Penn College News

Employee Presents Research at Nursing Education Conference

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

A staff member in Pennsylvania College of Technology’s nursing program recently presented her doctoral research at the Nursing Education Research Conference in Washington, D.C.

Jessica L. Bower, simulation lab coordinator in Penn College’s nursing program, earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice from ­Wilkes University. During a poster session at NERC, she presented her research: “Differences in Debriefing Practices in Nursing Education: Instructor-Led and Peer-Led.”



Jessica L. BowerHer work describes the differences in student-learning outcomes between peer-led debriefing and instructor-led debriefing following simulation activities with undergraduate nursing students.

The two-day Nursing Education Research Conference attracted more than 500 attendees. Hosted by Sigma Theta Tau International and the National League for Nursing, the conference theme was Generating and Translating Evidence for Teaching Practice.

Bower began her work at Penn College in 2006 as an adjunct clinical instructor and accepted her current position in 2013. She earned her doctorate in August 2017. She holds a Master of Science in nursing from Bloomsburg University and a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Lycoming College. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and received the Williamsport YWCA’s Women of Excellence Award in 2012.

Penn College offers bachelor’s and associate degrees in nursing, with an online option for registered nurses who wish to complete their bachelor’s degree. To learn more, call 570-327-4525, email or visit The School of Nursing & Health Sciences.

For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.