About the Authors
- BARBARA J. IRWIN, MSN, RN
Barbara Irwin is emeritus Executive Director
of Nursing at Kaplan Test Prep. She supervised development of the Kaplan
courses for preparation for the NCLEX-RN® and NCLEX-PN®
exams for U.S. nursing students and international nurses, as well as integrated
testing programs implemented by nursing schools. Irwin developed the Decision
Tree, a framework of innovative test-taking strategies that help students
achieve success on these high-stakes tests. Her seminars about how to effectively study to achieve deep learning have guided thousands of students nurses. Her seminars to nursing faculty have shared important insights about the NCLEX-RN®
and NCLEX-PN® examinations and how to overcome the challenge of
non-self-efficacious nursing students. Irwin received a bachelor of science in
nursing from the University of Oklahoma and a master of science degree in
nursing and nursing education from Kaplan University. Her professional
background includes experience as a nursing educator and director of a home
health agency.
- PATRICIA A. YOCK, BSN, RN
Patricia Yock is a nursing educator
and consultant in Boulder, Colorado. She received a bachelor of science in nursing from Loyola University in Chicago. Her professional experience includes clinical nursing in varied settings from postsurgical care to comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation, and nursing education in diploma and practical nursing programs. Yock is certified in rehabilitation nursing and served as the nursing director for inpatient rehabilitation and transitional care units.
- Judith A. Burckhardt, PhD, MSN, RN
Dr. Judith Burckhardt is former Dean of the Nursing and Health Programs for Kaplan Higher Education Campuses, Vice President of the Kaplan School of Nursing, and head of the Nursing division at Kaplan Test Preparation. Under Dr. Burckhardt’s leadership, Kaplan introduced new methods of program provision, including online delivery. She is currently Dean of Nursing Programs at American Sentinel University. Dr. Burckhardt received a bachelor of science in nursing from Loyola University in Chicago, a master’s degree in education from Washington University in St. Louis, a master of science in nursing degree from Kaplan University, and a doctorate in educational administration from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.
Kaplan thanks the following nursing professionals for their contributions to this book:
- Barbara Arnoldussen, RN, MBA, CPHQ
- Cindy Finesilver, MSN, RN
- Marlene Redemske, MSN, MA, RN