Online nursing education attracts geographically diverse students seekinghigher levels of education. Nurses can gain knowledge in the online classroom however learning becomes real whenlivepractice experiences are incorporated into the learning environment. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) recommends practice experiences in their Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice (2008), Essentials of Masterʼs Education in Nursing (2011), and Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice (2006). When working with geographically diverse students executing effective live practice experiences can be challenging. Faculty may not be in the same location as the student and therefore quality may not be assured. A nursing program at a small private mid-Atlantic university in the United States that provides RN-to-Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice education has incorporatedlive geographically convenient practice experience opportunities into their online education. Students in each program are required to complete online classroom education where content, concepts, and theories are discussed aiding in the studentsʼ ability to master multiple levels of thinking as outlined in Blooms Taxonomy. Live practice experiences are utilized as a conduit for making the education real and helping students have a better grasp on what they are learning in the online classroom.

During this presentation the live practice experiencesincorporated into the three nursing degree programs will be shared, student expectations will be emphasized, goals of the live practice experiences will be discussed, and legal considerations will be highlighted. Stories of positive outcomes from live practice experiences will encourage attendees to incorporate similar practices into their online nursing programs. Additionally, attendees will learn how creating live practice experiences in online education is possible and develop strategies for creating similar requirements for their online nursing programs.

Biography:
Dr. Julie Slade has over 17 yearsʼ experience as a nursewith a background in intensive care and hospice nursing. She has spent the last 5 years working in nursing education at Chatham University. In her first role at the university Dr. Slade was the Clinical Coordinator for the nursing department. She was responsible for streamlining the practice experience for students in all three degree programs while also ensuring all legal matters were attended to. After three years in that role Dr. Slade moved into the role of Assistant Professor of Nursing and the RN-BSN Program Coordinator. In this role Dr. Slade focuses on all aspects of RN-BSN education while continuing to ensure a quality live practice experience for every student.