Using a linked learning activity to foster nursing students' professional growth.

Linked learning assignments employ a learner-centered approach that views differences among students as educationally enriching, rather than problematic. This article describes a linked learning activity that systematically incorporated differences between first-year and fourth-year nursing students to enrich learning outcomes related to professional growth and the image of nursing. The process of developing, implementing, and evaluating this professional growth-linked learning activity is described.