Archives: News

National Call to Action for Nurse Faculty Recognition

October 2021 (Anacortes, WA) – With the number of nurse educators in shorty supply, recognition of extraordinary nursing faculty continues to be more important than ever.  The DAISY Foundation™ in partnership with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the National League for Nursing (NLN), the Organization of Associate Degree Nursing (OADN) and joining this year, Sigma, are once again issuing a call to action for schools of nursing to recognize and celebrate their nursing faculty as role models in compassionate nursing practice.  Now is the time to continue to raise awareness for this important recognition.  Since the initial call to action in 2018, 247 additional campus locations have implemented The DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Faculty to honor their nursing faculty. That represents a 44% increase in the last three years!

The COVID-19 pandemic has shined a light on faculty who have seen the opportunity to contribute in a positive way, despite the many challenges faced.   Nursing faculty have demonstrated their commitment to nursing education, as they converted courses from brick-and-mortar delivery to online learning opportunities in record time and used their ingenuity to provide clinical experiences in simulated environments during these past months.  Working with their institutions, they ensured the psychological safety as well as the physical safety of their students, making themselves available to their students long after the workday was complete.   Recognition and celebration of these national treasures and their ongoing dedication to their work will help to retain faculty and encourage them in their mission to educate and create the best nursing workforce for years to come.  These heroes are integral to the next generation of nurses and to the nursing profession at large.  Their valuable contributions must be recognized in an ongoing and meaningful way.  The DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Faculty provides that opportunity.

Capturing stories of gratitude for them, whether from students, colleagues, clinical staff, patients, or others who witness the impact of their actions, is important.  These stories provide a valuable way to express gratitude to them while inspiring others.  More importantly, the stories of such faculty articulate and elevate actions that are valued as representing the nursing profession at its best.  The DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Faculty provides the means for these stories to be honored, shared, and preserved; and for the honoree, to be a part of DAISY’s international community of outstanding nurses.   For more information, examples, and next steps on honoring your nursing faculty: https://www.daisyfoundation.org/faculty-award-information

 

ABOUT THE DAISY FOUNDATION

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family.  Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.)  The care Patrick and his family received from Nurses while he was ill inspired the creation of The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.  In over 4,900 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing, The DAISY Award is an evidenced-based means of providing Nurse recognition and thanking Nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of those they touch through their care, no matter the setting.  More information is available at http://DAISYfoundation.org.

 

 

National Nursing Survey: Understanding Racism in Nursing

In January of this year, OADN was invited to be an inaugural member of the National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing.

As part of the Commission’s ongoing work, we are asking OADN member programs to participate in a brief survey on racism in nursing in the workplace. Racism is defined as assaults on the human spirit in the form of biases, prejudices, and an ideology of superiority which persistently causes moral suffering and perpetuates injustices and inequities.

The survey is brief and will take approximately 6 minutes to complete. Please click the link, https://surveys.nursingworld.org/s3/nationalcommission2021, to go directly to the survey. Your participation in the survey is completely voluntary and all of your responses will be kept confidential. If you have any questions about this survey, or difficulty in accessing the site or completing the survey, please contact the American Nurses Association at Practice@ana.org.

This survey is available until 11:59 pm EST, October 28th, 2021.

Complete the Survey

Nursing Community Monthly Roundup – September 2021

OADN continues our federal advocacy on your behalf as a member of the Nursing Community Coalition, where we work to ensure that nurses are supported and that nursing education is funded.

NCC Urges House Veterans’ Affairs Committee to Advance the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act
On September 14, fifty-three members of the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) signed onto a letter to the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee urging them to support and advance S.1220/H.R.2568 – United States Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act of 2021.

NCC Statement on House Energy and Commerce Committee Markup
On September 17, the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) issued a statement after the House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced their piece of the Build Back Better Act.

 

Message from the CEO – October 2021 – The Power of Nursing Education to Move Beyond 2020

Donna Meyer

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

Policy Brief: Clinical Experiences for Unvaccinated Nursing Students

 

In collaboration with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and other national nursing organizations, OADN is endorsing this very important policy brief regarding alternative clinical requests for unvaccinated nursing students.  OADN supports this policy brief as a guide for our member schools as each of you address this very important issue during these challenging times.

