NCC Submits Testimony to House Appropriation Subcommittee
On May 6, sixty members of the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) signed onto written testimony submitted to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education. The testimony featured the coalition’s funding requests of $530 million for the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs and $193 million for the National Institute of Nursing Research for Fiscal Year 2022.
NCC Sends Letter of Congratulations to U.S. Secretary of Labor
On May 11, the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) sent a letter to Mr. Martin Walsh, who was recently confirmed as the 29th Secretary for the U.S. Department of Labor.
NCC Thanks Sen. Warren and Rep. Bustos for Introducing the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act
On May 28, forty-nine members of the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) sent letters to Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL-17), along with the bipartisan group of 40 original cosponsors, thanking them for introducing the United States Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act of 2021 (S.1220/H.R.2568).
Traditionally, we have celebrated Nurses Week in May with the recognition beginning on Nurses Day, May 6 and concluding on Florence Nightingale’s birthday on May 12. This year is different as we observe the entire month of May. The World Health Organization (WHO) extended the Year of the Nurse and Midwife into 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the many contributions of nurses during this unprecedented global crisis. I cannot help but reflect on this past year and the focus on the nursing profession. It has been year that none of us have ever experienced and hopefully we will not encounter a pandemic such as this in the years ahead. Not only has there been suffering from illness and loss of family and friends, but we have also experienced intense disruption in our country with senseless acts of violence toward others.
There is no doubt the year has been filled with a variety of new experiences for all of you. Over the past month I have had the privilege of speaking with numerous Deans/Directors and faculty in a variety of virtual settings. It is extremely clear you have confronted many unique challenges. I have heard it said that this was a “year of many firsts.” You have been confronted with transitioning to virtual clinical/simulation to lack of student integrity with on-line testing. You have been the sounding board for students and advocating for needed resources. Many times, your own well-being has not been the priority. Additionally, many of you are working in the clinical setting in the role as educator or as a front- line nurse. You have juggled so much. Your dedication has been unwavering as you worked tirelessly to educate the next generation of nurses.
On May 11, the release of the National Academy of Medicine report, The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Health Equity will be released. The report will focus on the importance of the nursing profession’s role in assisting the United States to create a culture of health, reduce health disparities, and improve the health and well-being of our communities. I encourage you to register for the Future of Nursing 2020-2030 report launch to hear first-hand the recommendations regarding the preparation of nurses to meet the current and future needs of the communities you serve. The report will also consider lessons learned from the Future of Nursing Campaign for Action as well as the role of nursing related to the pandemic.
In closing, I want to recognize your resiliency and commitment to the profession. Your dedication to your programs and empowering your students truly changes lives. Your devotion is a gift to many. As nurse educators you need to be respected and applauded for all you have done.
Thank you for all you do and take some for you!
It is an honor to wish all of you a Happy Nurses Month!
“Community college nursing education is essential for the health of the country.”
In these challenging COVID-19 times our nation has embraced nurses as the heroes among us. We often look to our heroes and leaders for guidance. Now, more than ever nurse leaders are being recognized for their important role in leading through crisis and beyond. As we celebrate Nurses Week 2020 Sharon Goldfarb had the opportunity to talk with Donna Meyer, CEO, Organization for Associate Degree Nursing about her pathway, the profession and the role nurses play in the health of our communities.
Her Nursing Journey:
At sixteen, Donna Meyer volunteered as a candy-striper at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis. This rewarding experience had a profound influence on her career path. Like so many college students, Donna wanted to find a major to “save the world” and after considering psychology, her sister, a nurse, implored her to consider nursing. She enrolled in Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville and began working as a patient care technician at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. After graduating with her BSN she was
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hired as a staff nurse. The work was very fulfilling. Donna admitted that when working with the children and their families she often “received more from them than she gave,” as they provided her with continued inspiration. Her clinical excellence did not go unnoticed and she was soon precepting student nurses. She found the mentoring experience gratifying and loved seeing the moment when a student’s lightbulb went off. It was clear then that her path would be to become a nurse educator.
When Donna was hired at Lewis and Clark Community College she did not realize it would be a life-changing transition. The college had a bold, visionary President with an institutional culture that supported the faculty and innovation. The passion and dedication of the nursing faculty to support student success was a culture that matched Donna’s core values. During her tenure, Donna developed the first community college based, nurse-managed, interprofessional clinic for a rural community in the nation, with a mobile unit to boot. She also assisted in creating an ADN college program in a Navajo community.
