Applying Adult Learning Theory in Nursing Education

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Adult Learning Theory
Due to a climbing faculty shortage, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) (2010) called upon nurses to attain terminal degrees, specifically the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) and the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP), assume the role of educator, and engage in lifelong learning. In fact, centers of professional excellence have intended to double the number of nurses with doctorates by 2020 (IOM, 2010). When advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) attain doctorates, the IOM (2010) recommendations actualize, thereby strengthening the profession at a time that is critical to reduce the faculty shortage and improve the education of the next generation of aspiring nurses to meet the evolving demands of the United States health care system (McAllister, 2011). One effective approach to enhance patient learning and nursing education is through the application of Malcolm Knowles’ (1980) Adult Learning Theory. The aims of this paper are to (1) describe the major components and uses of Knowles’ (1980) Adult Learning Theory in APRN …show more content…

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