M. Loretta Secco, PhD (USA) will receive the Sigma Theta Tau International/National League for Nursing Grant for her study entitled "Phase I: Pilot Evaluation of a Virtual Clinical Experience (VCE) Among Senior Nursing Students." The purpose of this study is to explore, for a sample of senior, 4th year nursing students whether (a) individual learning style and age are related to satisfaction with a VCE and (b) whether students' perceive that the VCE improved clinical judgment and/or preparedness for their final senior clinical preceptorship.

This annual grant, made possible through a gift from Diane Billings, EdD, RN, FAAN, to Sigma Theta Tau International Foundation, supports research that advances the science of nursing education through the use of technology to disseminate knowledge. Dr. Billings will present the award to Dr. Secco at the annual NLN Education Summit in Las Vegas, Nevada.