A Recollection of Service

 

Dear OADN Members,

During a conversation with a colleague, I received an invitation to serve the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN). Life often presents us with invitations—some we decline, while others we embrace wholeheartedly. This invitation was different. It was a call to support the educators who play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of nurses. I couldn’t bring myself to turn it down. This opportunity came from a colleague in my own Associate Degree Nursing program, and I truly believe we have a responsibility to give back to the communities, organizations, and mentors who helped shape our paths.

In the fall of 2020, I quickly realized just how strong and impactful OADN truly is. During a time when the world faced unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic, difficult decisions had to be made, including the cancellation of a national conference and the shift to a virtual format. I was truly amazed by the dedication, resilience, and commitment of the small but mighty OADN staff and board. They worked tirelessly to support nurse educators across the nation. As a hospital executive, this experience opened my eyes to the remarkable qualities of educators—their resilience, determination, collaboration, and unwavering support for their communities.

As we navigated these challenges, I continued to learn and grow. Deans and directors sought my insights on the workforce’s needs, and I was glad to contribute. It was clear that what I shared was not only heard but thoughtfully absorbed, integrated, and utilized. Educators have an incredible ability to learn, adapt, and produce at every turn. This team taught me the complexities of managing an academic department, the scarcity of information available for forecasting salary requirements, and the numerous challenges of maintaining a robust academic organization. Who knew educators worked so hard behind the scenes?

Nearly four years in, I remain deeply grateful for the exposure to the countless educators, deans, directors, vendors, pioneers, board members, and others affiliated with OADN who have imparted so much knowledge. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the critical importance of sustaining partnerships between academia and practice, especially as we face the looming wave of retirements on both sides. Strong partnerships are essential to overcoming challenges in both educational and workforce management, and we must be intentional in maintaining these relationships despite inevitable leadership changes.

I am encouraged by OADN’s proactive efforts to address these concerns. The ongoing salary studies will empower current and future leaders to advocate effectively for faculty. The leadership development and mentoring programs will nurture our future academic leaders, and these efforts are already making a significant impact. Political advocacy at the local, state, and national levels will ensure future funding opportunities, while our commitment to research will generate new nursing knowledge to fuel growth.

Every board meeting presents an opportunity to align our efforts with our strategic plan and deliver value to our members. Our discussions rarely stray from our mission: to serve academic programs, support academic leaders, and develop faculty. OADN’s bylaws are designed to ensure smooth transitions and effective leadership turnover, and this month, we will welcome new board members. There are always opportunities for fresh voices who are passionate about our mission.

Your opportunity to serve might be waiting, just as mine was. I’m grateful my colleague was thoughtful enough to start a conversation that invited me into the service of OADN—a conversation that trusted me to have some small impact on the future of nursing. As I conclude my tenure on the board, I am confident that the next generation of leaders is ready to step up. There will always be opportunities to create value, expand knowledge, and build lasting friendships for those willing to embrace them. Whether it’s a board position, a subcommittee role, a task force membership, or involvement with the foundation, there may be a place for you—or for someone you believe can make a difference in nursing.

I encourage you to consider serving and to seek out others who are ready to join this community of leaders. Trust me, it will feed your soul, and you will be all the better for it.

In service,
Matthew Morris, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CENP, NPD-BC, FAADN
Chief Nurse Executive, Wilmington VAMC