Learning Beyond the Classroom
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing’s Office of External Learning (OEL) connects faculty expertise with the broader world—helping health systems, clinicians and communities access the knowledge and tools that improve care, strengthen the workforce and advance nursing practice.
Why This Matters
The health care workforce is evolving rapidly, and continuing education has never been more critical. OEL turns Vanderbilt Nursing’s evidence, scholarship, and innovation into accessible learning that helps clinicians grow, supports faculty in amplifying their work and strengthens systems of care for patients and communities.
How We Deliver Impact
We deliver education in flexible, scalable formats that meet learners and partners where they are—whether online, in person or through community collaboration.
Upcoming Institutes and Conferences
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August 28, 2026
8am - 4pm
From Evidence to Action: How Research and Data Impact Policy, Practice and Professional Standards
This conference unites researchers, policy leaders, professional organizations and academic institutions to explore how research moves beyond publication to shape federal and state policy, institutional decision-making, clinical guidelines and professional standards.
Learn what it takes for high-quality evidence to shape the future of nursing and health care.
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September 14-17, 2026
14th ICN Nurse Practitioner/Advanced Practice Nurse Network Conference
VUSN is honored to host the 14th International Council of Nurses (ICN) Nurse Practitioner/Advanced Practice Nurse Network Conference as it returns to the United States for the first time since its inception.
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October 15, 2026
2pm CST
Working Against the Clock: Sleep, Circadian Rhythms & Shift Work
Ever wonder why night shifts feel harder some weeks than others—or why that 3am energy crash hits like clockwork? Join us for a 1-hour webinar exploring the science of circadian rhythms and what they mean for nurses. We'll cover the basics of daily biological cycles, how they shape sleep, wake, and body temperature, and why disrupting them—through shiftwork, social jet lag, or irregular eating—can affect both your health and your performance on the job. We'll also dig into optimal feeding schedules and what they mean for you and for patient care. Walk away with a practical understanding of circadian biology you can apply to your own routine and to the patients you care for.
Cost: $25
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November 2026
Science & Soul: Advancing Health Care Through Caritas Practice
In collaboration with the Watson Caring Science Institute, blends clinical science with the human side of care, giving participants practical tools they can use right away. The focus is on translating evidence into meaningful action while grounding that work in reflection, purpose, and the real experience of caring for patients.
Would you like to know more about upcoming events from the Office of External Learning?
Who We Are
E-Learning on HealthStream
Institutes & Immersive Learning
Toolkits & Educational Resources
Custom Training & Workforce Solutions
Our Core Domains
OEL’s domain model organizes Vanderbilt Nursing’s expertise into three key areas that align with national workforce priorities and faculty strengths.
Prevention & Whole-Person Care
Promoting population health, wellness, and resilience through prevention-focused, community-engaged learning.
Advancing Clinical Skills & Specialty Practice
Equipping clinicians with specialty skills and evidence-based approaches to meet the needs of complex patient populations.
Leadership & Professional Growth
Preparing current and emerging nurse leaders to influence systems, policy and professional culture.
Featured Learning Experiences
Explore featured programs and learning opportunities that showcase Vanderbilt Nursing’s external education in action—accessible offerings that connect learners, partners, and faculty expertise in real time.
Academy for Cultural Pioneering Nurse Leaders
MIHOW (Maternal Infant Health Outreach Worker Program)
E-Learnings on HealthStream
Our Programs in the News
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“You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone”: One Mom’s Journey Through Baptist Health’s Maternal Life360 Program
When Ieshia Thomas walked into the Central Arkansas Women’s Expo at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds in the summer of 2024, she was six months pregnant ... -
VUSN, Vanderbilt Divinity to Host End-of-Life Care Conference
The Vanderbilt School of Nursing and Vanderbilt Divinity School will co-host the Spirituality and End-of-Life Care Conference Saturday, February 7, 20 ... -
Vanderbilt School of Nursing and HealthStream launch educational partnership
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing and HealthStream have partnered to bring Vanderbilt’s academic and practice expertise to nurses everywhere thr ...
Faculty Spotlight
Highlighting the faculty who bring Vanderbilt’s expertise to life through innovative teaching, scholarship and collaboration.
Karen Hande
Professor and Chair of Health Promotion, Populations and Systems. Dr. Hande’s work in oncology and palliative care bridges advanced practice, education and research—empowering clinicians to deliver person-centered, evidence-based care.
Partners in Workforce Development
We collaborate with leading organizations to co-create innovative learning that shapes the future of care delivery.
Let's Build the Future of Nursing Together
Partner with us to expand workforce capacity, elevate nursing excellence, and bring Vanderbilt’s expertise to every corner of care.