After her tenure as a faculty member, Donna was appointed Director of Nursing and enjoyed the administrative role. Her talent was evident, and Donna became Dean of Health Professions at the community college. Active in nursing organizations, Donna achieved prominent roles in both Sigma chapter of Epsilon Eta and the Illinois OADN chapter. A mentor encouraged her to run for the board of directors of the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN). After two terms, Donna became president of OADN and served from 2011-2014. In 2015, Donna became OADN’s first Chief Executive Officer, and she was inducted as a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing in 2019.
OADN Today:
“It is important to support each other; we are stronger together.”
Donna has charted a meteoric trajectory for OADN and associate degree nursing today. She has overseen dramatic growth in the organization, adding membership and garnering important attention to the vital contributions of associate degree nursing graduates. Donna uses her platform as a frequent national speaker to elevate the voice of the associate degree nurse at national professional nursing meetings and other convenings of healthcare leaders. OADN members were thrilled to see her give testimony at the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine for the inaugural meeting of the Future of Nursing 2020-2030 Consensus Study Committee. See her remarks here.
Donna continues to work on thoughtful strategies for academic progression for the associate degree nursing student. She also wants to help associate degree nursing faculty, dean’s and directors be more empowered as leaders recognizing that guidance, support, and mentorship are essential for nurse educators. As our leadership grows, and we model leadership for the future nursing workforce, the role of professional nurses will continue to evolve. “In a perfect world,” Donna states, “we would see nurses playing a more vibrant role in ambulatory care settings; nurses are the key to a better health care system, and RN’s should be utilized to the full scope of their practice.”
Social Mission
“Social mission is about making health not only better but fairer—more just, reliable, and universal. It focuses on the purpose of education in the health professions, the ethical dimension of what it is to be a teaching institution and to whom the institution is accountable.” Fitzhugh Mullan
Donna is also translating her work nationally through the George Washington University Mullan Institute’s Committee on Social Mission in Health Education and spear-heading the Social Mission in Associate Degree Nursing Education. “Community college nursing is the community it serv
es,” Donna asserts. “Social Mission is the very essence of the nursing profession. Our historical roots lay in the work Florence Nightingale accomplished 200 years ago, the roots of nursing in the Red Cross. We must always acknowledge that the social determinants of health and population health are the heart of nursing and open-up the dialogue to be strategic in promoting health equity across the nation. Nursing is positioned to tackle issues of educational disparities, food deserts, access to clean water, and social determinants of health to meet this challenge.” One way of achieving this, Donna suggests, is to emphasize the importance service community projects as part of associate degree nursing curriculum.
Donna’s Advice
“Nevertheless, she persisted”
Donna has embraced this motto and is reminded every day by a bracelet she wears with the quote engraved. Her advice to all is “Be true to yourself, be compassionate, and support each other.” With Donna’s energy, vision, wisdom, and intelligence, OADN has a dynamic leader shaping the future of nursing. What better time than now to support the future of the nursing profession and support OADN by becoming a member.
Join OADN today and support Donna Meyer’s vision and mission: Join Here
NCC Sends Letter of Congratulations to Assistant Secretary for Health at U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
On April 8, the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) sent a letter to the recently confirmed Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Dr. Rachel Levine, welcoming her as she begins work to ensure all individuals receive the healthcare they deserve.
NCC Sends Letter of Congratulations to U.S. Surgeon General
On April 8, the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) sent a letter to the recently confirmed U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, welcoming him to his new position and thanking him for his commitment to public health, ensuring the health of underrepresented communities, and combating the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nearly 90 Representatives Support FY 2022 Funding for Title VIII in House Dear Colleague Letter
On April 28, eighty-nine Representatives signed onto a House Dear Colleague letter circulated by Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01) and Rodney Davis (R-IL-13) requesting $530 million for Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs in FY 2022.
NCC Thanks Rep. Underwood and Sen. Booker for Introducing the Momnibus Act
On April 29, forty-five members of the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) sent a thank you letter to Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) for introducing the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021 (H.R. 959/S.346). The Momnibus Act provides a multipronged approach to addressing maternal health in the United States.
Applications are being accepted through May 14, 2021 for the Associate Editor position of the official journal of the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN).
Teaching and Learning in Nursing is the official journal of, and is wholly owned by, the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN). The Journal is published by Elsevier Publishers, Philadelphia, PA.
Teaching and Learning in Nursing (TELN) Associate Editor Position Description
Reports to: Journal Editor, Members of the Editorial Board, OADN Board of Directors, and OADN’s Chief Executive Officer
Term of Contract: 2 years with option to renew every two years in consultation with Editor
Compensation: The Associate Editor will receive an annual stipend of $1000.00, paid in quarterly, and a complimentary registration for the OADN Annual Convention.
