On May 13, 2025, UConn School of Nursing clinical instructors came together to celebrate the conclusion of the 24-25 academic year and all their hard work.

About 50 clinical instructors from both pre-licensure programs – traditional four-year Baccalaureate program (B.S.) and Accelerated Second-Degree Certificate Entry into Nursing/BS program (CEIN/B.S.) – attended the event.

Before the celebration, instructors took part in a mini retreat led by Prelicensure Program Director Jean Coffey, Ph.D., APRN, CPNP, FAAN, and Assistant Director Elizabeth Mayerson, DNP, FNP-BC, CNE.

The retreat “provided an opportunity for collaboration and idea-sharing on how best to support students during clinical placements,” said Aime Liggett, pre-licensure clinical placement assistant.

Tina Huey, associate director of faculty development at the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, spoke on how to give verbal and written feedback to students. Other topics included post clinical conference ideas and clinical role-playing exercises.

Following the mini retreat was the appreciation event. Everyone gathered on Storrs Hall Terrace for food, laughter, conversation, and a visit with Jonathan XV.

“It was a meaningful way to express gratitude for our clinical instructors and recognize all of their hard work and the critical role they play in shaping our students’ education,” said Liggett.

Preparing The Next Generation

Clinical instruction is crucial in shaping a nurse’s education. For undergraduates, the last four semesters are dedicated to small-group clinical experiences in a variety of settings. This is where students take what they have learned and apply it in the real world.

The Accelerated Second Degree, CEIN/B.S. program, is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree and are interested in pursuing a career in nursing. For this program, students are required to complete a series of clinical learning experiences to successfully meet the learning outcomes of their program of study.

The School of Nursing is affiliated with about 70 health care agencies. These include hospitals, schools, day care centers, housing for the elderly, extended care facilities, community health agencies, ambulatory centers, and clinics. In addition to spending time with patients in the clinical setting, time is devoted to conferences with instructors and peers to discuss patient care experiences.

Between the two programs, the school had 123 clinical instructors for the 24-25 school year.

Dawn Sarage, MSN, RN, CNL, CMSRN, CHSE, is one of those instructors, serving as both a simulation facilitator and the lead didactic instructor for an adult medical-surgical nursing course.

Sarage understands the importance of her role and knows how vital it is to prepare the next generation of nurses.

“I became a clinical instructor because I wanted to help students smoothly transition from school to practice,” she said. “My own transition into nursing was difficult. I often felt unprepared and unsure of myself, despite doing well in school. That experience drives me to create learning environments where students can build confidence, apply their knowledge, and feel supported as they grow.”

Having a dual role in simulation and a classroom setting, allows her to connect with her students on a deeper level. In simulation, the smaller groups give her the opportunity to observe her students more closely providing them with constructive feedback and support tailored specifically to them.

When recalling something she loves about being a clinical instructor she mentioned being able to see the “aha” moments when a student suddenly understands a concept.

“Knowing that something I explained helped something click for them is one of the most gratifying parts of this role,” Sarage remarked.

Having such a strong impact on student nurses’ learning experience, the appreciation event is meant to highlight and congratulate those, like Sarage, who are a part of that clinical instructor team.

“It was an honor to be recognized, and I truly appreciated it. But more than that, I saw it as an opportunity to express gratitude for the many other clinical instructors I work with in my lead instructor role,” said Sarage.