Dual-Track Education for Nurse Practitioners: Current and Future Directions

Dual-track programs are increasing in number to meet needs of students who wish to earn nurse practitioner (NP) certification with more than 1 population focus. This article describes dual-preparation programs, reports how 1 program is structured and implemented, and examines challenges of such programs. NP programs should create opportunities for NP students to be seamlessly prepared for more than 1 role through dual-track NP programs.     

Cultivating Future Nurse Leaders With Student Nurses Associations

Student nurses associations (SNAs) assist in developing tomorrow's nurse leaders. In this article, executive board members of an SNA in a traditional baccalaureate nursing program at a public regional university recounted common themes in their participation in an SNA. These broad themes included leadership, mentorship and communication, all which foster professional development through the acquisition of specific knowledge, skills and experiences.     

A Reflection On Disinformation Management for Nurse Leaders

In a time of crisis, accurate and evidence-based information is important to making good decisions and taking correct action. However, in crisis, it is often difficult to find and hold onto accurate, fact-based information in the flurry of communication of often conflicting and inaccurate mediums with which it competes. The leader's role is critical to the gathering, verification, and accurate communication and generation of evidenced-based data even in the face of conflict, challenge, and uncertainty. But it can be done.     

Stigma: A Barrier in Supporting Nurse Well-Being During the Pandemic

Public media and the nursing literature are replete with data and anecdotal stories evidencing the overwhelming impact to nurses’ well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although many organizations have rallied and are providing robust services to support nurses through the pandemic, stigma (negative perceptions, attitudes, and discrimination) about mental health support is contributing to nurses’ reluctance to use the many resources available to them. This article outlines strategies for reducing the stigma and eliminating the barriers associated with obtaining the mental and emotional well-being support and services that nurses need and deserve.