Archives: News

Apply for OADN Foundation Scholarships, Awards, and Grants in 2025

OADN Foundation Logo

The OADN Foundation Board of Directors announces the annual call for applications for the 2025 OADN Foundation Scholarships, Awards, and Grants. These prestigious opportunities provide significant benefits to OADN members, supporting faculty and students in their professional growth and educational advancement. The OADN Foundation remains committed to advancing the mission and vision of OADN by fostering resources and recognizing excellence in associate degree nursing education. Through the support of valued partners and sponsors, the Foundation continues to make a meaningful impact on nurse educators, students, and the communities they serve nationwide.

New Funding Opportunities in 2025

Over the years, the OADN Foundation has expanded its financial support, providing increasing opportunities for faculty and students. Each year, the OADN Foundation adds new scholarships and awards, enhancing the level of assistance available to our members. In 2025, we are thrilled to introduce two new awards, including sixteen student scholarships sponsored by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses and a simulation grant made possible through the generous support of iHuman Patients by Kaplan. These new awards scholarships and awards join our returning opportunities, which include funding for academic progression, professional advancement, leadership, service, and scholarly research. Notably, the OADN Foundation research grant aligns with OADN’s strategic priority to “create a high-impact research agenda to support ADN education,” offering a valuable opportunity for those pursuing advanced degrees or conducting research.

“I encourage every eligible faculty member and student to take advantage of these scholarships, awards, and grants. Investing in the future of ADN education through these opportunities is a commitment to the success and excellence of our profession,” says Donna Meyer, MSN, RN, ANEF, FAADN, FAAN, President, OADN Foundation

The OADN Foundation also honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedicated service in advancing associate degree nursing education and practice. We invite nominations and self-nominations for one of the Foundation’s four honorary awards:

  • Bobbie Anderson Leadership Award
  • Elsevier Educator of the Year Award
  • NurseThink New Educator of the Year Award
  • Donna Meyer Visionary Impact Award

These awards provide a meaningful way to recognize a valued colleague, trusted mentor, or visionary leader within the ADN community.

“The OADN Foundation is proud to support and celebrate the incredible dedication of ADN faculty and students,” note Rick García, Ph.D., RN, CCM, FAAOHN, FNYAM, FAADN, Chief Executive Officer, OADN and the OADN Foundation. “By providing financial resources and recognition, we are strengthening the ADN pathway and shaping the future of nursing.”

How to Apply & Deadlines

The application process for scholarships, awards, and grants is simple and accessible online. To apply, visit the OADN Foundation page, and in the right-hand column under “Applications & Resources“, select the award, scholarship, or grant of interest, and follow the step-by-step instructions. Each listing provides detailed eligibility criteria and a direct application link via SurveyMonkey. We strongly encourage applicants and nominators to carefully review the instructions, gather all required materials, and thoroughly proofread their submissions before applying.

Please note the deadline for the specific award you are applying for, as deadlines vary for each application.

The OADN Foundation extends our deep appreciation to all our supporters for their unwavering commitment to associate degree nursing education. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of recipients as they progress in their professional journeys.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Donna Meyer, MSN, RN, ANEF, FAADN, FAAN
President, OADN Foundation

 

 

 

Rick García Ph.D, RN, CCM, FAAOHN, FNYAM, FAADN
Chief Executive Officer, OADN and the OADN Foundation

OADN Voices: March 2025

Start Preparing for the Best Convention of the Year

This year we will be celebrating the 2025 OADN Convention, November 20 to 22 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Convention’s theme, Elevating Nursing Education: Embracing Change, Strengthening Community, reflects the rapidly evolving landscape of nursing education and the critical role of collaboration, resilience, and innovation in ensuring student and faculty success.

Mariann Harding photo with textAs ADN educators, we play a crucial role in shaping the future of nursing. To stay updated, we must continually expand our knowledge and seek opportunities to enhance our teaching. One of the most impactful ways to achieve this is by attending the OADN Convention. While you may hesitate due to the financial cost or time commitment, attending the Convention is not an expense—it is an investment in oneself, one’s students, and ADN education.

The OADN Convention offers a wealth of opportunities, including professional development, exposure to fresh teaching strategies, and networking. Designed to enhance leadership as an ADN educator, workshops and breakout sessions support attendees in both faculty and administrative roles. Convention empowers educators to refine their teaching methods, implement best practices, and develop the confidence needed to drive curriculum improvements and policy advocacy.

