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Accreditation, Regulation, and Advocacy: An Essential Intersection for All Nursing Programs

 

Dear OADN Members:

Recently, a North Dakota nursing program has been facing an unprecedented crisis that is impacting the whole university. The program’s entire full-time nursing faculty has resigned, citing untenable workloads and potential accreditation issues, leaving the institution without any full-time nursing faculty just weeks before the fall semester begins. While denying claims of accreditation risk, the administration is actively seeking solutions to address the faculty shortage in collaboration with the university system.  Complicating these challenges, the university’s president has unexpectedly resigned, citing the state board of nursing’s refusal to approve his new staffing plan as the cause for his departure, something that the board of nursing refutes.

Conversations with OADN program member schools and faculty members frequently provide valuable insights. During one such discussion with a program member from the Pacific Northwest, the dual role of nurse faculty was highlighted: producing competent and qualified nurse graduates and ensuring that nursing programs comply with educational requirements to maintain public safety and welfare.

Each commonwealth, jurisdiction, state, or territory must align the education of nurses with the governing Nurse Practice Act (NPA). While not all NPAs address education, most outline specific requirements for nurse educators. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) in their Model Act (2021) cites that within the registered nurse scope of practice related to education, nurses may:

1. Design and implement teaching plans based on patient needs or patient populations.
2. Teach the theory and practice of nursing.
3. Educate others as appropriate.

Nursing education standards are evidence-based criteria used to ensure the quality of nursing programs. Faculty and nurse administrators play a crucial role in monitoring these standards and intervening when necessary. Early intervention allows programs to make improvements before warning signs emerge and sanctions become necessary. These standards aim to ensure that graduates of nursing programs are prepared for safe and effective nursing practice.

Section 5 of NCSBN’s Model Act (2021) underscores the importance of the governing institution’s approval and ongoing support for the nursing program and the chief nurse administrative officer (program director, coordinator, dean, associate dean, etc.).

The Accreditation Commission on Education in Nursing’s (ACEN) Standards of Accreditation (2023), Standard 1, emphasize the importance of the administrative capacity and resources of the program. The mission and philosophy of the nursing program must align with the mission, goals, and values of the governing organization. Both the governing organization and the nursing program must have the capacity and resources to support effective program delivery. This ensures the achievement of end-of-program student learning outcomes and program outcomes for each nursing program type. Faculty freedom requires aligning evidence-based best regulatory practices with the ACEN’s Standards of Accreditation.

Faculty and program administrators’ advocacy for students, programs, and end-of-program outcomes is crucial. Much like OADN’s advocacy at the national level supports and advances evidence-based practices within the associate degree pathway and our OADN program members, this advocacy ensures that students receive a quality education that prepares them for successful nursing careers.

OADN members must lead advocacy efforts locally, regionally, and at the state level to advance the education and graduation of a nurse workforce ready to meet today’s practice demands and the complexity of care required by patients entrusted to their care. Local advocacy allows members to address specific community needs and adapt educational programs to local healthcare environments. Regional efforts foster collaboration between different institutions and help standardize best practices across broader areas. State-level advocacy is critical for influencing policy changes, securing funding, and ensuring that nursing education standards are maintained and improved. By taking a proactive stance in these advocacy efforts, OADN members can ensure that the nursing workforce is well-equipped to handle the dynamic challenges of modern healthcare, thereby safeguarding public health and enhancing the overall quality of care delivery.

 

 

 

 

Rick García, Ph.D., RN, CCM, FAAOHN, FAADN
Chief Executive Officer
OADN and OADN Foundation

 

 

References

Model Act, (2021), National Council State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). https://www.ncsbn.org/public-files/21_Model_Act.pdf

Standards of Accreditation, (2023), The Accreditation Commission on Education in Nursing (ACEN). https://resources.acenursing.org/space/SAC/1824227333/2023+Standards+and+Criteria

The Organization for Associate Degree Nursing Board of Directors is proud to announce the appointment of two distinguished Public Directors: Larissa Africa, MBA, BSN, FAONL, FAAN, and Marilyn McGhee, Ph.D.

