Please join us for the 2023 Virtual OADN Town Hall & Annual Business Meeting on Tuesday, December 5th from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Eastern to hear the latest news on important member initiatives and events directly from your OADN Board of Directors. We will also celebrate this year’s Academy of Associate Degree Nursing Fellows and OADN Foundation Award, Scholarship & Grant recipients. Stay informed and have your voice heard to help shape the future of our OADN STRONG community!
Per OADN bylaws, members may review the 2022 Town Hall minutes in advance. Please register for the OADN Virtual Town Hall here. Any questions, contact Amy.Owens@oadn.org .
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 Thanks Senators for Introducing the I CAN Act
On October 10, sixty-one members of the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) sent a letter thanking Senate Nursing Caucus Co-Chair, Senator Jeff Merkley, and Senator Cynthia Lummis, for introducing the Improving Care and Access to Nurses (I CAN) Act (S.2418).
NCC Thanks Members of Congress for Introducing the Nurse Corps Tax Parity Act in the House of Representatives
On October 16, fifty-seven members of the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) sent a letter thanking Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Brian Higgins (D-NY-26), Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02), and Mike Thompson (D-CA-04) for introducing the bipartisan Nurse Corps Tax Parity Act of 2023 (H.R.5080).
NCC Sends Letter Welcoming the New Chief Nurse Officer at the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps
On October 31, the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) sent a letter to RDML Jennifer Moon, welcoming her as the new Chief Nurse Officer at the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.
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 for the Record to the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health
On September 18, forty-seven members of the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) sent a statement for record for the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health hearing on, “VA’s Federal Supremacy Initiative: Putting Veterans First?” The NCC urged support for removing barriers to practice and allowing for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) to practice to the full extent of their education and abilities within the VA.
OADN is excited to announce new learning opportunities for novice faculty in Fall 2023. Kaplan, a renowned leader in educational resources and support, is continuing its exclusive webinar series tailored specifically for new nurse educators!
We understand that transitioning into the role of a nurse educator can be both rewarding and challenging. This new webinar series aims to equip you with the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools to succeed in your teaching journey and positively impact the next generation of nurses.
The 2023 Novice Nurse Educator Webinar Series will provide:
Comprehensive Content: The webinar series covers a wide range of topics essential for new nurse educators, including innovative teaching strategies, curriculum development, classroom management, assessment techniques, fostering critical thinking, and much more.
Expert Presenters: You will have the opportunity to learn from distinguished nursing education experts with extensive experience in academia. They will share best practices, insights, and practical tips to empower you in your role as an educator.
Interactive Sessions: These webinars are designed to be engaging and interactive, allowing you to actively participate, ask questions, and connect with other nurse educators facing similar challenges and opportunities.
Flexibility: Kaplan understands the demands of your busy schedules. The webinars will be recorded, so if you are unable to attend a live session, you can access the content at your convenience.
Ongoing Support: Beyond the webinar series, Kaplan is committed to providing ongoing support to all participants, including access to valuable resources, follow-up materials, and networking opportunities.
How to Participate:
Participating in the webinars is free of charge. OADN members are encouraged to register for each webinar that meets your faculty development needs.
Novice Nurse Educator Webinar Series*
Date
Topic
Registration Link
October 12
Test Security and Best Practices for the Testing Environment Presented by: Dr. Agnes DiStasi DNP, RN, CNE
*There is no cost to attend webinars. For more details about speakers, subtopics, links to join the webinars, and recordings of webinars, please use the button below. We look forward to seeing you!
Recordings from the Novice Nurse Educator Webinar Series
Kaplan and OADN believe that investing in your professional development as a nurse educator is an investment in the future of nursing education. By joining this webinar series, you will be empowered to shape the next generation of nurses and contribute to the continuous improvement of nursing education. We extend our gratitude to Kaplan for offering this exceptional opportunity and supporting our mission to advance nursing education and the associate degree pathway.
Stay tuned for further updates on more webinars in this series coming this fall! To learn more about how Kaplan can help support you and your students, please reach out to your regional representative or request more information on Kaplan’s website.
Thank you for your dedication to nursing education, and we look forward to seeing you at the upcoming webinars!
