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The Vital Role of Associate Degree Nursing Programs in Supporting the Nursing Workforce

 

Dear OADN Members:

The math is simple: the United States has over 1100 associate degree nursing education programs. In 2023, these made up 44.7% (83,387) of new nursing graduates in the United States (National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 2024). Furthermore, 40% of these nurses go on to higher levels of education (Smiley, et al., 2023), including baccalaureate programs and beyond, to nurse anesthetists, nurse educators, nurse midwives, and nurse scientists, to name a few.

Associate degree nursing graduates are vital to supplying and maintaining the nursing workforce in our country. ADN education programs provide a more rapid influx of qualified nurses to mitigate staffing shortages, attract a diverse population to contribute to a more equitable healthcare system, and educate residents who tend to stay in their local areas, especially rural areas. But you know this! Or you wouldn’t already be part of OADN.

So please allow me to highlight something our country needs from you besides all the wonderful things you’re currently doing:

WE NEED MORE NURSES FROM ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING EDUCATION PROGRAMS!

We’re in a nursing shortage! The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of registered nurses will grow significantly, with an estimated need for 193,100 new RNs each year through 2032 to fill new positions and replace retiring nurses (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, 2024). In 2023, there were only 186,350 RN Candidates to take the NLCEX® across the US (National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 2024). That means that if ALL these graduates became RNs, we would still be short by 6,750 nurses to meet the 2023 demand, let alone the pent-up demand from not meeting these needs in previous years, which would cause this number to grow exponentially.

ADN programs are essential in meeting this growing demand. The country needs YOU to do something. Ask yourself:

• Can you increase the number of new nurses you create for your state by about 7-8% annually?
• What do you need to be able to add students, add a clinical group, increase simulation capacity, or change up your teaching model to grow your successful graduates?
• How do you get enough support for a greater number of students who may not be as qualified as previous groups of students?
• Can you innovate and teach differently to maximize the use of expert faculty and learning during limited in-person clinical experiences?

These are all hard questions. We know that many ADN programs need more faculty and competitive pay for faculty. Your programs often lack enough clinical space, enough simulation expertise, and enough student support budget dollars. ADN programs are less researched than BSN and above education programs. Students often need more funds and support to focus on their education full-time. And this is EXACTLY why we have OADN.

OADN brings people from ADN programs together to solve these big problems. OADN is your voice nationwide to help our federal and state governments understand what ADN programs need. OADN brings ADN experts like you to the table to gather best practices and disseminate them nationwide. OADN supports new ADN program leaders and promotes the value of ADN nursing education. The annual convention brings ADN educators and leaders together to learn about innovations happening in practice around the nation.

That being said, OADN is all of you. Please consider joining OADN committees, attending the convention, presenting at a future convention, and implementing some of the innovations OADN highlights. OADN will benefit you, and the nation needs your expertise.

Jennifer Eccles PhD, MSN, MEd, RN, FAADN
Director, At-Large, OADN Board of Directors

 

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. (2024, April 17). Registered Nurses. Retrieved May 29, 2024, from Occupational Outlook Handbook: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-6

National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2024). NCLEX Statistics from NCSBN: 2023. Retrieved from https://www.ncsbn.org/publications/2023_NCLEX_Pass_Rates

Smiley, R. A., Allgeyer, R. L., Shobo, Y., Lyons, K. C., Letourneau, R., Zhong, E., . . . Alexander, M. (2023, April). The 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 14(1, Supplement 2), S1-S90. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/S2155-8256(23)00047-9

2024 CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: MAY 14^{th –} JULY 15^th

OADN SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE

 

Dear OADN Members,

Are you looking for an opportunity to share your passion for nursing education?  As the only national organization exclusively advocating for community college nursing education and the associate degree pathway, OADN needs your unique talents, perspectives, and expertise to help strengthen our collective voice for associate degree nursing education. OADN membership is one of the most meaningful ways we show our support for one another, create community, promote our continual learning and growth, protect our shared interests and values, and strengthen our professional identity together. Serving at the national level on the OADN Board of Directors or Nominating Committee offers an opportunity to enhance your own member experience with OADN and create a lasting impact on associate degree nursing education.

We currently have three (4) open positions on the OADN Board of Directors: At-Large Director (any region); Director, Western Region; Director, Northeast Region; and Director, Southwest Region. In addition, there is one (1) open position on the OADN Nominating Committee.

The term for Regional Directors is two years. Board positions take effect at the upcoming OADN Convention, October 31^st – November 2^nd, 2024. Board Directors, including all officers, regional directors, public directors, and the at-large director, shall participate in developing and implementing the strategic plan, serve as Board Liaisons to committees and workgroups, and carry out other responsibilities as delegated by the Board of Directors. Regional Directors shall be residents of the designated regions, respectively. Board commitment includes attendance at monthly virtual meetings and 2 face-to-face meetings, funded by OADN, at locations to be determined annually. 

