Design, Implementation, and Evaluation of a Self-Directed Online Preadmission Writing Development Program for Resident Registered Nurse Anesthetists (1 MAC Ed CE)

Academic writing is a critical yet often underdeveloped skill among incoming Resident Registered Nurse Anesthetists (RRNAs), particularly as they prepare to complete complex doctoral projects. This session introduces a novel, eight-week, self-directed, online writing development program designed to strengthen academic writing skills prior to program entry. Grounded in Malcolm Knowles’ theory of andragogy and Self-Directed Learning principles, the intervention supports adult learners in setting goals, practicing essential writing strategies, and gaining confidence in scholarly communication.
Structured across eight weekly modules, the program addresses key topics including the writing process, academic integrity, evaluation criteria, introduction and paragraph development, writing style, and AMA formatting. Participants complete pre- and post-assessments, engage with interactive content, and receive feedback on graded assignments. The session will present both the instructional design and the mixed-methods evaluation strategy used over two academic years.
Outcome data from the 2023 pilot and 2024 evaluation cohorts demonstrated substantial gains in writing self-efficacy, performance, and learner engagement, with course completion rates improving from 58% to 90%. The intervention was rated highly in acceptability, especially for perceived effectiveness, and was associated with greater awareness of academic resources and improved readiness for doctoral-level writing.
Attendees will explore program content, delivery strategies, and lessons learned to replicate or adapt this model for their own institutions. By the end of the session, attendees will be able to describe key design features, assess program effectiveness, and apply principles to implement similar interventions in their nurse anesthesia education programs.