Read the full policy brief here.

OADN Releases Racial & Social Equity Position Statement – Register for Special Event and Discussion 10/19/21

The OADN Board of Directors and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Task Force announces the release of OADN’s Racial and Social Equity Position Statement.

 

Read the Full Position Statement Here

 

Please, join the OADN Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force members on October 19, 2021 at 3pm Eastern to discuss the newly released Racial and Social Justice position statement and the 2021 DEI Task Force charges. During this presentation, we will discuss the actions being taken by OADN to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in nursing education and practice. The audience is encouraged to ask questions and engage in a discussion about the next steps in achieving education and health equity in nursing. Participants can email questions for the panel to anna.valdez@oadn.org or bring their questions to the webinar. Panelists will answer questions and provide updates on how the team is meeting the 2021 taskforce charges. Questions and ideas from the audience are welcomed. Participants are also encouraged to share their recommendations for further DEI action.

 

Register for the Event & Panel Discussion – October 19, 2021 at 3pm Eastern

 

Presenters:
Lorrie Davis-Dick, MSN, RN-BC
Justin Fontenot DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Sharon Goldfarb, RN, MSN, FNP, BC
Tyler Sturdivant DNP, RN, AGCNS-BC, SCRN
Anna Valdez PhD, RN, CEN, CFRN, CNE, FAEN, FAADN

Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Among ADN Nurse Educators

You are invited to participate in a study exploring faculty knowledge, skills, and attitudes about diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) task force at the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing request your voluntary participation in a new research study. The study titled Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Among ADN Nurse Educators, takes the first step to understanding ADN faculty’s current foundation of DEI knowledge, skills, and attitudes. The findings can potentially be used to make recommendations about DEI content in the ADN curriculum, professional development needs, and how best to implement these changes in practice.

 

 

 

 

Eligibility

You are eligible to participate in this study if you meet the following criteria:

  • Current Registered Nurse (RN) license
  • At least one year of experience teaching in nursing education
  • And you are currently working at least part-time in an Associate Degree in Nursing program as a nurse educator
  • With the ability to read and write in English
  • Must be age 18 or older

Survey Access

Please complete the survey using this survey link: https://sonoma.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1MKrRFieDZgpDcW

The survey link will take you to the informed consent document and further details about your involvement in the study. You are not obligated to participate, and you can withdraw at any time. The survey will not ask for your name, employer name or any other identifiable information and your individual responses will be collected anonymously and will be kept confidential. Only aggregate data from the study will be shared.

 

 

If you’re unsure if you meet the requirements, or have questions about this study, please contact:

Anna Valdez, Ph.D., RN

Primary Investigator

valdeann@sonoma.edu

707-664-2408

This study was approved by Sonoma State University – IRB #3203. If you have questions about the rights as a human subject contact irb@sonoma.edu

Nursing Community Monthly Roundup – August 2021

OADN continues our federal advocacy on your behalf as a member of the Nursing Community Coalition, where we work to ensure that nurses are supported and that nursing education is funded.

NCC Sends Letter of Congratulations to the Deputy Administrator and Director of Center for Medicare
On August 12, the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) sent a letter welcoming Dr. Meena Seshamani, who was recently selected to be the Deputy Administrator and Director of Center for Medicare.

 

Message from the Leadership – September 2021: Why We Need More Hispanic/Latinx Registered Nurses

Dear OADN Members:

As America’s population becomes increasingly more diverse, we must strengthen our efforts to recruit and retain a more diverse student and faculty presence within the nursing profession. Higher education is the pipeline to having a diverse nursing workforce in the United States.  In this message, I would like to focus specifically on Hispanic/Latinx registered nurses, as Hispanic/Latinx nurses have traditionally entered the profession through the associate degree pipeline.