Featured Speakers

This year’s unparalleled lineup of featured speakers includes leading voices in nursing education, innovation, and leadership. They bring expertise that will inspire and equip ADN educators with practical strategies for success.

  • Rebecca Love, RN, BS, MSN, FIEL – A renowned nurse entrepreneur and healthcare innovator, Rebecca will explore the future of AI in nursing and nursing education and the transformative role of nurse-led innovation.
  • Danielle McCamey, DNP, ACNP-BC, FCCP, FAAN – A leader in mentorship and community-building, Danielle will speak on the power of leadership and mentorship in strengthening the ADN educator community.
  • Rear Admiral (Ret.) Aisha Brooks, DNP, MPH, RN, FAAN – Retired Chief Nurse Officer and Former Deputy Surgeon General of the U.S. Public Health Service, RADM Brooks will discuss the impact of Associate Degree Nurses in public and community health.
  • Cherie Rebar, PhD, MBA, RN, CNE, CNEcl, CLNC, COI, FAADN & Nicole Heimgartner, DNP, RN, CNE, CNEcl, COI, FAADN – Returning by popular demand, Cherie and Nicole will tackle the widening gap between nursing education and practice-readiness.
  • Beth Toner, MSN, RN, MJ, MFA – Beth, who serves as Director of Program Communications for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and is an ADN nurse herself, will lead an expert panel on the importance of allyship in nursing and nursing education.
  • Tina Loarte-Rodriguez, DNP, RN, CPPS, CPHRM – A passionate advocate for healthy communities, Tina will share inspiring stories of determination, resilience, and trust and their importance within the ADN community.
  • Nicole Williams, DNP, RN, NPD BC, NEA BC – As Director, Content, Test Development, & Examinations for NCSBN, Nicole will provide eagerly anticipated NCLEX exam updates.

Networking is Essential

One of the most valuable aspects of attending the OADN Convention is the opportunity to network with others with a vested interest in ADN education. Convention events provide a forum for educators to share experiences, discuss challenges, and exchange solutions. Engaging with experienced ADN educators could inspire you to take on leadership roles within your institution and the broader nursing education community. Whether presenting at a future Convention, participating on an OADN committee, or writing to academic publications, these opportunities for growth stem from the connections you can make at Convention.

The Exhibit Hall — one of my favorite places — is a treasure trove of resources. It features vendors highlighting the latest advancements in educational technology, textbooks, simulation equipment, and other instructional tools. Engaging with exhibitors allows you to explore new teaching aids, compare products, and even participate in demonstrations that can inform purchasing decisions. Many exhibitors offer discounts and early access to new products to Convention attendees. And if you complete your attendance card- you could win a prize!

Relax, Recharge and Reconnect — Beyond the professional and educational benefits, attending the Convention provides a much-needed opportunity for you to relax, recharge, and enjoy time with other ADN educators and nursing leaders. Whether you mingle between sessions, explore Nashville, or simply share a meal, the experience fosters community and strengthens relationships. This sense of connection can help you maintain enthusiasm and find renewed inspiration.

Plan Your Budget

While the time and financial commitment of attending the OADN Convention may seem daunting, the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs. Request that your administration support the nursing program through an investment in Convention attendance. Making your request early will help ensure they allocate the necessary funds. We have a template letter for you to customize to make your budget justification and travel request.Download button

The OADN Convention is more than an academic gathering—it is a powerful investment in yourself, your leadership, and the future of nursing education. I hope to see you in Nashville in November!

Mariann Harding PhD, RN, CNE, FAADN
Treasurer, OADN Board of Directors

New AACN Scholarships Support Associate Degree Nursing Students

AACN and OADN Foundation Logos_v5

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses partners with the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing to establish scholarships for ADN students

ALISO VIEJO, Calif. – March 13 2025 – The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) and the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN) are partnering to provide scholarships to students pursuing associate degrees in nursing.

Students currently enrolled in nursing programs that are institutional members of OADN can apply online for the scholarships by June 1, with awards announced in November.

ADN-prepared nurses play a vital role in delivering high-quality, compassionate care across healthcare settings, ensuring that communities nationwide have access to nursing professionals. Each year, ADN programs educate and prepare approximately 84,000 newly licensed registered nurses (RNs), contributing to nearly half of the total RN workforce (The 2025 National Council of State Boards of Nursing Environmental Scan: Going Beyond). Depending on location, as many as 60% of new nurses enter the profession through the ADN pathway, especially in rural and underserved areas of the United States.

