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Nursing Community Monthly Roundup – July 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 to Congress Outlining Shared Public Health Infrastructure Priorities
On July 9, fifty-two members of the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) sent a letter to Congressional Leadership and key Committees outlining our shared public health, education, and workforce priorities and urged their inclusion in any infrastructure package.

NCC Sends Letter of Congratulations to the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use
On July 26, the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) sent a letter to Dr. Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, who was recently confirmed as the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use at the Department of Health and Human Services.

NCC Sends Letter of Congratulations to the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response
On July 26, the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) sent a letter to Ms. Dawn O’Connell, who was recently confirmed as the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at at the Department of Health and Human Services.

NCC Statement on House Passage of FY 2022 Spending Bills
On July 29, the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) issued a statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the seven-bill minibus for Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 that includes historic investments in the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development programs and the National Institute of Nursing Research.

OADN Joins Major Organizations in Support of COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates for All Workers in Health and Long-Term Care

Due to the recent COVID-19 surge and the availability of safe and effective vaccines, our health care organizations and societies advocate that all health care and long-term care employers require their workers to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This is the logical fulfillment of the ethical commitment of all health care workers to put patients as well as residents of long-term care facilities first and take all steps necessary to ensure their health and well-being.

Because of highly contagious variants, including the Delta variant, and significant numbers of unvaccinated people, COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths are once again rising throughout the United States.i Vaccination is the primary way to put the pandemic behind us and avoid the return of stringent public health measures.

Unfortunately, many health care and long-term care personnel remain unvaccinated. As we move towards full FDA approval of the currently available vaccines, all health care workers should get vaccinated for their own health, and to protect their colleagues, families, residents of long-term care facilities and patients. This is especially necessary to protect those who are vulnerable, including unvaccinated children and the immunocompromised.  Indeed, this is why many health care and long-term care organizations already require vaccinations for influenza, hepatitis B, and pertussis.

We call for all health care and long-term care employers to require their employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

We stand with the growing number of experts and institutions that support the requirement for universal vaccination of health workers.ii,iii While we recognize some workers cannot be vaccinated because of identified medical reasons and should be exempted from a mandate, they constitute a small minority of all workers. Employers should consider any applicable state laws on a case-by-case basis.

Existing COVID-19 vaccine mandates have proven effective.iv,v Simultaneously, we recognize the historical mistrust of health care institutions, including among many in our own health care workforce. We must continue to address workers’ concerns, engage with marginalized populations, and work with trusted messengers to improve vaccine acceptance.

As the health care community leads the way in requiring vaccines for our employees, we hope all other employers across the country will follow our lead and implement effective policies to encourage vaccination.  The health and safety of U.S. workers, families, communities, and the nation depends on it.

 

SIGNATORIES (Listed Alphabetically)

Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP)

American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing (AAACN)

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)

American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)

American Academy of Nursing (AAN)

American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)

American Academy of PAs (AAPA)

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

American Association of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)

American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE)

American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP)

American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (AANN)

American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP)

American College of Physicians (ACP)

American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM)

American College of Surgeons (ACS)

American Epilepsy Society (AES)

American Medical Association (AMA)

American Nursing Association (ANA)

American Pharmacists Association (APhA)

American Psychiatric Association (APA)

American Public Health Association (APHA)

American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)

American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)

American Society of Hematology (ASH)

American Society of Nephrology (ASN)

American Thoracic Society (ATS)

Association for Clinical Oncology (ASCO)

Association of Academic Health Centers (AAHC)

Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)

Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN)

Council of Medical Specialty Societies (CMSS)

HIV Medicine Association

Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA)

LeadingAge

National Association of Indian Nurses of America (NAINA)

National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP)

National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)

National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA)

National League for Nursing (NLN)

National Medical Association (NMA)

National Pharmaceutical Association (NPhA)

Nurses Who Vaccinate (NWV)

Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN)

Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (PIDS)

Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc (PNAA)

Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO)

Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA)

Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM)

Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR)

Texas Nurses Association (TNA)

The John A. Hartford Foundation

Transcultural Nursing Society (TCNS)

Virgin Islands State Nurses Association (VISNA)

Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN)

 

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Covid Data Tracker Weekly Review. July 16, 2021.  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/covid-data/covidview/index.html [Accessed 22 July 2021].
  2. Weber, D., Al-Tawfiq, J., Babcock, H., Bryant, K., Drees, M., Elshaboury, R., et al. (2021). Multisociety Statement on COVID-19 Vaccination as a Condition of Employment for Healthcare Personnel. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, 1-46. doi:10.1017/ice.2021.322
  3. American Hospital Association. AHA Policy Statement on Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination of Health Care Personnel. July 21, 2021. https://www.aha.org/public-comments/2021-07-21-aha-policy-statement-mandatory-covid-19-vaccination-health-care
  4. Bacon J. ‘Condition of employment’: Hospitals in DC, across the nation follow Houston Methodist in requiring vaccination for workers. USA Today. Available from: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2021/06/10/dc-hospitals-others-follow-houston-methodist-requiring-vaccination/7633481002/ [Accessed 22 July 2021].
  5. Paulin E. More Nursing Homes Are Requiring Staff COVID-19 Vaccinations. AARP. Available from: https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/health/info-2021/nursing-homes-covid-vaccine-mandate.html [Accessed 22 July 2021].

