Celebrating of 40 Years of Excellence

Dear OADN Members,

I hope this letter finds you well and you’ve had a memorable summer. As we embark on the busy fall ahead, it is a time of transition. We have nursing students who have been accepted officially into their programs of study, ready to learn and join our amazing profession. In addition, we have first-time faculty who are experts in nursing practice and will now share their knowledge with our future nurses. The Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN) is here to support everyone along the way through the value of membership. This year, we celebrate the 40^th anniversary of OADN, which is a testament to our ongoing commitment and collective achievements in advancing the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) pathway as an entry point into the registered nursing profession.

For four decades, OADN has served as the premier organization for associate degree nursing. We have been at the forefront of nursing education, advocating for the importance and viability of ADN educated nurses. OADN has been instrumental in opening doors for hundreds of thousands of nurses across the United States to ensure the nursing workforce is sound. We hope you will join us at our 2024 convention in Tampa, Florida, October 31 – November 2 to help us celebrate the extraordinary work of OADN. Registration is now open for the convention.

OADN’S Accomplishments Since 1984

As an organization, we reflect on the past 40 years and our many accomplishments to impact the nursing landscape:

1. Membership Growth: OADN began with a small group of dedicated individuals and has now grown to include nearly ten thousand members across the United States. The growth speaks to the critical role that associate degree nursing programs play in providing nurses for our communities. OADN has also established the only ADN honor society for nursing students, Alpha Delta Nu, which recognizes academic excellence and fosters a culture of leadership and service amongst new graduate nurses.
2. Educational Innovations: OADN has led the way with educational innovations through the promotion of evidence-based teaching practices and the integration of technology to promote learning. Our innovative actions have significantly enhanced nursing education quality and help prepare nursing students for an ever-changing healthcare environment, including during the pandemic.
3. Advocacy & Policy Impact: OADN has become a key contributor to nursing policy through advocacy efforts. We have successfully influenced legislation and regulatory policies to ensure all healthcare stakeholders are well-informed of the need for associate degree nurses. As a result of OADN’s efforts, federal agencies such as the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) now regularly seek stakeholder input from leaders in ADN education.
4. Research and Publications: OADN has contributed to the body of nursing knowledge through research and publications. Our members have conducted and disseminated research that informs of best practices and improves patient outcomes. We are proud to provide members with the Teaching and Learning in Nursing publication, the official peer-reviewed journal of OADN, focusing on ADN research found nowhere else.
5. Partnerships and Collaborations: OADN has established strong partnerships with other national nursing organizations, educational institutions, and healthcare providers. The collaborations have enhanced the voice of OADN members and impacted the nursing profession and healthcare.

As we reflect on and celebrate our 40^th anniversary, we know we have an incredible history and a bright future.  We hope you will consider being involved with OADN for the next decades to come. Being a member of OADN means being part of a dynamic, supportive community dedicated to nursing education and practice. Together we will continue to make forward strides in shaping the nursing profession and healthcare. Our communities deserve to have caring and compassionate nurses.

Thank you for supporting OADN and the nursing profession as we celebrate this milestone!

Sincerely,
Lisa Hawthorne, PhD, ADN, PHN, CNE
Secretary, OADN Board of Directors