“AACN’s mission—to drive excellence in acute and critical care for nurses, patients, and families—aligns with OADN’s commitment to advancing excellence in associate degree nursing education, strengthening the ADN pathway, and expanding opportunities for students pursuing a nursing career,” said AACN Chief Clinical Officer Vicki Good, DNP, RN, FAAN, CENP, CPPS. “This partnership will champion the success of ADN graduates and support our commitment to stabilizing the nursing workforce.”

The high cost of education is a significant barrier to entering the nursing workforce. Nursing workforce data continue to project a significant gap between the total number of nurses and the total demand for nurses through 2037.

As the leading advocate for associate degree nursing education, OADN deeply values AACN’s recognition of the ADN pathway as an essential pillar of the nursing profession.

“OADN extends our sincere appreciation to AACN for their shared vision and unwavering support of associate degree nursing education,” says OADN President Lynette V. Apen, DNP, RN, CNS, CNE. “We look forward to this collaborative journey in fostering leadership, expanding educational opportunities, and enhancing patient care across all practice settings.”

AACN will fund up to 16 $2,500 prelicensure scholarships in 2025 through its partnership with OADN. The funds come from AACN’s endowment established in 2001 to support scholarships for nursing education, and professional development.

About the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses: For more than 50 years, the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) has been dedicated to acute and critical care nursing excellence. The organization’s vision is to create a healthcare system driven by the needs of patients and their families in which acute and critical care nurses make their optimal contribution. AACN is the world’s largest specialty nursing organization, with about 130,000 members and over 200 chapters in the United States. For information about AACN, please visit https://www.aacn.org/

About the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing: The Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN) is a national organization dedicated to advocating for and enhancing the role of the Associate Degree Nurse (ADN). OADN serves as the collective voice for ADN educators and provides a forum for networking and professional development, shaping the future of nursing education and practice. For information about OADN, please visit https://oadn.org

Call For Abstracts: 2025 OADN Convention

Join nursing educators, administrators, and industry professionals to share knowledge, inspire change, and strengthen our ADN community.

The Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN) proudly invites you to submit an abstract for the 2025 OADN Convention, taking place November 20 – 22, 2025, at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel in the heart of Music City. This premier national conference brings together nursing educators, administrators, and industry professionals to explore groundbreaking ideas and shape the future of Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) education. This year’s theme, “Elevating Nursing Education: Embracing Change, Strengthening Community,“ reflects the rapidly evolving landscape of nursing education and the critical role of collaboration, resilience, and innovation in ensuring student and faculty success.

We welcome abstracts that showcase innovative teaching strategies, research, best practices, and forward-thinking solutions that advance Associate Degree Nursing education, faculty development, student success, workforce readiness, and leadership growth.

Guidance: what we’re looking for

OADN is seeking abstracts for 50-minute podium presentations with PowerPoint.  Presenters are encouraged to allocate a portion of these 50 minutes for questions or an activity. The separate call for poster abstracts will be released later this spring.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • Academic/Practice Partnerships
  • Accreditation
  • Advocacy for Associate Degree Nursing Education
  • Artificial Intelligence in Nursing Education
  • Assessment and Evaluation
  • Bridging the Education / Practice Divide and Transition to Practice Strategies
  • Competency-Based Education
  • Curriculum Development
  • Faculty Recruitment, Retention, and Development Strategies
  • Fostering Clinical Judgment
  • Leadership Development for both Faculty & Program Administrators
  • Non-traditional Clinical Learning Experiences
  • Plug and Play Strategies: Worked Examples and Proven Tips for Student Success in the Classroom, Lab, and Clinical Settings
  • Program Administration: Preparing for the Dean/Director Role, Managing Faculty Workloads, and Succession Planning
  • Simulation
  • Strategies for Faculty Engagement & Success
  • Strategies for Student Engagement & Success
  • Strengthening Our ADN Community: Building Civil, Productive, and Trusting Professional Relationships for Faculty and Students
  • Wellness & Self-Care for Faculty and Nursing Students

General information on the submission process

Abstracts that present well-designed demonstrations or evidence-based pilot projects that include data are preferred. In addition:

  • A maximum of four (4) presenters will be considered with your abstract submission. The primary presenter will be the main point of contact for all communication with OADN and is responsible for ensuring that co-presenters complete necessary action steps in preparation for the convention.
  • OADN requires all presenters to identify any existing or potential conflicts of interest related to the content to be offered (e.g., commercial interest, affiliation with a vendor, and/or receipt of royalties) and affirm that their abstract presentations will not be used to sell a particular product or service.
  • All presenters must register and pay as attendees for the OADN Convention. Presenters are responsible for their own expenses, including the above-referenced registration fee, travel, accommodations, and other expenses.
  • The separate call for poster abstracts will be issued in April. OADN encourages all those submitting a podium abstract to submit it as a poster abstract, as well. If your podium abstract is not accepted, then your poster abstract will be considered. If your podium abstract is accepted, then your poster abstract will be withdrawn from consideration unless it is on a different topic.
  • Please submit your abstract through both the podium and poster links to be considered for both options. Abstract submissions must include:
    • Session Title
    • Brief Description (max. 100 words)
    • Background/Introduction (max. 150 words)
    • Intervention/Description and/or Research Methods (max. 200 words)
    • Findings/Results (max. 200 words)
    • Conclusions (max. 200 words)
    • Learning Objectives (3-5)

General information on the review process

Each abstract is peer-reviewed by at least two OADN Abstract Review Committee reviewers. Additionally:

  • Reviews are blind; hence, reviewers do not see submitters’ names or program affiliations.
  • If your podium abstract is accepted for presentation, the OADN Abstract Review Committee will withdraw your corresponding poster abstract from consideration. You may also submit a poster abstract on a different subject from your podium abstract for consideration.
  • Notifications of Acceptance will be delivered to primary presenters on or before July 1, 2025.

How to submit your abstract

Please submit your abstract here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OADNabstracts2025

The deadline for Abstract Submissions is May 11, 2025.

For questions, contact oadn@oadn.org 

We look forward to receiving your contributions and fostering meaningful discussions that will shape the future of Associate Degree Nursing education.

Nursing Community Monthly Roundup – February 2025

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 Congressional Leadership Reiterating FY 2025 Funding Requests

On February 14, all 64 members of the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) sent a letter to Congressional Leadership, as well as to House and Senate Appropriations Committees, requesting at least $310.472 million for Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs and at least $197.693 million for the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) in fiscal year (FY) 2025, as outlined in the bipartisan Senate Appropriations Committee passed bill. The letter urges Congress to avoid a long-term continuing resolution (CR) and provide bold investments in these vital programs, as we near the March 14th CR deadline.

NCC Thanks Members of Congress for Introducing the PRECEPT Nurses Act

On February 28, 55 members of the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) sent a letter thanking Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02) for introducing the bipartisan and bicameral Providing Real-World Education and Clinical Experience by Precepting Tomorrow’s (PRECEPT) Nurses Act (H.R.392/S.131).

OADN Voices: February 2025

Honoring Black History Month: A Legacy of Resilience, A Future of Promise

Patricia Nabal Board PictureOn behalf of the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN), I consider it both an honor and a privilege, during one of my favorite months of the year, to recognize the contributions of key Black figures in nursing on whose shoulders I, and many others, stand as agents for Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Education and Practice. One month will never be enough to acknowledge the contributions of Black people to American history, nor could it ever fully capture the impact of Black nurses on our most noble profession, one that has been incredibly kind to me and without which I would not be who I am today.

As we celebrate this Black History Month, we cannot ignore the escalating challenges facing efforts to build and sustain a strong, inclusive nursing community. Nevertheless, while perspectives may vary, OADN’s commitment to preparing nurses to become global citizens remains steadfast. I am, therefore, honored to pay tribute to the trailblazers of our past, present, and future.

 

Honoring the Past: Trailblazers Who Opened the Doors

As we reflect on the past, we honor legendary figures such as Mary Eliza Mahoney, the first professionally trained and licensed Black nurse, and quite possibly the first to obtain the equivalent of what we now call the Associate Degree in Nursing. We also pay tribute to Black nursing pioneers whose contributions laid the foundation for equitable access to nursing education (in no particular order):

• Estelle Massey Osborne (1901–1981) – The first Black nurse to earn a master’s degree in nursing, she worked to expand nursing education at community and technical colleges, paving the way for ADN programs.