Nursing Community Monthly Roundup – June 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 Statement on the President’s FY 2022 Budget
On June 1, the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) issued a statement supporting restored and increased funding for key domestic and health care programs, such as Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs and the National Institute of Nursing Research, in the Administration’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Budget.

Thirty-Seven Senators Support FY 2022 Funding for Title VIII in Senate Dear Colleague
On June 4, thirty-seven Senators signed onto a Dear Colleague letter circulated by ​Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) requesting $530 million for Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs in FY 2022.

NCC Sends Letter of Congratulations to the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
On June 21, the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) sent a letter to Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, who was recently confirmed as the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

NCC Sends Letter of Congratulations to the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services
On June 21, the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) sent a letter to Andrea Palm, who was recently confirmed as the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

NCC Urges Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee to Advance the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act
On June 22, fifty-two members of the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) signed onto a letter to the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee urging them to support and advance the United States Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act of 2021 (S.1220/H.R.2568).

NCC Submits Testimony to Senate Appropriation Subcommittee
On June 23, sixty members of the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) signed onto written testimony for the record submitted to the Senate 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 $199.755 million for the National Institute of Nursing Research for FY 2022.

Message from the CEO – July 2021

Donna Meyer

Dear OADN Members:

Over the last few weeks, I cannot tell you the number of times I heard, “Can you believe it is already July?”  I completely agree as the July 4th holiday always seems to be a turning point for summer festivities and perhaps even a vacation.  The July 4th fireworks bring a sense of celebration and this year there is an additional cause for celebration.  There is a definite glimmer of hope that life is slowly returning to some normalcy.  I am also in a celebratory mood as I look forward to seeing many of you at the OADN National Convention November 18 – 21 in Austin, Texas the “Live Music Capital of the World.” REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

The all-day pre-conference workshop, “Your Leadership Journey: Invest in Yourself,” offers a stellar group of speakers that will provide you with additional skills to chart your unique leadership journey.  All of us possess qualities of great leadership, but this workshop will present an opportunity to further your leadership vision and capacity to lead with an authentic voice.  I encourage all of you to consider attending this workshop with nationally known speakers who will share their thoughts and enhance your ability to lead with confidence.

The convention will also offer a variety of half-day workshops offered on Friday morning.  Sessions will focus on accreditation, NextGen, clinical judgment, simulation, and more.  As we move into the opening ceremony, The DAISY Foundation co-founders Mark and Bonnie Barnes will share their emotional account of the formation of the Foundation which began in 1999 after their son, Patrick passed away at age 33.  Their reflections highlighting the unforgettable impact of compassionate nursing care and the critical role nurses played in their lives during this most challenging time are not to be missed.

Returning general session speakers sharing information on NextGen continue to be a highlight of the convention. NCBSN’s Dr. Phil Dickison will share the NextGen updates and as always will provide a very engaging session. Nurse Think’s Dr. Tim Bristol and Dr. Karin Sherill will provide another interactive session on “NextGen Learning that Lasts.”  Finally, there are two new outstanding general session speakers.  We are pleased to bring an inspiring story by Dr. Sharica Miller “From Foster Care to PhD: Why Faculty Should Always Root for the Under Dog.”  In addition, as simulation has been amplified across many programs this past year, Dr. Desiree Diaz will provide a timely and stimulating presentation on “Leveraging Simulation to Address Societal Needs and Elicit Change.”

As always, there are many excellent concurrent sessions to choose from, informative posters to view, the annual awards luncheon and an opportunity to engage with a variety of vendors in the exhibit hall.  Most importantly, the convention will provide much-needed time to come together and share the many experiences over the last year.

It’s time to make plans and celebrate in Austin!

Take care,

 

 

Donna Meyer, MSN, RN, ANEF, FAADN, FAAN
CEO, OADN

Call for Papers for a Special Issue: Reimagining the Future of Nursing – Deadline Extended to March 1, 2022

We are pleased to announce the forthcoming publication in July 2022 of a special issue on “Reimagining the Future of Nursing.” We are interested in manuscripts on a wide range of issues that address the future of nursing.

 

Papers do not have to be limited to prelicensure nursing. We welcome manuscripts addressing strategies to achieve the current Future of Nursing recommendations as well as publications that present alternate or expanded visions of the future of nursing. We envision that this issue will explore what nursing education can and should be in the next decade.

