Dear OADN Members:

The Fourth of July is upon us, a holiday I have always enjoyed for its patriotic songs, joyous parades, and festive fireworks. It is a day to gather together with family, friends, neighbors, and our fellow Americans as we celebrate the independence of our country. This year is no exception, but I also reflect on the sacrifices so many individuals have made for our country in the name of freedom and democracy. For all of you reading this message who are part of the United States Armed Forces, I along with the entire OADN community, would like to thank you for your dedicated service to our country. Although we face many challenges in our country, I still believe we are fortunate to live in a land of opportunity and we must always remain hopeful for the future. So many around the world desire to have the same possibilities and privileges that we often take for granted in our country. May we always remember the plight of the others, express gratitude to all who serve, honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our freedom, champion the change we wish to see, and be proud to hang the American flag.

I am thrilled to share this year’s OADN Convention theme, Owning Your Influence, embodies the same spirit of Independence Day as it focuses on the profound impact of each nurse educator to be a champion for meaningful change and calls on all of us to recognize and leverage the important contributions, we make every day as leaders in our communities. Every year the OADN Convention delivers thought-provoking and innovative educational sessions to our members. This year will not disappoint as we will welcome general session speakers who are owning their influence and championing change in nursing education at the international, national, and local levels.

We are excited to welcome speakers from our host city New Orleans and surrounding area who will be sharing their own stories of impact. This includes Scharmaine Lawson, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, FAAN, FAANP, who is an award-winning author, nurse entrepreneur, and nationally recognized speaker. Many of you will recognize Dr. Lawson from her various media appearances including the Today Show and the CBS Evening News. Tracey Moffatt, MHA, BSN, RN, who serves as System Chief Nursing Officer for Ochsner Health, will kick off this year’s general sessions with a talk on the importance of the associate degree pathway and the major investments and partnership her system has made with the local community college nursing program. Following this session, we will hear from Ecoee Rooney, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, SANE-A, DF-AFN, also of the New Orleans-based Ochsner Health System where she serves as Director of Nursing Leadership Development. Dr. Rooney will discuss the importance of self-care while navigating the complex challenges of our current healthcare environment. Deborah Ford, MSN, ADN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Quality, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, will deliver the Saturday morning general session about the importance of investing in yourself and finding your voice as a leader. OADN is also delighted to welcome back Dr. Sharrica Miller, Ph.D., CPNP-PC, RN, who will moderate a general session panel to discuss what educators can do to address racism in nursing. All panelists were members of the ANA Commission to Address Racism in Nursing education work group and will share their perspectives.

With 2023 and Next Generation NCLEX quickly approaching, we will be joined by Jason Schwartz, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Director, for a general session entitled Next Generation NCLEX: Countdown to Launch! Our final general session speaker will be internationally recognized simulation expert Margaret Verkuyl, NP-PHC, MN, who will be speaking on how nurse leaders in Canada are joining together to transform nursing education through virtual simulation and the implications for associate degree programs in the United States.

I am pleased to share with you that this year all Friday morning workshops will be included in the cost of your general registration fee, and will no longer entail an additional fee! This represents a tremendous value and cost savings for all attendees. There will be seven workshops to choose from on a host of topics including active learning strategies, accreditation, simulation, and many more.

This year’s all-day workshop, Next Gen in Every Class: From Fundamentals to NCLEX and Beyond, will be offered at an additional fee on Thursday, November 17^th and will be presented by Tim Bristol, Ph.D., RN, CNE, ANEF, FAADN, FAAN and Karin J. Sherrill, MSN, RN, CNE, ANEF, FAADN. Participants will develop a plan for success that enhances Next Gen teaching in the classroom under the guidance of two of the leading experts on the subject.

Finally, I am pleased to announce OADN partners, CastleBranch and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) will be sponsoring the faculty and student posters. The sponsorship provides a monetary award for first, second, and third place award recipient. OADN appreciates their generous support in recognizing the excellence of faculty and students.

Personally, this year’s convention is bittersweet for me as I began my leadership role as OADN President in New Orleans in 2012. I will now approach a full circle moment as I leave my position as OADN’s first Chief Executive Officer. I hope to see many of you in New Orleans this November as we reminisce over the last ten years and look forward to the future together.

 

 

Donna Meyer, MSN, RN, ANEF, FAADN, FAAN
Chief Executive Officer, OADN