Transforming Nursing Education to Empower Future Leaders

Dr. Lisa Drews is helping to shape the future of nursing education and strengthen Wilmington University’s College of Health Professions and Natural Sciences (COHPNS). As chair of the RN to BSN and MSN Leadership programs, she leads efforts to equip nurses to support survivors of human trafficking.

Her groundbreaking work led to the creation of the Advanced Nursing Roles Human Trafficking Assignment — a comprehensive resource designed to help nurses care for victims of abuse. This “toolbox” provides clear guidelines for analyzing real-world scenarios, encourages thoughtful reflection on interventions, and fosters open discussions among nurse leaders. It also emphasizes collaboration with community organizations to enhance care and support.

Recognizing the importance of this work, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing has published her resource, expanding its reach to nursing programs nationwide.

Dr. Drews’ resource helps faculty guide students through assignments that deepen their understanding of human trafficking and their roles as nursing leaders. The structured approach encourages students to analyze case studies, reflect on challenges, and apply key principles to their leadership practice.

Students begin by reviewing a human trafficking scenario relevant to their area of focus — whether they are nurse educators, nurse executives, legal nurse consultants, or public health nurses. This step helps them connect the issue to their specific field and responsibilities.

Throughout the assignment, faculty encourage students to reflect on the complexities of caring for trafficking survivors. They explore the challenges they may face, identify effective interventions, and draw lessons from real-world applications. By fostering this level of critical thinking, faculty help students understand the vital role nursing leadership plays in supporting survivors.

There is a good deal of intercollegiate collaboration, says Dr. Drews, in terms of the University’s commitment to combating human trafficking. “Our faculty is dedicated to working together in the fight against human trafficking through education, advocacy, and awareness,” she says. “Under the leadership of Dr. Johanna Bishop, whose Human Trafficking Webinar Series and annual conferences have been instrumental in this effort, faculty from the colleges of Health Professions and Natural Sciences, Behavioral Sciences, Technology, Athletics, and community leaders unite to equip students and professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, prevent, and respond to human trafficking. Through interdisciplinary research, community partnerships, and curriculum integration, we are fostering a collective effort to combat this global crisis and advocate for justice for survivors.”

A key part of the assignment involves developing a debriefing script using a structured template. Faculty guide students in crafting these scripts with a trauma-informed approach, ensuring their discussions are respectful, supportive, and aligned with best practices.

Students receive feedback on their scripts, helping them refine their communication strategies and integrate evidence-based research into their work. Faculty also assess their assignments based on adherence to best practices, alignment with their MSN concentration, and principles outlined by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).

By the end of the process, students gain a deeper insight into trauma-informed care and strengthen their ability to lead meaningful conversations and implement effective interventions.

“Dr. Drews’ passion and commitment to improving access to quality care for survivors of human trafficking are commendable,” says COHPNS Dean Dr. Aaron Sebach. “Her niche in this specialty, coupled with her expertise as a nurse educator, resulted in the development of a practical, evidence-based resource for nurse educators. Dr. Drews’ work is yet another example of innovation cultivated in the COHPNS to support students in caring for patients in an increasingly complex health care system.” 

To reinforce key themes, faculty encourage students to share insights across leadership concentrations through online discussions, visual word clouds, or in-person conversations. This collaborative approach helps students recognize broader patterns, deepen their learning, and appreciate the significance of nursing leadership in addressing human trafficking.

“The impact of human trafficking is staggering,” says Dr. Drews. “More than 80% of victims who encounter health care professionals go unrecognized. As nurse leaders, we must integrate human trafficking education into all areas of healthcare to improve identification, intervention, and support for those affected.”

Beyond her work at Wilmington University, Dr. Drews has also contributed to NursingColleges.com, an online guide to the growing nursing field. Her article, “Delaware Nursing Colleges, Degrees & Licenses: Meet the Expert,” highlights nursing education opportunities in the First State.

Dr. Drews’ commitment to education, leadership, and advocacy is making a lasting impact at Wilmington University and across the broader nursing community.

— Maria Hess