The term of service for the Nominating Committee Member is two years. Nominating Committee members review and recommend candidates for offices to the Board of Directors in accordance with OADN Bylaws and an established timeline. The Nominating Committee meets via virtual meetings. This committee is a great leadership opportunity to expand your involvement with OADN.

The Annual Call for Nominations process is hosted on Survey Monkey. Click here to complete the required candidate application. If you don’t have a Survey Monkey account, please create a free account and follow the instructions to complete all online application components. The 2024 OADN Call for Nominations Application Submission Deadline is July 15, 2024.

On a personal note, I have developed professionally through my individual and organizational membership of OADN, which has provided multiple opportunities to learn and network with others across the country. Please consider running for one of the open 2024 OADN Board of Director or Nominating Committee positions and/or look for other ways to become more involved in OADN.  Doing so will advance community college nursing education and the associate degree pathway. OADN has been and will continue to be our champion and trusted resource in nursing education. OADN needs your help to further our important advocacy work for associate degree nursing. Together, we can support OADN’s vision of expanding networks that promote leadership, collaboration, and advocacy, further enriching associate degree nursing education and the communities we serve.

Kindly,

Jennifer E. Smith, RN, MSN, MBA, CV-BC, CNE
2024 Chair
OADN Nominating Committee 

Candidate Online Application Checklist

• Candidate Statement: Max. 250 words (Uploaded in Survey Monkey).

• Candidate Letter of Support: Submit one (1) letter of support from a colleague for the candidate’s nomination.

• Candidate Letter of Support from College President or Dean (Required for candidates applying for a Board of Director position ONLY): Submit one (1) letter of support from your college President or Dean acknowledging the time commitment for monthly virtual meetings and two (2) face-to-face meetings per year.

• Candidate Professional Resume or CV: Submit your current curriculum vitae (CV) or professional resume.

• Candidate Headshot Photo: Submit an electronic photo of your headshot for inclusion with the ballot. Candidate headshot should be between 400 x 400 at a minimum, to 7,680 (w) x 4,320 (h) in PNG or JPEG file. 

Incomplete applications or late submissions will not be accepted. Please carefully review all application instructions in the Survey Monkey. For additional questions regarding the 2022 OADN Call for Nominations, please contact Mary Dickow, Director of Leadership Development, at mary.dickow@oadn.org.

The Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN) plays a crucial role in shaping the nursing profession, advocating for high-quality education and support for nursing students and faculty. At a recent North Carolina Associate Degree Nursing Council meeting, I had the privilege of meeting an inspiring ADN faculty member from North Carolina who exemplifies the dedication and compassion that characterize many OADN members. This faculty member goes above and beyond her role as an educator, consistently and intentionally being present for her students well beyond the classroom. She devotes herself to guiding, supporting, and mentoring her students, ensuring the successful attainment of their degrees and smooth transition into nursing practice. Her commitment to her students’ well-being is truly remarkable and serves as a shining example of the impact that educators can have on shaping the future of nursing. As we celebrate Nurses Week 2024, this year’s theme is “Nurses Make a Difference,” it is fitting to reflect on the profound contributions of nurses like her. Nurses are more than healthcare providers; they are advocates, caregivers, educators, and companions. Nurses’ unwavering compassion, dedication, and commitment to excellence make a difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities daily. During Nurses Week, we celebrate the invaluable contributions of nurses worldwide and reaffirm our commitment to supporting and empowering them in their noble mission. Together, let us honor and celebrate nurses’ remarkable impact on our lives, our communities, and our world.         Rick García, Ph.D., RN, CCM, FAAOHN, FAADN Chief Executive Officer OADN and OADN Foundation

 

In the coming weeks, OADN will transition to our new membership management and engagement platform, Member365. The transition will begin on April 26, and welcome emails to the new membership system will be sent on May 16.

New member registration and membership renewals will be paused during this time. Programs with renewal dates during the transition period (April 26 – May 16, 2024) have been given an extension and a revised renewal date of May 28, 2024.

Please contact Member Services Representative Harriet McClung at harriet.mcclung@oadn.org or call 1-800-809-6260 for assistance with new membership or renewals.