“OADN is honored to welcome Larissa Africa and Dr. Marilyn McGhee to our Board of Directors. Larissa’s extensive experience as a nurse executive and her leadership at Versant Healthcare Competency Solutions will be invaluable to our mission. Dr. McGhee’s diverse background, spanning military service, academia, and development, brings a unique and rich perspective to our board. Their combined expertise will greatly enhance our efforts to advance associate degree nursing education and support the success of our students and programs.” – Dr. Karen LaMartina, President, OADN.

Larissa Africa brings over 20 years of exemplary experience as a nurse executive in the healthcare industry and within health systems to the OADN Board of Directors. Larisa is the President and Chief Executive Officer for Versant Healthcare Competency Solutions, showcasing her leadership and commitment to advancing healthcare competency.  Larissa’s term began on June 2024.

Dr. Marilyn McGhee contributes over 30 years of diverse experience and leadership to the OADN Board of Directors, stemming from her military service, various roles within the College of Nursing at Florida State University, and her recent position as Director of Development at Rutgers University Foundation. Dr. McGhee offers a unique and valuable perspective as a non-nurse in a nurse-centric educational focus area, enriching the board with her extensive expertise and innovative insights.  Dr. McGhee’s term will begin in January 2025.

 

The Vital Role of Associate Degree Nursing Programs in Supporting the Nursing Workforce

 

Dear OADN Members:

The math is simple: the United States has over 1100 associate degree nursing education programs. In 2023, these made up 44.7% (83,387) of new nursing graduates in the United States (National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 2024). Furthermore, 40% of these nurses go on to higher levels of education (Smiley, et al., 2023), including baccalaureate programs and beyond, to nurse anesthetists, nurse educators, nurse midwives, and nurse scientists, to name a few.

Associate degree nursing graduates are vital to supplying and maintaining the nursing workforce in our country. ADN education programs provide a more rapid influx of qualified nurses to mitigate staffing shortages, attract a diverse population to contribute to a more equitable healthcare system, and educate residents who tend to stay in their local areas, especially rural areas. But you know this! Or you wouldn’t already be part of OADN.

So please allow me to highlight something our country needs from you besides all the wonderful things you’re currently doing:

WE NEED MORE NURSES FROM ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING EDUCATION PROGRAMS!

We’re in a nursing shortage! The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of registered nurses will grow significantly, with an estimated need for 193,100 new RNs each year through 2032 to fill new positions and replace retiring nurses (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, 2024). In 2023, there were only 186,350 RN Candidates to take the NLCEX® across the US (National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 2024). That means that if ALL these graduates became RNs, we would still be short by 6,750 nurses to meet the 2023 demand, let alone the pent-up demand from not meeting these needs in previous years, which would cause this number to grow exponentially.

ADN programs are essential in meeting this growing demand. The country needs YOU to do something. Ask yourself:

• Can you increase the number of new nurses you create for your state by about 7-8% annually?
• What do you need to be able to add students, add a clinical group, increase simulation capacity, or change up your teaching model to grow your successful graduates?
• How do you get enough support for a greater number of students who may not be as qualified as previous groups of students?
• Can you innovate and teach differently to maximize the use of expert faculty and learning during limited in-person clinical experiences?

These are all hard questions. We know that many ADN programs need more faculty and competitive pay for faculty. Your programs often lack enough clinical space, enough simulation expertise, and enough student support budget dollars. ADN programs are less researched than BSN and above education programs. Students often need more funds and support to focus on their education full-time. And this is EXACTLY why we have OADN.

OADN brings people from ADN programs together to solve these big problems. OADN is your voice nationwide to help our federal and state governments understand what ADN programs need. OADN brings ADN experts like you to the table to gather best practices and disseminate them nationwide. OADN supports new ADN program leaders and promotes the value of ADN nursing education. The annual convention brings ADN educators and leaders together to learn about innovations happening in practice around the nation.

That being said, OADN is all of you. Please consider joining OADN committees, attending the convention, presenting at a future convention, and implementing some of the innovations OADN highlights. OADN will benefit you, and the nation needs your expertise.

