Nursing EDge Unscripted S6 E13: Nursing Students' Perceptions of DEUs and Impact on Employment

In this episode of NLN Nursing EDge Unscripted, host Steven Palazzo speaks with Barbara Sinacori about her research on baccalaureate nursing students’ perceptions of Dedicated Education Units (DEUs) and their impact on post-graduation employment. Sinacori explains how the DEU model provides students with immersive, hands-on clinical experiences by pairing them one-on-one with experienced registered nurses for extended shifts, helping bridge the gap between nursing education and real-world practice. The discussion highlights the value of DEUs as both an educational and recruitment strategy, with nearly one-third of study participants applying for employment at their DEU site. Sinacori also discusses how her program is expanding and evaluating immersive clinical experiences while strengthening partnerships between academic programs and healthcare organizations. The episode underscores the potential of DEUs to enhance students’ clinical learning, transition to practice, and connection to future employment opportunities. Learn more: Crincoli, S., Cannella, B., Rawlins, L., Hassler, L. J., Grano, C., Sinacori, B., Gillooly, D., Moscarella, D., Filippelli, A., & Rempel, M. (2026). Baccalaureate Nursing Students' Perceptions of Dedicated Education Units and Their Impact on Postgraduation Employment. Nursing education perspectives, 47(2), 116–118. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NEP.000000...