 

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • Preparing the next generation of nurses and nurse educators
  • Recruitment and support of diverse nursing faculty and students
  • Holistic admissions and academic progression
  • Advancing scholarship through research and evidence-based practice
  • Quality, safety, and systems-based practices
  • Use of healthcare technologies
  • Population health and social determinants of health
  • Climate change and environmental justice
  • Disaster preparedness and response
  • Experiential learning to promote health equity
  • Strategies for addressing bias, racism and injustice in nursing
  • Multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary education
  • Nursing and community action
  • Health policy and advocacy
  • Developing health equity competencies for faculty and students
  • Culturally informed care and cultural humility
  • Delivering inclusive person-centered care
  • Regulatory and accreditation changes

 

We welcome research, innovative practice manuscripts, literature reviews, and theoretical papers. Authors can include links to websites, applications, or demonstrations; video demonstrations up to 3 minutes; audio files; and photos, forms, documents, or figures that illustrate the text.

 

Manuscripts should be sent to www.editorialmanager.com/teln by March 1, 2022.  (Deadline Extended)

Authors should consult the Guide for Authors and indicate this special issue in their cover letter.

Questions can be sent to Editor in Chief Anna Valdez at anna.valdez@oadn.org.

Message from the CEO – June 2021: Release of The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity Report

Donna Meyer

Dear OADN Members:

On May 11, The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity (2021)  was released after a delay due to the COVID pandemic.  With good reason, the release of this new report was met with slight anxiety by those of us engaged in associate degree nursing.  Many of us recall the 2011 report placed great emphasis on increasing the number of baccalaureate prepared nurses, which led to a misinterpretation by some that associate degree nursing (ADN) programs would no longer be needed.  However, we know for a fact that ADN programs are essential to the health care of our country as they educate more than 50% of the newly licensed registered nursing (RN) workforce each year.  I can assure you that the importance of the associate degree nursing pathway is evident in this new follow-on report.

The FON 2020 -2030 report and the nine key recommendations presented within it are expansive. The OADN Board, staff, and membership will be reviewing the report’s different components in-depth over the coming months.  However, as I reviewed the findings and recommendations, I realized how present ADN programs are to the report.  For example, the statement below so clearly connects to the diverse populations ADN programs serve.

Nursing schools will need to ensure that nurses are prepared to   understand and identify the social determinants of health, have expanded learning experiences in the community so they can work with different people with varied life experiences and cultural values.

ADN students and faculty understand the social determinants of health better than most because they experience them every day.  Community colleges are embedded in their communities, which ideally positions them to recognize and meet the evolving needs of the varied populations they serve.  As I speak with many of you, I hear inspiring stories of how community colleges across the country have adapted to accommodate the unique and diverse needs of their students to fully prepare and engage them in all types of care and learning environments.

Furthermore, OADN was specifically cited and called upon in the following sub-recommendation within the FON Report:

Lead transformational change in nursing education to address workforce development in nursing and public health preparedness.   The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the National League for Nursing (NLN), and the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN) should lead transformational change in nursing education to address workforce development in disaster nursing and public health preparedness.

As CEO of OADN, I look forward to working with you on this critically important recommendation and I am committed to providing support for OADN programs with this initiative.  Certainly, and for good reason, many of you are thinking of the challenges involved in adding more to your nursing curriculum, but there are numerous ways to incorporate these concepts to better prepare us for the next public health emergency.  Many of you have valuable experience and extensive training in disaster nursing and public health preparedness. In the future, OADN may call upon you to provide your expertise and innovative thoughts to program development ideas.

I am also pleased to share that I represented OADN in the invitation-only Campaign Summit 2021: Health Equity through Nursing sponsored by the Center to Champion Nursing in America.  The Summit gathered approximately 175 nursing leaders and healthcare experts together to begin a review of the FON recommendations and develop ideas for implementation.  More will follow in the coming months, but I wanted OADN members to know your voice is being represented.

Finally, I am extremely delighted to inform you that this fall, Dr. Sue Hassmiller, Senior Scholar in Residence and Advisor to the President on Nursing at the National Academy of Medicine, will be providing a webinar for OADN members on the report, and more details will be forthcoming.  If you have not had the opportunity to review the full FON 2020 – 2030 report, I encourage you to do so by following this link: The Future of Nursing 2020-2030 – National Academy of Medicine (nam.edu)

In closing, I would like to add another important focus from the new report on nurse well-being, “In order for nurses to help others be healthy and well, they must be healthy and well themselves.”

No longer can we make excuses to not care for ourselves.  Like all of you, I know it is challenging as there is always one more email to answer, one more student to assist, or another clinical placement to be completed.  However, I have learned that taking a few minutes to breathe, goes a long way.

Take a breath of the summer breeze and enjoy.

 

 

 

Donna Meyer, MSN, RN, ANEF, FAADN, FAAN
CEO, OADN

Nursing Community Monthly Roundup – May 2021

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).

Message from the CEO – May 2021

Donna Meyer

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!

 

 

Donna Meyer, MSN, RN, ANEF, FAADN, FAAN
CEO, OADN

Interview with Donna Meyer

“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

Sharon Goldfarb 146×160
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

 

Nursing Community Monthly Roundup – April 2021

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.