University of Kansas School of Nursing

KU School of Nursing faculty members recently attended the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning 2026 conference in Oklahoma City, OK. The event brings together simulationists, researchers and educators to enhance best practices in healthcare simulation and foster global collaboration and innovation.

During her keynote session, Dr. Mary Fey, Ph.D., RN, ANEF, FAAN, associate director of Applied Learning for Performance and Safety at the Harvard Center for Medical Simulation, highlighted the integration of simulation within KU School of Nursing’s new curriculum. Dr. Fey emphasized key areas where nurse educators have significant impact, including the learning environment, the teacher-learner relationship and effective coaching.

"Transforming nursing education starts with a culture shift," said Megan Turner, MSN, RN, CHSE. "We aren’t just educators; we are coaches creating dynamic, hardworking teams that are ready to coach students to competency and build authentic relationships with them. Shifting our frame lets students know they are valued, cared for and loved as they learn."

👋 Calling all primary care doctor of nursing practice graduates! Are you considering continuing your education and pursuing a fellowship? Katie Liemkuehler, APRN, is sharing her experience with fellow nurses considering the KU School of Nursing APRN fellowship program:

"If you’re hesitant about doing a fellowship after grad school because you think it’ll be like school again, think again! It’s so much more," said Katie. "The KU post-doctoral APRN fellowship gives you valuable tools in mentorship and leadership and helps build confidence in your first year of practice as a nurse practitioner. It set a firm foundation for my own practice and helped reduce stress and anxiety in the first year. You learn how to prioritize patient care and be efficient with your time."

This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $1,999,542. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

Are you, or someone you know, thinking about a career in nursing? A new online tool established by the Kansas Nursing Workforce Center will help students — as well as their parents and school counselors — explore pre-licensure nursing education opportunities.

There are more than 40 nursing schools in Kansas, but rather than researching each Kansas school individually, students can now use the Kansas Nursing School Guide to identify various nursing education options by choosing answers to a series of questions. Learn more about the free web tool:

Online Kansas Nursing School Guide launched by Kansas Nursing Workforce Center Free web tool helps potential students explore pre-licensure nursing education options at all schools with nursing programs in Kansas

Don't forget! The deadline to submit nominations for the 2026 KU School of Nursing Alumni Awards is coming up on June 6.

Help us recognize and honor exceptional graduates and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to health care. Nominate a colleague or classmate in the following categories:

🔹Distinguished Alumni Award
🔹Early-to-Mid Career Achievement Alumni Award
🔹Honorary Alumni Award

Learn more about each award and submit your nomination: https://bit.ly/43G2s63

What do KU School of Nursing faculty do when they're not teaching students? If you're Nate Mattson, MSN-NE, RN, CNEcl, CPN, clinical instructor, you teach expectant fathers how to help care for their newborn babies. His class, Babies and Beer, helps new and soon-to-be dads prepare for birth, newborn care and early days at home in a low-pressure setting over beers.

Learn more about the class and the impact it's making in local Kansas communities:

Lawrence brewery to host class to help dads connect, prep for newborns Babies and Beer, a newborn class for dads, is coming to Lawrence to teach baby basics and help new fathers support their partners and connect with other dads.

Meet Cayla Hiebert, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, a family nurse practitioner at Health Ministries Clinic in Newton, Kansas. Cayla completed the KU School of Nursing APRN fellowship and is sharing her experience in the program:

"The transition from RN to APRN required growth both professionally and clinically, and the fellowship supported me in that transition," said Cayla. "It was a place to discuss different challenges with clinical decision making or the organization that we worked for. It was a space to learn from each other and receive advice from seasoned APRN veterans on different scenarios we were encountering."

Hear from Cayla and learn more about her experience: https://bit.ly/4tYkSsu

This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $1,999,542. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

Post-doctoral fellowship designed for Kansas advanced practice nurses Cayla Hiebert shares the benefits of the KU APRN Fellowship program

📷 Look back at some more of our favorite moments from last weekend's KU School of Nursing Hooding and Recognition Ceremony. Rock Chalk, Class of 2026! ❤️ 💙

The University of Kansas recently announced the promotion and tenure for 96 faculty and researchers at KU Medical Center. Please join us in congratulating the following KU School of Nursing faculty members on this significant milestone:

🔵 Diane Mahoney: to associate professor (tenure track)
🔴 Teale Ryan: to clinical assistant professor (clinical track)
🔵 Michelle Cochran: to clinical associate professor (clinical track)
🔴 Jessica Gay: to clinical associate professor (clinical track)

See the full list: https://bit.ly/431wBvv

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! 🎓 Together with family and friends, we gathered today to honor graduates at the KU School of Nursing Hooding and Recognition Ceremony. We can't wait to see the positive impact our graduates will have on the field of nursing in Kansas and beyond.

We're excited to celebrate the Class of 2026 this weekend at the KU School of Nursing Hooding and Recognition Ceremony. A total of 210 students will earn degrees or certificates on Saturday, including 170 Bachelor of Science in Nursing students who are entering the nursing workforce.

Hear from two of our BSN students from our Kansas City and Salina campuses and learn about their path to nursing and their plans for the future: https://bit.ly/3PGQZPe

Congratulations to all of our students and best of luck in the journey ahead! 🎓