I hope this message finds each of you in good health and high spirits as we welcome the vibrant autumn season! Just as Mother Nature is undergoing her natural course, we too are witnessing a transformative shift in healthcare and, consequently, nursing education.
In the aftermath of a global pandemic, which we dare not claim to have fully overcome, combined with disconcerting shifts in legislation, and persistent social challenges such as police brutality, racial inequality, and health care disparities and the marginalization of LGBTQ individuals, it is evident that our communities are experiencing significant changes. Moreover, as the tapestry of our society is being redefined in terms of “race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, national origin, immigration status, religion, values, political identity, functional ability, sexuality, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language, learning preferences, and career goals,” the necessity for nursing curricula that reflect this evolving reality could not be more apparent. The call for a nursing workforce distinguished by heightened empathy and cultural competence is now more urgent than ever before. Achieving this requires nursing curricula that truly acknowledges the lived experiences of the communities it serves.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have emerged as formidable responses to the call for change in nursing education. As the national voice for community college nursing education and associate degree nursing pathways, the Organization For Associate Degree Nursing (OADN) is committed to advancing the principles of DEI in nursing education. This commitment has led to the introduction of the OADN Toolkit.
I have the distinct privilege of serving as Co-Chair of the OADN DEI Committee. In response to the shifting demographics and evolving needs of our communities, the OADN Toolkit was developed by the committee as a proactive step towards integrating DEI strategies in nursing curricula and fostering a nursing workforce that better represents and understands the diverse makeup of our society. OADN recognizes that to deliver culturally competent care, our nursing workforce must mirror the diversity of our current communities. Hence, the toolkit aims to equip educators, students, and administrators with the tools necessary to evaluate and transform nursing curricula to meet the needs of a rapidly changing society.
The toolkit is a collection of resources, drawing from the insights of nursing experts, designed to guide you through the process of assessing and implementing DEI concepts into your nursing curriculum. I urge each of you to access the OADN Toolkit, not as a prescription plan but as a versatile framework to guide your efforts towards a more inclusive and equitable nursing education curriculum. Employ it to scrutinize your existing curriculum, identify potential gaps, and put into practice evidence-based DEI strategies. Also, I hope you will consider joining me for a special session on Incorporating Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Associate Degree Nursing Education as I introduce the OADN Toolkit at 9AM PDT on Saturday, November 18th during the OADN Convention, Turning the Tide of Nursing Education, this November 15th – 18th at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, California. 2023 OADN Convention Schedule
As we usher into a new season, the OADN Toolkit signifies a commitment to embracing change and progress in nursing education. Consider it a compass, guiding us toward a future where nursing education reflects the richness of our communities and equips our nursing workforce with the skills, knowledge, and compassion needed to provide exceptional care to all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances. Together, we can shape the future of nursing education and make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of our society.
Patricia Nabal, DNP, FNP, RN-BC
OADN Midwest Regional Director
Associate Dean, Nursing (AAS)
City Colleges of Chicago School of Nursing, Malcom X College
Please join OADN in congratulating the 2023 Inductees to the Academy of Associate Degree Nursing!
Academy members are those actively engaged in associate degree nursing education or practice, with proven records of excellence in their institutions and a demonstrated commitment to the health of their communities.
The honorary academy fellowship recognizes those individuals who have worked to transform health and education throughout the breadth of their careers. Honorary fellows have worked in education and practice, as well as other fields such as advocacy and service.
OADN celebrates all fellows of the AADN and their remarkable contributions to students, faculty, patients, communities, and the nurse leaders of tomorrow. Fellows will be inducted on November 16, 2023, during the OADN Convention at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, CA.