Black Nurses in WW2
Black Nurses in World War II. Courtesy National Women’s History Museum

• Dr. Lauranne Sams (1930–2007) – First Black president of the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA), championed ADN programs as a critical pathway for Black nurses to enter the profession.

• Dr. Beverly Malone (Born 1948) – Former American Nurses Association (ANA) president and current CEO of the National League for Nursing (NLN), she has been a leading advocate for ADN programs and diversity in nursing education.

• Hattie Bessent (1918–2015) – Pioneered mentorship programs for Black nurses, supporting ADN graduates transitioning into leadership roles.

• Mabel Keaton Staupers (1890–1989) – Advocated for integrating Black nurses into the U.S. military and fought for equal opportunities, setting the stage for nursing education reforms that later supported ADN expansion.

• Betty Smith Williams (1929–2021) – Co-founder of the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) and a strong advocate for community college-based ADN programs as a way to increase Black representation in nursing.

• Eddie Bernice Johnson (1935–2023) – The first registered nurse elected to Congress, she championed nursing education funding and supported community college pathways into nursing.

• Ernest J. Grant (Born 1958) – A trailblazing leader, he made history as the first Black male president of the ANA (2018–2023), advocating for health equity and diversity in nursing leadership. His presidency marked a pivotal moment for Black nurses and men in nursing, furthering the ANA’s commitment to racial justice and workforce inclusion.

These figures were instrumental in breaking barriers, advocating for equitable nursing education, and increasing accessibility, all with the mission and values of Associate Degree Nursing today.

 

The Present: Black Nurses Shaping the Profession Today

OADN Celebrates Black History MonthAs we celebrate the present, we recognize Black nurses who are actively shaping the profession and making history in real-time (in no particular order):

• Paule Valery – An Afro-Latina (Venezuelan-Haitian-American) distinguished nurse scientist and researcher in sensory science, whose groundbreaking work is expanding the frontiers of healthcare research.

• Patrick McMurray – An emerging nurse scientist, a fierce advocate for the ADN entry to nursing pathway, and a proud ADN-prepared nurse representing the next generation of Black nurse leaders dedicated to advancing health research and policy.

• Danielle McCamey – Founder and CEO of DNPs of Color, she has created a powerful network of Black and Brown advanced practice nurses, amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities in nursing leadership.

• Dr. Anna María Valdez – A professor and Chair of Nursing at Sonoma State University in California, current editor-in-chief of the Journal of Emergency Medicine, past editor-in-chief of the OADN Journal, Teaching and Learning in Nursing, and a dedicated advocate for diversity in nursing. The daughter of a Black mother and a white father, she has contributed extensively to national discussions on health equity and anti-racism in nursing.

• Congresswoman Lauren Underwood – A registered nurse and the youngest Black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, she co-founded and co-chairs the Black Maternal Health Caucus, advocating for policy changes that directly impact health equity, maternal health, and the future of nursing.

• Cori Bush – A registered nurse, pastor, activist, and the first Black woman elected to Congress from Missouri, she is a leading advocate for healthcare justice, racial equity, and policies that support nurses and marginalized communities.

• Dr. Monica McLemore – A distinguished nursing scientist and reproductive justice advocate, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Health Equity. She is a leading voice in addressing racial disparities in maternal and infant health, advancing evidence-based policies that improve healthcare outcomes for Black women and birthing people.
With too many trailblazers to mention, one thing is certain: their contributions ensure that nursing remains inclusive, innovative, and responsive to the needs of all communities.

 

The Future: Carrying the Torch Forward

The future of nursing will be shaped by those who continue to create opportunities for underserved and underrepresented populations. I am especially inspired by those I have the privilege to work alongside, including Dean Tammy Scott-Brand and Associate Dean Dr. Tanisha Rufus, who bring this mission to life every day at City Colleges of Chicago, Malcolm X College, in the heart of Chicago, Illinois. I am also honored to serve alongside my fellow OADN board member, Dr. Enna Trevathan, Dean of Nursing-Allied Health & Athletics-Kinesiology at Gavilan College in Gilroy, California, and President of the North Region of the California Organization of Associate Degree Nursing. Their work embodies the spirit of those who came before us, ensuring that the doors opened by our predecessors remain open for future generations.

Most of all, I honor my dear mother, a Haitian immigrant who came to this country, learned English, and pursued her dream of becoming a registered nurse at City Colleges of Chicago, Kennedy-King College. Her resilience and dedication shaped my path, and today, I have the distinct privilege of serving at her alma mater, City Colleges of Chicago, Malcolm X College, as Associate Dean of Nursing.