OADN’s decision to migrate to Member365 comes after thorough research and consideration of various platforms to better serve our members and streamline our operations. Member365 offers robust features and functionalities that will enhance our ability to connect with you, provide valuable resources, and facilitate collaboration within our community. Here are some key benefits of the transition to Member365:

1. Improved User Experience: Member365 offers a user-friendly interface that will make navigating and accessing OADN resources, events, and member benefits easier.
2. Enhanced Communication: With Member365, we can communicate with you more effectively through targeted emails, newsletters, and announcements tailored to your interests and preferences.
3. Centralized Membership Management: Member365 provides a centralized platform for managing your membership profile, renewals, event registrations, and other interactions with OADN, making it more convenient for you to engage with us.
4. Delegate Support Staff Access: Heeding the advice of our members, deans and directors will now be able to delegate their system access for the purposes managing faculty member lists, payments and invoicing, and overall program administration. Each nursing program administrator can delegate access to up to three other individuals (faculty, support staff, or financial administrators), each with their own system logins and passwords. This feature facilitates OADN membership renewal and updates, and is flexibly designed for both large and small nursing programs.
5. Many More Exciting Features to Launch in 2024:
   1. Member Directory
   2. Member-to-Member Messaging & Collaboration
   3. Committee & Task Force Workspaces
   4. Job Board
   5. Manage Annual Giving to the OADN Foundation
   6. Digital Membership & Recognition Certificates
   7. Continuing Education Management and More!

As we transition to Member365, we will provide detailed instructions on how to access the new platform and update your membership profile. Rest assured that we will make every effort to ensure a smooth transition and minimize disruptions to your membership experience. This transition will ultimately benefit our members by providing a more efficient and engaging platform for collaboration and professional development.

If you have any questions or concerns about the transition to Member365, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at OADN@oadn.org.

As always, we value your feedback and are committed to supporting you throughout this process.

Thank you for your continued support of OADN.

 

Make the Decision TODAY to Attend the OADN Convention!

Dear OADN Members,

This year, we will celebrate OADN’s 40th Anniversary Convention from October 31 to November 2 in Tampa, Florida. The convention’s theme, “Bridging the Past to Build the Future”, is centered on the commitment to deliver excellence in associate degree nursing education and support the future generation of registered nurses over the next 40 years and beyond.

Leadership guru Craig Groeschel states that today’s decisions determine the stories we tell tomorrow. If you want to tell a story of providing excellence in ADN nursing education, you must make strategic, purposeful decisions that lead you to achieve that goal. Thus, I encourage you to commit to attending the convention today.

“Intentionally invest your resources today to accomplish your goals and fulfill your mission in the future.” –@craiggroeschel

Many of us view our resources as limited—we only have so much time, and our budgets are often constrained. It’s time to shift that view and see attending the convention in terms of the return on investment. When investing, you do not expect an equal return—you desire an exponentially larger one. When you attain higher expertise in ADN education, your organization improves, aligning with its mission to support the next generation of nurses. This translates into an exponential return on investment, enhancing the impact of your efforts!

OADN is the most comprehensive resource for ADN faculty, directors, and deans. Advocate for your program by seeking administrative support to attend the convention. Initiating this request in advance will allow them to earmark the required funds. OADN has developed a template letter for requesting support, which you can customize to justify your budget and travel needs.

This year, we have an exceptional lineup of speakers, including Jason A Schwartz, Desiree Diaz, Danielle McCamey, and Jaqueline McMillian-Bohler. They will touch on critical issues related to associate degree nursing education, such as the Next Generation National Licensing Exam (NCLEX), and pertinent topics to expand your thinking on leadership, innovation, and advocacy. The remainder of the convention agenda is filled with education sessions and workshops on the topics that interest you most, including enhancing clinical judgment, evaluation and accreditation, simulation, NCLEX preparation, and promoting diversity. This exclusive information is essential for nurse educators, enabling us to fulfill our mission of educating quality nurses. Participating in the convention fosters networking relationships that lead to innovative ideas, support systems, and actionable solutions from other programs experiencing similar challenges. It provides a platform for exchanging best practices and advancing ADN education.

You will also have time to experience downtown Tampa and all it offers. The early bird registration is $795, and OADN has negotiated the best rates for accommodations at the JW Marriott ($279/night + tax) and adjoining Marriott Tampa Water Street ($259/night + tax). The hotel is on the waterfront in downtown Old Tampa, an area known for dining, walking, and beautiful outdoor spaces.

Plan to elevate your program and faculty’s excellence in ADN education starting now! Pursue funding opportunities and prioritize self-investment. There is no comparable education and networking experience designed for ADN educators. Stay tuned for upcoming emails detailing the convention schedule and registration process.

It will be a rewarding experience. I hope to see you there!

Mariann Harding, Ph.D., RN, CNE, FAADN
OADN Treasurer and Board Liaison, Abstract Review Committee