According to the CDC, the two leading causes of death for the Hispanic/Latinx population are heart disease and cancer.  Also, Hispanics/Latinx have more deaths from diabetes and chronic liver disease and similar numbers of deaths from kidney diseases compared to the general U.S. population. Further, health risks can vary by Hispanic/Latinx subgroup: for example, 66% more Puerto Ricans smoke than Mexicans.  Additionally, this demographic is almost three times as likely to be uninsured compared to white Americans.    While these health disparities persist, age is an interesting and potentially promising factor for the Hispanic/Latinx population in the U.S. On average, Hispanic/Latinx people are nearly 15 years younger compared with white Americans. This provides an excellent opportunity for the nursing profession to offer patient education on disease prevention for their Hispanic/Latinx patients. It is also well documented that health outcomes improve when patients and their families receive care from health care professionals who share their racial or ethnic backgrounds (Healthy People 2030, 2020).

Studies show that Hispanic/Latinx nurses do make a difference in the health care of Hispanic/Latinx patients.  Because of their understanding of Hispanic/Latinx culture, language, and health practices, they experience this powerful connection with their patients and their families.  Accordingly, these nurses are well-positioned to help reduce disparities since nursing emphasizes holistic care, health promotion, and disease prevention (Woodley & Lewallen, 2020).  The new NAM Future of Nursing report (2021) also recommended a diverse healthcare workforce to improve health outcomes and achieve health equity.  It states that nursing schools need to recruit intentionally, support, and mentor faculty and students from diverse backgrounds to ensure that the next generation of nurses reflects the communities it serves.

In 2019, ADN nursing programs graduated 10,775 Hispanic/Latinx registered nurses, the highest number reported from all nursing programs, according to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) (Institute for Health Policy Studies UCSF and the Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action, 2020). Yes, this is excellent news. However, we are not there yet, and we need to keep working to increase our numbers of Hispanic/Latinx nurses to help achieve equity in health and health care and reverse the trajectory of poor health status seen in communities across the nation.

Angelica Millan RN, DNP, FAAN
Member, Editorial Board
Teaching and Learning in Nursing

Message from the Leadership – August 2021

Dear OADN Members:

Earlier this year I wrote a brief article for Teaching and Learning in Nursing on leadership qualities where I stated, “In the face of constant change and under incredible pressure nursing leaders have the responsibility to be the steadfast beacon for others to follow.” Nowhere is that more important than in nursing education. At the same time, the OADN Board of Directors indicated their renewed commitment to the development of leadership offerings for our members. That led to the creation of the variety of opportunities outlined below that are available now and into 2022. I encourage you to consider how the OADN leadership development portfolio can support your leadership journey.

The Summer leadership webinar series has been a big hit! Monkey Business: The Fine Art of Mentoring, was a great success. Panelists Karen LaMartina (Member, OADN Board of Directors) and Janalee Issacson engaged participants with wonderful examples and stories of their mentoring experiences. Engaging in Critical Conversations, with Catherine Miller and Shelly Malin, was met with similar enthusiasm as the speakers identified strategies and practical steps participants could apply in their own environment. Webinar slides, speaker contact information and additional resources are posted on the OADN website.

Last month, CEO Donna Meyer provided a high-level overview of the stellar workshops and sessions that will be offered at the annual convention, The Power of Nursing Education to Move Beyond 2020. A pre-conference leadership development workshop, Your Leadership Journey: Invest in Yourself, will be held on Thursday, November 18th. This day-long program geared towards emerging leaders includes sessions on advocacy, professional identity, civility, mentorship, and developing self for long-term success. I am honored to facilitate this workshop with nationally recognized speakers, Suzanne Miyamoto, Janis Bellack, Nelda Godfrey, Lorie Judson, Cecelia Crawford (and more!) who are eager to share their expertise and inspiration as you map your authentic leadership journey.

Lastly, OADN is pleased to announce a Leadership Development Institute that will be available to members in early 2022. The Institute, designed as a 5-month cohort-based online development program, for education directors and faculty seeking opportunities to enhance their leadership competencies and skills. Participants will engage in content-rich virtual seminars, monthly round table discussions, peer-to-peer coaching calls and a mentorship experience. More information will be available at convention.

I hope this inspires you to visualize your unique leadership path. There is no time like the present to take the first step in making that vision a reality. Please feel free to reach out to me or plan to stop by the OADN Booth for the chance to meet and learn more about these wonderful new resources!

My very best,

 

 

Mary Dickow, MPA, FAAN
Director of Leadership Development
mary.dickow@OADN.org