2023 Academy Fellows
Rita Armstrong, DNP, MSN Ed, RN
Nursing Program Director
Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Janeen Berndt, ADN, BSN, MSN, DNP, RN, CNE, CHSE, ACNS-BC National Director of Clinical Innovation and Integration
Galen College of Nursing
Louisville, Kentucky
Cynthia Maskey, PhD, RN, CNE
Dean of Health Professions
Lincoln Land Community College
Springfield, Illinois
Nancy N. Perry, DNP, RN, CNE
Nursing Program Director and
Allied Health Division Chair
Carroll Community College
Westminster, Maryland
Michael Wayne Rager, PhD, DNP, MSN, FNP-BC, APRN, CNE
Chief Nursing Officer
Beckfield College
Florence, Kentucky
Tammy Vant Hul, PhD, MSN, RN, ACNP, CNE
Dean, School of Nursing
Riverside City College
Riverside, California
Heather V. Westerfield, DNP, RN, CNE, CMSRN
Director of Nursing and Professor of Nursing
Chesapeake College
Wye Mills, Maryland
Anna Williams, MNSc, RN, CNE
Assistant Professor of Nursing
University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Nursing
Little Rock, Arkansas
Sandra Reed Wilson, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, CNE
Director of Nursing
Crowder College
Neosho, Missouri
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 Thanks Rep. Underwood and Sen. Booker for Introducing the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act
On August 1, fifty-one members of the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) sent a letter to Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) and Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) thanking them for introducing the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act (H.R.3305/S.1606).
OADN Elects Members to the Board of Directors & Nominating Committee
Board Treasurer & Secretary Appointments Announced
Many thanks to each of you who voted in the 2023 OADN Elections. Your votes represent a strong demonstration of your commitment to OADN and associate degree nursing education.
Based on your votes, we have the pleasure of announcing our newly elected OADN leaders. However, before doing so, we want to acknowledge the individuals who served on this year’s Nominating Committee: Chair Johni Beth Teague, Sofia John, Jennifer Smith, and committee advisor Katharine Elliott. These individuals worked diligently throughout the year to recruit and vet the many talented candidates on this year’s ballot. We are grateful to all the exceptional candidates who ran for office this year.
The OADN Board of Directors would also like to extend their gratitude to those candidates who applied for the Board Treasurer and Secretary appointed positions. Thank you to these accomplished and highly qualified members who answered the call to serve our national association.
Please join us in congratulating this year’s election winners:
President-Elect
Director Midwest Region
Director Southeast Region
Lynette V. Apen, DNP, RN, CNS, CNE
Director, Research Operations Strategy
Office of Research, Patient Care Services
Stanford Health Care
Palo Alto, California
Patricia Nabal, DNP, BS, FNP, RN-BC
Associate Dean of Nursing
City Colleges of Chicago
Malcom X College
Chicago, Illinois
Audria Denker, DNP, RN, FAADN, ANEF
Executive Vice President of Nursing
Galen College of Nursing
Louisville, Kentucky
OADN Announces $3,000 in Monetary Awards to the
Top Faculty & Student Posters at the 2023 OADN Convention in San Diego Made possible through the generous support of:
The Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN) is pleased to announce $3,000 in poster awards for the top faculty and student posters at the 2023 Convention, November 15 – 18 to be held at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego. Poster presentations and judging will take place on Friday, November 17, with awards being announced during the final general session on Saturday, November 18.
Trajecsys Corporation, a leading provider for Centralized Clinical Recordkeeping for Associate Degree of Nursing Schools and Programs, is continuing its support of the OADN and OADN Foundation in 2023.
“We are excited and honored to support nursing faculty through our Trajecsys Leadership Institute Scholarships and through our sponsorship of the 2023 OADN Convention poster awards,” said Brian Bright, CEO of Trajecsys. “We are thrilled to be able to give back to the nursing community and help support the next generation of nursing leaders.” Trajecsys provides nursing programs with proven tools to help manage and track nursing student time and attendance, skills tracking, forms, evaluations, and student surveys, as well as program Systemic Plan of Evaluation with our patented SPE Module – available to OADN members.
Post University is also a proud sponsor of the 2023 Student & Faculty Poster Awards this year. American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Post University offers a myriad of degree programs including RN-BSN, RN-BSN/MSN, MSN, MSN-NP, DNP, and MBA-Healthcare.
“Post University is proud to sponsor the poster process in order to support students’ research efforts, provide opportunities to sharpen presentation skills, and increase visibility within the research community,” said Kimberly Nerud Ph.D., RN, who serves as dean for American Sentinel College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Post University.
Thanks to the generous support of Tracjecsys and Post University, the top three posters in both faculty and student categories will be awarded:
First Prize: $750
Second Prize: $500
Third Prize: $250
Poster presentations provide students with the opportunity to present original research, hone their evidence-based practice competencies, and develop their skills as public speakers. Top consideration will be given to poster abstracts that present well-designed research or demonstration projects, particularly those that are evidence-based and include data.
