A Season of Change: Succession Begins With You!

Dear OADN Members,

Every season holds its own unique charm, “but I think I love Fall most of all.” As the air cools and the leaves begin to turn, fall reminds us that change is both beautiful and necessary. In education, this season marks more than the turning of a calendar. It signals the beginning of a new semester, filled with fresh opportunities to shape the future of Associate Degree Nursing.

Nursing was my second career, and my path did not take me through an associate degree program. But my mother’s journey as an immigrant student began with the ADN pathway, and it opened doors that built the foundation for the legacy I now carry forward. It is for this reason that I am so deeply committed to supporting and advancing this pathway.

The ADN Pathway: More Than a Program

When I think of the impact of the ADN pathway, I think of the single mother, struggling to provide for her children, who realizes that an associate degree in nursing is the quickest way to pull herself out of poverty. These are my students at Malcolm X College. I think of a young man, the first in his family to go to college, who views the ADN pathway as his chance to break a cycle of instability and provide for generations to come. He is my student too. Lastly, I think of a Haitian immigrant woman, my Mother, navigating a new country and a foreign language, who chose nursing as her way forward. A community college with the ADN pathway met her immediate need and ultimately opened a door that forever changed the course of our family’s story.

For many, the Associate Degree pathway is not just a program, it is the first open door to a life of stability, dignity, and purpose. This is what we represent at OADN. We are the voice of a pathway that lifts individuals, families, and entire communities. With that comes an enormous responsibility: to steward this profession with integrity, to equip ourselves with the tools necessary to prepare students for success, and to govern wisely in times of change. As conversations arise about new possibilities, such as the NCLEX being offered remotely, and as the needs of our workforce continue to evolve, we must remain steadfast in our mission to ensure ADN education adapts, thrives, and continues to transform lives.

Investing in the Future: Ourselves and Others

One way we honor this responsibility is by investing in succession planning, not just for our programs, but for ourselves. Succession planning is not only about preparing the next leader; it is about ensuring that you are prepared. Too often, opportunities arise when we least expect them. By then, it is too late to “get ready.” The truth is, we must stay ready.

This does not always mean preparing for a new role or promotion. For many, it means strengthening your position in the role you already hold, growing in confidence, deepening your expertise, and expanding your impact in the classroom or within your departments. Professional development is not a luxury; it is an investment in your effectiveness today and your readiness for tomorrow.

OADN offers resources designed with this in mind, not just for deans and directors, but for every faculty member and nurse educator who shapes the ADN pathway:

1. The OADN Leadership Institute – where faculty and leaders alike can refine skills, gain mentorship, and develop strategies to thrive in their roles.

2. The OADN Convention – where we connect with like-minded colleagues, exchange ideas, and elevate our collective voice for ADN nursing.

Whether you aspire to step into leadership or strengthen your current role, these opportunities remind us that the interview begins long before we sit across from a search committee. It begins in the daily choices we make to invest in ourselves, in our profession, and in our students. Succession begins with you.

As my term as Midwest Regional Director comes to a close, I am reminded of both the weight and the privilege of this work. Together, we carry the stories of the diverse students who take a chance on this pathway. Their success is our mission, and our mission is worthy of all our dedication.

See you in Nashville!

In service, Patricia Nabal, DNP, BS, APRN, FNP, RN-BC
Director, Midwest Region | OADN Board of Directors