 

Continuing the Legacy

As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor the past, embrace the present, and look forward to the future with determination and hope. The contributions of Black nurses, past, present, and future, are immeasurable and invaluable. Their legacy lives on in every life they touch, every barrier they break, and every student they uplift.

Sincerely,

Patricia Nabal, DNP, FNP, RN-BC, OADN Board of Directors, Midwest Region

AI Ethics in Nursing Education: Webinar

The OADN Simulation Committee and Unbound Medicine invite OADN members to an insightful panel discussion exploring the ethical landscape of AI in nursing education. Leading nurse educators and simulation experts, each bringing hands-on experience with AI in healthcare training, will examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping teaching methods, professional standards, and data privacy in healthcare training.

The webinar is on Tuesday, February 25th at 1pm ET / 10am PT and will be facilitated by two members of OADN’s Simulation Committee:

Janeen Berndt, DNP, RN, CNE, CHSE

Dr. Janeen Berndt, a Certified Nurse Educator since 2006, brings over a decade of expertise in online nursing education, competency-based learning, and patient simulation to higher education. Her notable achievements include leading undergraduate nursing programs through the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding virtual learning in prelicensure education, improving clinical experiences through high-fidelity simulation, and holding multiple certifications while serving as President of the Psi Upsilon Chapter of Sigma and Chair of the OADN Virtual Simulation Review team.

Theresa Cooney, MSN, RN

Theresa Cooney is an experienced nurse with 35 years of international experience, specializing in pediatrics, and has transitioned to academia with a focus on nursing education and simulation. At Howard Community College, she teaches a concept-based curriculum, contributes to curriculum development and faculty professional development, and is actively involved with OADN’s Virtual Simulation Review team, demonstrating her commitment to advancing nursing education through innovative teaching methods and technology integration.

For complete information and registration link, please visit the webinar page at Unbound Medicine.

 

OADN Celebrates Record-High ADN NCLEX Pass Rates in 2024

The Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN) proudly celebrates the exceptional efforts of Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) faculty across the nation in educating and preparing students to achieve an outstanding 90.63% national NCLEX pass rate—the highest in over a decade for ADN graduates.

NCLEX Pass Rates

This historic achievement follows the introduction of the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) on April 1, 2023, a major shift in licensure testing designed to assess critical thinking and clinical judgment. ADN faculty not only adapted their teaching strategies but also provided unwavering guidance and support, ensuring that students were fully prepared to excel under this new and more rigorous exam format.

Over the past ten years, ADN pass rates have fluctuated, reflecting broader challenges in nursing education. After reaching 89.32% in 2012, pass rates declined to a low of 77.91% in 2022, mirroring trends across all nursing programs. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was particularly profound, disrupting clinical experiences and altering educational environments. Despite these challenges, ADN faculty remained steadfast, guiding students through an evolving curriculum while integrating innovative teaching strategies. Their expertise, mentorship, and dedication were instrumental in helping students regain their footing and succeed. The results speak for themselves—pass rates soared from 77.91% in 2022 to an incredible 90.63% in 2024, demonstrating the power role of driven faculty in student success.

“The historic NCLEX pass rate of 90.63% is a testament to the power of skilled and dedicated educators who go above and beyond to prepare their students for the future of healthcare. OADN extends its heartfelt congratulations to all ADN faculty, students, and programs for this monumental achievement. Together, we celebrate this success and look forward to a future where ADN graduates continue to excel and shape the future of nursing,” said OADN President Lynnett Apen, DNP, RN, CNS, CNE.

The success of ADN graduates on the 2024 NCLEX underscores the essential role of ADN faculty in shaping the next generation of nurses. With more than 1,100 ADN programs nationwide, these educators not only impart knowledge but also mentor, inspire, and instill confidence in their students, ensuring they are fully prepared to enter the workforce as competent and compassionate nurses.

Why Ableism in Nursing Education and Practice Matters

Late last year we hosted a webinar with Dr. Anna Valdez on ableism in nursing education and practice; we also highlighted her important contributions to nursing education in a blog post. Dozens of OADN members attended the webinar and listened to Dr. Valdez, herself a disabled nurse educator, give examples of the negative personal and professional impacts of ableism in nursing. It gave our members an opportunity, some for the first time, to hear about ableism in a professional setting from one of our community’s nursing education leaders. Many of you expressed gratitude for the webinar and desire for additional information; as part of our commitment to the topic and to our members, we wanted to continue that conversation here.