Publication experience with at least one peer-referred nursing publication.
Demonstrate editorial experience (previous experience as a reviewer for a referred nursing journal or extensive experience reviewing original research as a nursing faculty member) and an interest in growing in the editor role.
Ability to appraise quantitative and qualitive research.
Commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity.
Experience as a faculty member/ administrator in a nursing program. Experience in an associate degree nursing program is preferred.
Individual membership in OADN and completion of the Elsevier Peer Review course is required in appointed.
Specific Duties:
Works closely with editor to determine the scope and mission of the journal.
Offers suggestions for content, members of the editorial board, and reviewers.
Moves specific journal submissions through the editorial and production process in consultation with the editor.
Supports the Editor in Chief in overall journal management, particularly with soliciting and reviewing manuscripts, authors, and reviewers.
Participates in editorial board meetings and journal planning efforts.
Assists the editor in the day-to-day operations of Teaching and Learningin Nursing, assume full editorial responsibilities in emergency situations due to editor’s absence, and submit one editorial annually as requested by editor for one journal issue.
Assists with special issue development and journal education.
Other:
The associate editor agrees not to perform editorial activities for any other journal that may reasonably be considered as being in competition with TELN.
The parties agree that this does not prohibit the associate editor from acting as a reviewer or participating in editorial boards for other journals.
Please submit a letter of interest and CV by May 14, 2021 to Dr. Anna Valdez anna.valdez@oadn.org
National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice (NACNEP) recently sent the report Preparing Nurse Faculty, and Addressing the Shortage of Nurse Faculty and Clinical Preceptors to the U.S Congress and the Heath and Human Services Secretary. CEO Donna Meyer as member of NACNEP said, “This is an extremely needed report as we are in the midst of a faculty shortage that appears will only continue. Additionally, the impact of COVID is not yet known and could be an additional factor that impacts the faculty shortage. Two of the recommendations as noted in the report are essential for current and future faculty.
The U.S. Congress, through the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education, should allocate specific funding to programs that promote an increase in the number of nurse faculty and clinical preceptors, and that support nurse faculty development by incorporating academic coursework in nursing education theory and pedagogy within graduate nursing curricula to prepare nurses to assume teaching positions as either faculty or preceptors upon completion
The U.S. Congress should provide funding for the Health Resources and Services Administration to develop a nurse faculty residency program that emphasizes strategies to improve faculty recruitment, preparation, development, and retention.
We know that you believe in and understand the importance of academic progression and, as such, are encouraging your students to continue on their academic journey. The National Education Progression in Nursing (NEPIN) collaborative wants to recognize you for those efforts with the NEPIN Quality Designation.
The purpose of the NEPIN Quality Designation is to recognize nursing programs that effectively enhance, empower, and encourage the nurse’s ability to obtain higher levels of education.
Any nursing program that is accredited by a specialized/professional nursing accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education is eligible and encouraged to apply. Designation is awarded for a period of 4 years from the date of acceptance.
The process is simple! You only need to provide a copy of your strategic plan, quality improvement measures, and outcomes. We’ve left the formatting up to you to make it more convenient. For complete details, including submission guidelines, a sample rubric, cost, and the application, click here.
Once the designation is awarded, you will receive the NEPIN Quality Designation seal icon to display on your institution’s website and social media accounts. Students, potential faculty, stakeholders, and employers will know at a glance that you champion academic progression!
NCC Sends Letter of Congratulations to U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs
On March 3, the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) sent a letter to the recently confirmed U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Denis McDonough, welcoming him to his new position and pledging to work with him to improve veteran’s health through nursing care.
NCC Statement on the American Rescue Plan Act Becoming Law
On March 11, the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) issued a statement commending Congress and the Administration for actions to address the COVID-19 pandemic by passing and signing into law H.R. 1319, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
NCC Sends Appropriations Request to House and Senate LHHS-ED Appropriations Subcommittees
On March 16, sixty members of the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) signed onto letters to the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies outlining the funding request levels of $530 million for Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs and $193 million for the National Institute of Nursing Research for Fiscal Year 2022.
NCC Sends Letter of Congratulations to U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services
On March 25, the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) sent a letter to the recently confirmed U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Xavier Becerra, welcoming him to his new position and outlining our shared priorities to combat COVID‐19, preserve critical advancements, and support the health of our nation.
NCC Sends Letter Supporting Legislation to Address Workplace Violence
On March 31, fifty-one members of the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) sent a letter to Congressional Leadership urging for consideration and passage of the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act (H.R. 1195).
A few weeks ago, a communication was distributed for nominations to the Academy for Associate Degree Nursing. The Academy began in 2015 and was developed to recognize those individuals who model exemplary dedication to associate degree nursing education and practice, and who have worked as change agents to advance health and education through associate degree nursing. When I review this statement, I think of many of you who have made a significant impact on associate degree nursing. This past year emphasized the importance of leadership, innovation, and perseverance that prospective and current Academy members embody.
Nurses often possess a high degree of humility and do not always celebrate their strengths and talents to a fault. We readily do the work and serve others but do not necessarily look for accolades. While that altruism is admirable, it often can translate to not thinking of ourselves as leaders, innovators, or experts. It is important to recognize that you are leading every day and your sphere of influence is broad. Your steadfast dedication during these challenging times deserves recognition. This application period provides a perfect opportunity to highlight your many accomplishments and see yourself the way others do, as an exemplary leader in associate degree nursing.
I am also pleased to announce that Libby Mahaffey PhD RN FAADN, who was the inaugural chair of the Academy was bestowed the honor of Chair Emeritus by the OADN Board of Directors on March 2. The OADN Board of Directors believes this honor is representative of Dr. Mahaffey’s enduring commitment and leadership of associate degree nursing.
Not only has Dr. Mahaffey contributed to the Academy, but her tenure and advocacy for OADN over the years has been remarkable. Over the course of her career and work with OADN, her efforts to strengthen the workforce and build bridges within nursing and other professions have both advanced the profession and patient care across the nation. As OADN’s President from 2000 -2002 she worked tirelessly to ensure OADN’s voice was represented at numerous national meetings. Additionally, Dr. Mahaffey is responsible for the initial plans for the OADN Journal and submitted the journal name, Teaching and Learning in Nursing that continues today. This truly is a celebration of Dr. Mahaffey’s legacy and a career with so many accomplishments.
Please review this application and submit it by the deadline of May 15, 2021. As a reminder, applicants may self-nominate or be nominated by another. I do hope you will consider applying for this prestigious opportunity as a Fellow of the Academy of Associate Degree Nursing (FAADN) and be recognized for your contributions to associate degree nursing.
As a member of the National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing, OADN has joined in the development and issuing of the below statement abhorring the murder of Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) individuals. We join the Commission in calling for an immediate halt to all acts of violence being committed against the AAPI community.
(March 24, 2021) On Tuesday, March 16, a white man embarked on a shooting spree across three spas in Atlanta, Ga, resulting in the murder of eight people, including six Asian women. The National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing (the Commission) strongly condemns this senseless, deplorable, and appalling act of violence and racism. The Commission members extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victims and all loved ones left behind to grieve this unfathomable tragedy.
Xenophobia, discrimination, racism, violence, sexism, and the stigma against Asian, Asian American and the Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities must stop. Harmful rhetoric and disinformation have contributed to the rise of hate crimes and acts of violence targeting AAPI communities over the past year. Racism creates a health crisis that impacts a person’s mental, spiritual, and physical health as well as overall quality of life. The Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements obligates all nurses to be allies and to advocate for and speak up against racism, discrimination, and injustice. As nurses, we respect the human dignity of all people.
Racism, violence, discrimination, and injustice are major social determinants of health and have absolutely no place in a civil, humane society. The Commission stands in solidarity with AAPI communities to vehemently denounce and #StopAsianHate.
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About the National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing
The National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing (the Commission) examines the persistent problem of racism within nursing and describes the impact on nurses, patients, communities, and health care systems to motivate all nurses to confront systemic racism. The work is urgent to create safe and liberating environments for all nurses as well as profession that exemplifies inclusivity, diversity, and equity. The Commission is comprised of leading nursing organizations that represent a broad continuum of nursing practice, ethnically diverse groups, nationally and in regions across the country and who have for years raised their individual voices to condemn all forms of racism within our society.
In these challenging COVID-19 times our nation has embraced nurses as the heroes among us. We often look to our heroes and leaders for guidance. Now, more than ever nurse leaders are being recognized for their important role in leading through crisis and beyond. As we celebrate Nurses Week 2020 Sharon Goldfarb had the opportunity to talk with Donna Meyer, CEO, Organization for Associate Degree Nursing about her pathway, the profession and the role nurses play in the health of our communities.
At sixteen, Donna Meyer volunteered as a candy-striper at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis. This rewarding experience had a profound influence on her career path. Like so many college students, Donna wanted to find a major to “save the world” and after considering psychology, her sister, a nurse, implored her to consider nursing. She enrolled in Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville and began working as a patient care technician at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. After graduating with her BSN she was
