OADNOADNApril 11, 2023
As your OADN Treasurer and the budget manager for the associate degree nursing program at my college, I am sending this timely reminder to plan today for the upcoming 2023 OADN Convention, November 15th– 18th in San Diego, California. The convention’s theme, Turning the Tide of Nursing Education, is focused on innovations and solutions for nurse educators. You do not want to miss it!
Now is the time to request it, plan for it in your budget, and prioritize this investment for you and your faculty to attend. The early bird registration is $695 and, as always, OADN has negotiated the best rates for accommodations at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, perfectly situated on the waterfront in beautiful downtown San Diego. As you plan for attendance and consider nurse educators who could benefit from this essential educational experience, be prepared to make the case of why it is imperative to have contemporary, creative, and inspiring strategies to enhance student success. Do not be timid in asking your budget manager or your president to support the nursing program through an investment for nurse educators to attend the OADN Convention. Asking early will allow the college to earmark necessary funds for this enriching opportunity. We’ve prepared this template letter for you that you can customize in making your travel request and budget justification.
The Return on Investment (ROI) can be immeasurable. Attendees receive exclusive information that is specific, timely, and vital to the success of programs of nursing and their graduates. The relationships established at convention can lead to ideas, support systems, and solutions from other programs experiencing the same issues and concerns that you experience as well as those having great triumphs. OADN is the most comprehensive resource for ADN faculty, directors, and deans. OADN is also far ahead in addressing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and has been a key leader in the national ANA Commission to Address Racism in Nursing. Consider sharing this summary of the convention’s educational offerings and networking opportunities in your travel request.
We are arranging an exceptional lineup of speakers this year including: Jason A. Schwartz, Dr. Ali R. Tayyeb, Dr. Dan Weberg and Dr. Eric Williams. They will touch on key issues related to associate degree nursing education such as the newly launched Next Generation National Licensing Exam (NCLEX) as well as pertinent topics to expand your thinking on leadership, innovation, and advocacy. All of this information will be essential for nurse educators to learn as it has implications on the future success of our students and nursing programs. More details including speaker bios can be found on the convention website Convention – OADN
Watch for upcoming emails regarding convention and note that we took your feedback into account in creating this year’s schedule. The program will still include pertinent educational sessions you have come to appreciate for acquiring CEUs but it will also provide attendees time to enjoy what the city of San Diego has to offer. Based on our schedule of events you will be able to put together a varied and exciting program of educational activities and make plans to enjoy meaningful connections with your colleagues, networking opportunities with our industry partners, delicious dining options, time for personal reflection and beautiful outdoor space with miles of walking paths just steps from the hotel.
There is no other comparable continuing education opportunity specifically designed for community college nursing faculty. Put it in the budget, request funding, invest in yourself and your faculty and plan to attend the 2023 OADN Convention this November 15th – 18th in San Diego. It will truly be a rewarding experience for you and your faculty. I hope to see you there!
Cynthia Maskey, PhD, RN, CNE
OADN Treasurer & Board Liaison, Convention Education Planning Committee
Dean of Health Professions
Lincoln Land Community College
Springfield, Illinois