Dear OADN Members:

When the OADN 2021 Convention theme was originally announced, my initial thought was overwhelming excitement at the prospect of being able to move forward and leave much of what we experienced in 2020 behind us. As we all know, we are still being confronted with many challenges from last year, but it is time “to Move Beyond 2020” and look to the future. For this reason, I am elated about the idea of seeing so many of you at the face-to-face OADN Convention this November 18th – 21st in Austin, Texas. It will be a time for us to reconnect as much as possible, learn from one another and share our stories together. OADN has always been a strong, vibrant community of sharing and supportive nurse educators, and the 2021 Convention will bring us together at a time when we need that support the most. I know many of you are faced with travel restrictions, budget constraints, as well personal choices that preclude you from attending this year and that is all understandable. But, rest assured, when the ribbon is cut for the opening of the keynote session, ALL OF YOU will be with us whether in the ballroom or from a distance.

This year’s Convention is filled with exceptional workshops and general sessions, beginning with the keynote, Meaningful Recognition and Resilience: The Evidence is Clear, presented by Bonnie and Mark Barnes from the DAISY Foundation. Dr. Phil Dickison, Dr. Tim Bristol and Karin Sherrill will share the latest on the NextGen NCLEX and innovative strategies to assist with student success. From Foster Care to PhD: Why Faculty Should Always Root for the Underdog will be an inspiring, personal journey delivered by Dr. Sharrica Miller. In this age of increased simulation and the need for inclusivity, Dr. Desiree Díaz will present Leveraging Simulation to Address Societal Needs and Elicit Change. Additionally, there will be an abundance of concurrent sessions to choose from and an extensive exhibit hall to view the latest, most innovative products and services. Finally, Dr. Anna Valdez will moderate a stimulating closing panel at Convention entitled, Achieving Equity: Reimagining the Future of Associate Degree Nursing Education.

The OADN Board and staff will continue to monitor the trends in Austin, and we are working with our host hotel, Austin Marriott Downtown, to implement all necessary event and meeting space safety precautions. A set of COVID-19 Safety Protocols are available on the 2021 Convention website: The Power of Nursing Education to Move Beyond 2020. The health, safety and well-being of everyone attending this year’s Convention is our top priority, which is why we are asking all attendees to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 and wear a mask in all indoor meeting spaces. Please review the COVID-19 Safety Protocols carefully and check back regularly for updates to the Convention website.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a major priority for OADN, from the formation of the DEI Task Force to the release of the OADN Position Statement on Racial and Social Equity and the corresponding webinar to be held on October 19th. OADN also actively participates on the ANA Commission to Address Racism in Nursing, and OADN recently launched a very important research study, Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Among ADN Educators. I would like to personally request your participation in this critically important study examining ADN faculty understanding about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Just like you, I am frequently asked to complete surveys so I understand they can be burdensome at times. However, participation in this study is critical as it will assist in the associate degree nursing (ADN) voice being included in this significant, growing body of research. Additionally, findings from this study can be used to guide future OADN initiatives that are focused specifically on the needs of ADN faculty rather than taking our cues and directions from other organizations. You can learn more about the study and find the link to participate at Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Among ADN Nurse Educators – (oadn.org)

In closing, please remember how important and valued each of you are to OADN and know that we will persevere together on our journey to advance excellence in nursing education even through these extraordinary times. Please take care, do one special thing for yourself, and acknowledge how much you have done for the next generation of nurses.

Take care,

 

 

Donna Meyer, MSN, RN, ANEF, FAADN, FAAN
CEO, OADN