Developing Innovative On-Campus Intensives to Enhance Distance-Based Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Background: The delivery of higher education has changed dramatically in recent years due to the shift toward distance learning, resulting in a need for creative education delivery methods. This article describes the implementation of on-campus intensives (OCIs) within a revised curricular framework for nurse practitioner (NP) students. Sequential OCIs are designed to promote role transition and professional and clinical development throughout the NP student's coursework.

Method: The OCIs were established using a core curriculum framework. The development of the OCIs was an extensive process that requires widespread collaboration between faculty and staff.

Results: The OCIs have been successfully implemented over multiple semesters. Faculty, staff, and students have suggested benefits along with opportunities for improvement.

Conclusion: The OCI experiences promote engagement, clinical competency, and professional development to prepare NP students to lead in today's complex and evolving health care system. [J Nurs Educ. 2019;58(9):543-547.].