From Simulation to Innovation: Twenty Years of the Debra Spunt Memorial Lecture

This special episode of Nursing EDge Unscripted explores the history and lasting impact of the Debra L. Spunt Memorial Lecture, one of the most distinguished traditions in simulation-based nursing education. Host Kellie Bryant traces the lecture series from its founding in 2007 through nearly two decades of influential presentations that have reflected the evolving priorities of nursing education. Along the way, listeners will discover how topics such as faculty development, patient safety, debriefing, resilience, health equity, competency-based education, and artificial intelligence have shaped the profession. The episode also celebrates the legacy of Debra Spunt, whose pioneering work helped establish simulation as a transformative educational strategy. As applications open for the 2027 lecture, this retrospective highlights the leaders, ideas, and innovations that continue to guide the future of nursing education.

The 2027 Debra Spunt Lecture Call for Applications is open through July 15, 2026. Learn more: https://www.nln.org/education/leadership-institute/center-for-innovation-in-education-excellence/center-for-innovation-in-education-excellence-offerings/debra-spunt-lecture-nomination-guidelines-and-selection-process

Dedicated to excellence in nursing, the National League for Nursing is the leading organization for nurse faculty and leaders in nursing education. Find past episodes of the NLN Nursing EDge podcast online. Get instant updates by following the NLN on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube. For more information, visit NLN.org.