality improvement, or others) that will assist in the identification of a potential mentor. The experiential learning placement team in the School of Nursing will assist students in identifying areas of interest and potential mentors. Based on student and mentor preferences and availability, as well as the learning goals and objectives, the experiential learning placement opportunity may take place via one of the following formats: In-person, hybrid, or fully online/asynchronous. Students will be required to complete any pre-placement requirements prior to the start of the placement. Further information will be provided to students upon their entry into the MN-Leadership program.
The program’s mentorship component, known as the Knowledge Synthesis course, gives students one-on-one support from a mentor while participating in individualized learning objectives that pertain to the students’ interests and the mentors’ practice setting.
Working in collaboration with faculty, students will determine an area of interest and then discuss options for a mentor. Through faculty and alumni contacts, as well as the students’ own professional contacts, students work in conjunction with faculty to secure mentorship placements. Faculty members in the School of Nursing can connect students with mentors at the university, in acute or long-term care, specialty clinics and primary health care settings. Ultimately, it is up to the student to meet with a potential mentor to determine fit in terms of expectations and the topic.