This year’s convention theme, Turning the Tide of Nursing Education, focuses on innovative strategies and solutions to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing associate degree nursing (ADN). Nursing students have weathered community societal challenges and have emerged resilient recognizing the need to rise up and create a better today and turn the tide for a brighter future. Our joint journey through recent past challenges shined the spotlight on many key areas that ADN programs are now addressing to better prepare new graduate nurses.
Deadline for Student Posters extended to October 16, 2023
Students must be enrolled in a pre-licensure registered nursing program of any degree type. Graduate and RN-BSN students are not eligible.
Reflections on Leadership: Sustaining Excellence through Succession Planning
Dear OADN Members,
I hope this message finds you at the end of a pleasant summer break and ready to embrace a new fall academic term. I’ve always loved the first day of the school year as it is an exciting time to engage with new students and share innovative ideas for instruction. It also ushers in a renewed enthusiasm and commitment to guide our students on their journey toward becoming a nurse. For me, this season looks very different. In June, I retired from a program leadership role after 29 years, and now I am discovering my new normal. As I reflect, I am grateful to OADN for the invaluable resources it offers our programs, faculty, and students. In particular, I am indebted to the OADN Leadership Institute for helping support my program’s leadership succession plan.
Fifteen years ago, my predecessor believed in my ability as a future leader. Her vision for me was cast, and a succession plan was set in motion. For four years prior to my predecessor’s exit, she mentored me in an intentional way that in the end, yielded a seamless transition for our program. I wanted the same experience when developing my own succession plan. I recognized the leadership potential in one of my faculty members, so I supported her participation in the OADN Leadership Institute. Through her immersive experience in the cohort based OADN Leadership Institute, she gained tremendous insight into her own leadership capacity, which directly contributed to her pursuing the Program Administrator role at our school upon my retirement. This serves as an exemplar of three generations of leaders who benefitted from mentoring support along with expert guidance offered in the OADN Leadership Institute.
With the reality of faculty and program administrator shortages, we must consider succession planning as a solution for approaching retirements. Navigating the tumultuous waters of institutions that do not support succession planning requires great finesse. It involves open and transparent dialogue when approaching college officials. As is often the case, our nursing programs don’t fit the typical mold of other college departments. We are obliged to deliver strong outcomes to remain a viable program in the eyes of our regulatory and accrediting bodies. As program leaders, we must help college administrators understand the importance of seamless transitions to sustain those outcomes, which ultimately benefit our students, the nursing workforce, and the communities we serve.
Open and transparent dialogue is also necessary when approaching someone who possesses leadership potential. Casting that vision might be the first step in helping that person see themselves in a leadership role. Once identified, the purposeful work of mentoring can begin. Even though a formal succession plan was not in place at our school, I knew the success of our program required intentional action. For two years prior to my exit, I worked with my successor, introducing her to key people in our institution as well as in our community and state. When challenging situations arose, I asked her opinion, and with each exchange of ideas, her confidence grew. When the time came to find a new Program Administrator, the job was posted to uphold the process, but by that time the new leader had been identified and accepted, not just by me, but by her colleagues.
I encourage you to consider the OADN Leadership Institute for your own faculty leadership development and succession planning needs. Over the past two years, seven cohorts have successfully completed this outstanding program. OADN will soon launch the next round of applications for this one-of-a-kind member benefit. If, like me, you see an emerging leader on your team, this is the perfect time to consider supporting that individual by encouraging them to apply for the 2024 OADN Leadership Institute. Doing this ensured a seamless transition for my faculty and students and provided me with the confidence to move on from a program that I loved serving for 29 years.
What better way to leave a meaningful legacy than by taking the time to nurture a colleague, invest in their leadership journey through the OADN Leadership Institute and ensure your program’s sustained excellence?
Karen LaMartina, PhD, MSN, RN
OADN President
karen.larmartina@oadn.org
December 5th from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Eastern to hear the latest news on important member initiatives and events directly from your OADN Board of Directors. We will also celebrate this year’s Academy of Associate Degree Nursing Fellows and OADN Foundation Award, Scholarship & Grant recipients. Stay informed and have your voice heard to help shape the future of our OADN STRONG community!