Jennifer Eccles PhD, MSN, MEd, RN, FAADN
Director, At-Large, OADN Board of Directors

 

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. (2024, April 17). Registered Nurses. Retrieved May 29, 2024, from Occupational Outlook Handbook: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-6

National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2024). NCLEX Statistics from NCSBN: 2023. Retrieved from https://www.ncsbn.org/publications/2023_NCLEX_Pass_Rates

Smiley, R. A., Allgeyer, R. L., Shobo, Y., Lyons, K. C., Letourneau, R., Zhong, E., . . . Alexander, M. (2023, April). The 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 14(1, Supplement 2), S1-S90. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/S2155-8256(23)00047-9

2024 CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: MAY 14^{th –} JULY 15^th

OADN SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE

 

Dear OADN Members,

Are you looking for an opportunity to share your passion for nursing education?  As the only national organization exclusively advocating for community college nursing education and the associate degree pathway, OADN needs your unique talents, perspectives, and expertise to help strengthen our collective voice for associate degree nursing education. OADN membership is one of the most meaningful ways we show our support for one another, create community, promote our continual learning and growth, protect our shared interests and values, and strengthen our professional identity together. Serving at the national level on the OADN Board of Directors or Nominating Committee offers an opportunity to enhance your own member experience with OADN and create a lasting impact on associate degree nursing education.

We currently have three (4) open positions on the OADN Board of Directors: At-Large Director (any region); Director, Western Region; Director, Northeast Region; and Director, Southwest Region. In addition, there is one (1) open position on the OADN Nominating Committee.

The term for Regional Directors is two years. Board positions take effect at the upcoming OADN Convention, October 31^st – November 2^nd, 2024. Board Directors, including all officers, regional directors, public directors, and the at-large director, shall participate in developing and implementing the strategic plan, serve as Board Liaisons to committees and workgroups, and carry out other responsibilities as delegated by the Board of Directors. Regional Directors shall be residents of the designated regions, respectively. Board commitment includes attendance at monthly virtual meetings and 2 face-to-face meetings, funded by OADN, at locations to be determined annually. 

The term of service for the Nominating Committee Member is two years. Nominating Committee members review and recommend candidates for offices to the Board of Directors in accordance with OADN Bylaws and an established timeline. The Nominating Committee meets via virtual meetings. This committee is a great leadership opportunity to expand your involvement with OADN.

The Annual Call for Nominations process is hosted on Survey Monkey. Click here to complete the required candidate application. If you don’t have a Survey Monkey account, please create a free account and follow the instructions to complete all online application components. The 2024 OADN Call for Nominations Application Submission Deadline is July 15, 2024.

On a personal note, I have developed professionally through my individual and organizational membership of OADN, which has provided multiple opportunities to learn and network with others across the country. Please consider running for one of the open 2024 OADN Board of Director or Nominating Committee positions and/or look for other ways to become more involved in OADN.  Doing so will advance community college nursing education and the associate degree pathway. OADN has been and will continue to be our champion and trusted resource in nursing education. OADN needs your help to further our important advocacy work for associate degree nursing. Together, we can support OADN’s vision of expanding networks that promote leadership, collaboration, and advocacy, further enriching associate degree nursing education and the communities we serve.

Kindly,

Jennifer E. Smith, RN, MSN, MBA, CV-BC, CNE
2024 Chair
OADN Nominating Committee 

Candidate Online Application Checklist

• Candidate Statement: Max. 250 words (Uploaded in Survey Monkey).

• Candidate Letter of Support: Submit one (1) letter of support from a colleague for the candidate’s nomination.

• Candidate Letter of Support from College President or Dean (Required for candidates applying for a Board of Director position ONLY): Submit one (1) letter of support from your college President or Dean acknowledging the time commitment for monthly virtual meetings and two (2) face-to-face meetings per year.

• Candidate Professional Resume or CV: Submit your current curriculum vitae (CV) or professional resume.

• Candidate Headshot Photo: Submit an electronic photo of your headshot for inclusion with the ballot. Candidate headshot should be between 400 x 400 at a minimum, to 7,680 (w) x 4,320 (h) in PNG or JPEG file. 

Incomplete applications or late submissions will not be accepted. Please carefully review all application instructions in the Survey Monkey. For additional questions regarding the 2022 OADN Call for Nominations, please contact Mary Dickow, Director of Leadership Development, at mary.dickow@oadn.org.