Implementation of 2 nurse practitioner inpatient models.

Opportunities for nurse practitioners in acute care settings are expanding owing to the restricted hours for medical residents. This is coupled with national initiatives to improve the quality of care driven by patients, insurers, and national healthcare organizations that wish to enhance access to healthcare for all Americans. The authors discuss 2 care delivery models that were designed and implemented at Massachusetts General Hospital with nurses acting as full partners in the redesign.

Incorporating scenario-based simulation into a hospital nursing education program.

Nurse educators are challenged to provide meaningful and effective learning opportunities for both new and experienced nurses. Simulation as a teaching and learning methodology is being embraced by nursing in academic and practice settings to provide innovative educational experiences to assess and develop clinical competency, promote teamwork, and improve care processes. This article provides an overview of the historical basis for using simulation in education, simulation methodologies, and perceived advantages and disadvantages.