 

Understanding What Ableism Is

Ableism in nursing refers to discriminatory attitudes, practices, and policies that negatively affect people with disabilities in healthcare settings, including academic ones. Ableism often perpetuates stereotypes, excludes individuals, or creates barriers to equitable care. It can impact both patients and nurses and nursing students with disabilities.

As OADN members, we know that our professional development means lifelong learning as one way to improve outcomes for our patients and students. In that spirit, we’re expanding our content on ableism in order to reduce the barriers to meaningful, responsive and effective nursing education and practice. Research and anecdotal evidence points to a variety of concerns:

Impacts on Patients

  • Stereotyping: Healthcare providers may make assumptions about the abilities, quality of life, or preferences of patients with disabilities, leading to biased care decisions.
  • Communication Barriers: Nurses might not use accessible communication methods, such as sign language interpreters, large-print materials, or alternative communication devices.
  • Inadequate Accommodation: Facilities and practices may fail to meet the needs of people with disabilities, such as inaccessible exam tables, diagnostic equipment, or lack of training in disability-specific care.
  • Healthcare Disparities: Patients with disabilities often receive less preventive care and may experience delays in diagnosis and treatment due to bias or inaccessibility. Healthcare professionals may also assume patients have less agency for their own healthcare decisions, replacing their own judgment for what a disabled patient needs instead of engaging with them as they do with other patients.

Impacts on Nurses and Nursing Students with Disabilities

  • Workplace and School Barriers: Nurses and nursing students with disabilities may face challenges in securing accommodations, such as modified workstations, assistive technology, or flexible scheduling.
  • Stigma: Fellow students, colleagues or supervisors may question their competence or assume they are unable to perform essential tasks, leading to discrimination or exclusion.
  • Policy Gaps: Nursing policies and practices may not adequately support or include people with disabilities, limiting opportunities for entry into or advancement within the profession.
  • Underrepresentation: The lack of visibility of nurses with disabilities perpetuates ableist attitudes and limits advocacy for systemic change.
  • Mental Health Impacts: The stigma and barriers faced by nurses and students with disabilities can lead to stress, burnout, and mental health challenges.

 

Addressing Ableism in Nursing Education & Practice

Ableism in nursing can undermine the profession’s ethical commitment to providing equitable and compassionate care. OADN encourages members to think about these issues, seek resources and continue the conversation in our channels and with colleagues. To that end, we’re providing a few key resources today as well as some overarching recommendations to combat ableism:

Educational Resource Guide: Equal Access for Students with Disabilities. “Now in its second edition, this book on disability inclusion in health sciences education remains the most comprehensive-legally informed guidance available to health science programs.”

Advocacy Groups: Access in Nursing. “Access in Nursing is a nationally representative group of nurses, nurse educators, disability resource professionals (DRP’s), faculty, and researchers addressing disability access barriers in nursing education and practice.”

Foundation Support: The Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation is a leader in support for programs that reduce systemic inequities and aims to improve health by advancing the education and training of health professionals. We encourage schools of nursing to explore the following resources from the Macy Foundation:

And please consider how you and your institution can implement these ideas:

  • Education and Training: Incorporating disability awareness and sensitivity training in nursing education to challenge stereotypes and foster inclusive care.
  • Policy Development: Enforcing workplace and school policies that ensure accessibility and reasonable accommodations for both patients and staff with disabilities.
  • Advocacy and Representation: Encouraging the inclusion of nurses with disabilities in leadership roles to drive systemic change. Research and Data Collection: Studying ableism’s impact on health outcomes and workplace dynamics to inform evidence-based interventions.
  • Cultural Humility: Promoting an inclusive culture that values including disability as a dimension of human experience.

We look forward to having thoughtful discussions this year within our OADN Community spaces, so stay tuned for more blog posts on this and other topics! And please get in touch if you have any questions about ableism or would like to suggest other ideas for the blog.

Nursing Community Monthly Roundup – January 2025

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 Welcomes the 119th Congress

On January 17, 2025, all sixty-four members of the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) signed onto a letter welcoming Representatives and Senators to the 119th Congress. The letter outlined shared priorities including support for the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs and the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR).