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Nursing Community Monthly Roundup – March 2024

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 Senator Merkley and Congresswoman Underwood for introducing the Future Advancement of Academic Nursing (FAAN) Act 
On March 29, fifty-nine members of the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) sent a letter thanking Senate Nursing Caucus Co-Chair, Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and House Nursing Caucus Vice Co-Chair and nurse, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), for reintroducing the Future Advancement of Academic Nursing (FAAN) Act (H.R.7266/S.3770). This bill would help enhance enrollment and recruitment of nursing students, hire and retain faculty, and support the modernization of nursing education infrastructure.

NCC Releases Statement Supporting Title VIII and NINR Funding in the President’s FY 2025 Budget
On March 12, the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) issued a statement supporting 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) 2025 Budget.

Trajecsys Offers New Premium Benefit to OADN Program Members

Exclusive Opportunity for OADN Members: Unlock a $5 Discount per Student for Trajecsys!

 

As valued members of the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN), we are thrilled to extend this exclusive new opportunity with Trajecsys!

OADN program members can now take advantage of a special $5 discount per student when paying at the published (standard one-time payment) rate for the Trajecsys Centralized Clinical Recordkeeping system.

This exclusive offer is designed to make your investment in education even more cost-effective, ensuring that you can provide top-notch learning experiences for your students.

Key details:

  • Program must be a current, active OADN program member
  • Discount: $5 off per student
  • Applicable Rate: Trajecsys Published Standard One-time Payment Pricing for Nursing

Qualifying Payment arrangements include the Trajecsys one-time payment program.

This is available to all ACTIVE OADN member programs during the term of the Trajecsys OADN corporate partnership agreement.

Current Tracjesys Clients
Please contact the dedicated nursing support team to begin receiving your discount: nursingsupport@trajecsys.com		 New to Tracjesys?
Contact Ron Bright
Director, Business Development/Nursing
Trajecsys Corporation
C 781.291.2360
800.741.7964 Ext 15
ron@trajecsys.com

Member Testimonial

“The Trajecsys application and support team provides an exceptional and stress-free experience.  The team engaged with us throughout our meetings and tailored the application to meet our specific requirements. The application is intuitive and easy to learn while providing complete transparency between the faculty and students regarding their weekly performance and overall progress. Our faculty and students have embraced the program.

The application houses our clinical grading forms and maintains those forms and attestations previously stored in cumbersome paper files for years. This digital transformation enhances data security and extends access well beyond the mandated retention periods. Both group and student-specific reports can be easily located and printed, which assists with efficiency initiatives and accreditation purposes.

Our experience with Trajecsys has been outstanding, and we wholeheartedly recommend it to others seeking a user-friendly, budget-friendly, and reliable solution!”

 

Dr. Mae Simoneaux DNP, RN, MEDSURG-BC, CNE, CNEcl
Director of Nursing | Chief Nursing Administrator
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Louisiana State University Eunice
Division of Health Sciences, Business Technology, and Public Protection and Safety
Eunice, LA

Trajecsys Strengthens Commitment to Nursing Education through Strategic Partnership with OADN

For IMMEDIATE Release

March 6, 2024 – Trajecsys, a pioneering leader in Centralized Clinical Recordkeeping for Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) Schools and Programs, proudly announces its strategic partnership with the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN). This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Trajecsys’ ongoing commitment to advancing nursing education and supporting the vital work of OADN in shaping the future of nursing professionals.

The announcement is a testament to Trajecsys’ dedication to nursing students and faculty and educational excellence. The company will continue to support OADN members with the Leadership Institute Scholarships, as well as the OADN Convention poster awards, which underscore Trajecsys’ commitment to fostering the growth and development of nursing leaders.

Karen LaMartina, Ph.D., MSN, RN, President of OADN, expressed her enthusiasm for the alliance, stating, “Trajecsys’ commitment to supporting our members and the nursing profession aligns with OADN’s mission to promote excellence in associate degree nursing programs. Together, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more dynamic nursing education landscape.”

Rick García, Ph.D., RN, CCM, FAAOHN, FNYAM, FAADN, Chief Executive Officer of OADN, added, “We are delighted to embark on this strategic partnership with Trajecsys and offer exclusive discounts on their innovative solutions exclusively for OADN members. This collaboration signifies a shared commitment to advancing nursing education and promoting excellence in ADN programs. We look forward to the positive impact this alliance will have on nursing education.”

Brian Bright, CEO of Trajecsys, said: “We are excited and honored to formally expand our support for ADN education programs and OADN members. 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 state-of-the-art tools designed to streamline and enhance various aspects of education management. These tools include features to manage and track nursing student time and attendance, skills tracking, forms, evaluations, and student surveys. Additionally, Trajecsys offers a Program Systematic Plan of Evaluation (SPE) with its innovative, patented SPE Tracker module, now available to OADN members.

The Trajecsys-OADN partnership exemplifies Trajecsys’ commitment to being a corporate partner that cares deeply about the success of nursing programs and the level of support provided to OADN members.

 

About OADN:
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.

About Trajecsys Corporation:
Trajecsys is a leading provider of Centralized Clinical Recordkeeping for Associate Degree of Nursing Schools and Programs. With a commitment to advancing nursing education, Trajecsys offers innovative tools to enhance the management and tracking of nursing student data, fostering an environment conducive to educational excellence. For more information about Trajecsys and its innovative solutions for nursing education, visit www.trajecsys.com.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Emily Trask
Director, Marketing
Trajecsys
emily@trajecsys.com		 Rick García
Chief Executive Officer
OADN
rick.garcía@oadn.org

OADN Voices: March Leadership Message

OADN Foundation Announces 2024 Scholarships, Awards, & Research Grant

On behalf of the OADN Foundation Board of Directors, I am pleased to announce the annual call for the Foundation scholarships, awards, and grants. The awarding of these prestigious scholarships, awards, and grants is another amazing benefit of your OADN membership. The OADN Foundation promotes the mission and vision of OADN through the development of resources and the recognition of scholarship and excellence in associate degree nursing education. Collaborating with our valued partners and sponsors, the OADN Foundation makes a difference for nurse educators, their students, and the communities they serve nationwide.

Over the years, I have observed how the OADN Foundation has grown in financial support to assist in the professional journey of faculty and students. On an annual basis the OADN Foundation has added more scholarships and awards resulting in significant financial support to our members and their students. The OADN Foundation Board of Directors works diligently throughout the year to raise funds to support OADN members and provide opportunities for them. This year, we have added two new scholarships for faculty and students supported by Level Up RN. There are many categories in the scholarships and awards, including academic excellence and progression, professional advancement, leadership development and community service, and scholarly research. The research grant is very important to OADN and the OADN Foundation as it aligns with the OADN strategic direction to “create a high-impact research agenda to support ADN education.”  This is an exceptional opportunity for those working on an advanced degree or completing research. Investments in these areas will benefit all and help support the future of associate degree nursing education. I would especially like to emphasize the many scholarships offered to students. The OADN Foundation depends on Deans, Directors, and faculty to announce student scholarship opportunities.

The OADN Foundation is also committed to celebrating individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedicated service in promoting associate degree nursing education and practice. We are proud to offer the ability to express gratitude and appreciation for a valued colleague, trusted mentor, visionary leader, and steadfast champion of associate degree nursing through the nomination of one of the Foundation’s four honorary awards: Bobbi Anderson Leadership Award, the Elsevier Educator of the Year Award, Nurse Think New Educator of the Year Award and the Donna Meyer Visionary Impact Award.

The application process for the Awards, Scholarships and Grants is straightforward to complete online. Please visit the OADN Foundation page at Foundation – OADN, click the link for the award, scholarship or grant of interest to read step-by-step instructions, and detailed eligibility and criteria requirements. You will find a direct Survey Monkey application link under the instructions for applicants’ section. We strongly encourage applicants and nominators to read the instructions carefully, gather all required materials, and thoroughly edit them before submitting an online application. The 2024 OADN Foundation Call for Awards, Scholarships and Grants Submission Deadline is June 1. 

In closing, I would like to express my appreciation to each of you for your commitment to associate degree nursing (ADN) education. These awards, scholarships, and grants are for you, our valued OADN members who embody the excellence of the ADN pathway.

Wishing you all the best,

 

 

Donna Meyer MSN RN ANEF FAADN FAAN
OADN CEO Emeritus
OADN Foundation President

Nursing Community Monthly Roundup – February 2024

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 Thanking Senator Durbin and Congresswoman Bonamici for introducing the Nurse Faculty Shortage Reduction Act
On February 13, fifty-one members of the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) sent a letter thanking Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01), along with other supporters, for introducing the Nurse Faculty Shortage Reduction Act (S.2815/H.R.7002). The letter also urged Congress to take up and pass this bill before the end of the year. This legislation would provide much needed grant funding to close the pay gap between faculty and clinical nurses.

OADN Voices: Celebrating Black Nurses

Continuing the Legacy:
Celebrating Black Nurses’ Contributions this Black History Month and Beyond

Dear OADN Members,

Though Black History Month is nearing its end, the contributions of Black nurses deserve continuous recognition. OADN expresses our sincere appreciation for the invaluable contributions of Black nurses to our most noble profession.

As a Black nurse of Haitian heritage, I humbly acknowledge that I am indebted to the giants whose shoulders I stand upon, such as Mary Eliza Mahoney, the first licensed Black American nurse in 1879, and Catherine Flon, the nurse most notably revered for sewing the Haitian flag but also serving as a nurse in the Haitian Revolution that lead to Haiti’s independence in 1804.

I also acknowledge the pioneers among us, including friends of OADN like Dr. Sheldon Fields, President of the National Black Nurses Association, Dr. Sharrica Miller, a trailblazing nursing leader and diversity, equity, and inclusion strategist, and  Dr. Marie O. Etienne, the first black President of the Florida American Nurses Association who is also of Haitian descent, as they continue to pave the way for future generations.

While this month serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment of Black nurses throughout history, I believe it’s crucial to extend this recognition beyond February. We must continuously celebrate the inspiring Black nursing students, educators, researchers, and practitioners who shape patient care, research, education, and advocacy every day.

As we acknowledge the strides made, we must also confront the persistent challenges rooted in systemic racism and inequity within healthcare. This serves as a call to action for us all to actively dismantle barriers and foster inclusivity in every aspect of nursing.

To our esteemed Black nurse colleagues, we extend our deepest gratitude for your dedication to advancing health equity and improving outcomes for all. Your tireless efforts in the face of adversity inspire us all to strive for a more just and equitable healthcare system.

As we move forward, let us reaffirm our commitment to honoring the past, celebrating the present, and shaping a future where diversity, equity, and inclusion are the cornerstones of nursing excellence. Together, we can create a profession that truly reflects the richness and diversity of the communities we serve.

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

Advocacy Trainings for Nurses – 2024 Webinar Series

OADN is excited to announce three new advocacy training webinars.

Each of these three webinars are open to all OADN members free of charge.

NOA has recognized the importance of advocacy and the role nursing associations and their individual members in leading change at the local, state, and national levels. We understand that our member organizations and individual members are key players in this effort. However, we have also identified common obstacles that can hinder our progress toward achieving our goals. At NOA, we are committed to working with our members to overcome these obstacles and continue advocating for the nursing community.

Session Dates and Topics:

  1. Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at 1:00-2:00 pm Eastern Time
    AARP’s Advocacy Strategy and the Campaign     with Winifred Quinn, PhD, FAANP(H), FAAN, Honoris Causa. Director, Advocacy and Consumer Affairs for the Center to Champion Nursing in America.
    Click Here to Register
  2. Thursday, February 22, 2024, at 3:00-4:00 pm Eastern Time
    Advocacy in Action: Learn How Capitol Hill Works and How to Effectively Communicate Your Message to Policymakers and Staff     with Julie Shroyer, MSW, President & CEO of Wheat Shroyer Government Relations.
    Click Here to Register
  3. Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at 2:00-3:00 pm Eastern TimeA Year on the Hill: Nurses Can Influence Policy Work with Brenda Baker, Director of Policy for the American Association of Colleges of Nursing; and Kristin Ashford, Associate Dean and Professor of undergraduate Programs and Health Policy for the University of Kentucky College of Nursing.
    Click Here to Register

 

Educational Speakers:

Winifred V. Quinn, PhD, FAANP(H), FAAN, Honoris Causa
Winifred Quinn is a nationally recognized 20+ year expert in health care policy, advocacy, outreach, and relationship management. Dr. Quinn helps direct a national campaign dedicated to improving health care through nursing.

 

 

 

Julie Shroyer, MSW, President & CEO, Wheat Shroyer Government Relations
Julie Shroyer has more than 35 years of federal health policy experience including service on Capitol Hill as committee staff and in senior positions in the non-profit and private sector. A respected advisor to congressional and presidential campaigns, she is sought after for her recognized expertise in health care and public policy.

 

 

 

Brenda Baker, PhD, RN, FAAN
Brenda Baker is the Director of Policy at the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kristin Ashford, PhD, WHNP-BC, FAAN
Kristin Ashford is a professor at the University of Kentucky College of Nursing where she serves as the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs and Health Policy. As a fellow of the Center for Interdisciplinary Health Education, she has led curricular transformation including integration of health policy competencies and instruction.

OADN Voices: February Leadership Message

Cultivating Moments That Matter with the OADN Leadership Institute

Dear OADN Members,

A book I am currently reading, The Power of Moments by Chip and Dan Heath, inspired my thinking about this leadership message. In the book, the authors discuss strategies to create meaningful moments rather than leaving them to chance. The strategies noted in the book support increasing impact by intentionally creating “moments of elevation, insight, pride, and connection.” Reflecting on the readings and strategies shared in the book, I see opportunities to create moments that matter in leading Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) education, particularly regarding academic nurse leadership development.

Recently published nursing literature describing the urgency of the workforce shortage of academic nurse leaders and the need for leadership competency development (Apen et al., 2021; Birkhead et al., 2024; & NCSBN, 2023) got me excited about the opportunity offered through the OADN Leadership Institute. The structure and content covered through the OADN Leadership Institute include strategies to cultivate moments that matter while developing the leadership competencies identified in the published research that are needed for effective academic nurse leaders.

The OADN Leadership Institute creates connections through a community of learners in a cohort-based program of emerging nursing education directors and faculty. This program provides participants with competencies and skills to lead advances in ADN education. I encourage you to consider this unique program offering to explore your next steps to becoming a more confident, influential leader. For experienced nursing program directors, as part of program succession planning, consider sponsoring faculty to ensure quality nursing education during leadership transitions.

Highlights of the OADN Leadership Institute include:

  • Virtual seminars – ½ day (4 hours) sessions designed to advance participant’s skills and competencies
  • Creation of a personal leadership development plan – to set and track current and future goals
  • Mentorship Experience – participants will meet regularly with identified mentors

The application cycle for the next OADN Leadership Institute cohort is open through February 23, 2024: Apply Here!

For Leadership Institute questions, please contact Mary Dickow, Director of Leadership Development, at mary.dickow@oadn.org.

I am honored to be a part of OADN, an association actively committed to creating impact through meaningful moments in ADN education. As an OADN member or prospective member, I hope you will leverage the resources offered through OADN, including applying or sponsoring participation in the upcoming Leadership Institute cohorts.

As you progress through this academic term, I wish you continued success and many opportunities to cultivate moments that matter for you as a nurse leader, your ADN programs, and the students you serve.

With Gratitude,

Lynette V. Apen, DNP, RN, CNS, CNE
OADN President-elect

 

 

References:

Apen, L.V., Rosenblum, R., Solvason, N., & Chan, G.K. (2021). Nursing academic leadership: An urgent workforce shortage in nursing education. Nursing Education Perspectives, 42(5), 305-309. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.nep.0000000000000851

Birkhead, S., Edwards, P.A., Nettleton, M. B, Oppenlander, J., & Stapleton, M. (2024). Roles and skills for effective academic nurse leaders. Journal of the American Nurses Association – New York, 3(1), 22-32. https://doi.org/10.47988/january.28237684.3.1

Heath, C. & Heath, D. (2017). The Power of Moments. Simon & Schuster, New York, NY.
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (2023). Environmental scan: Nursing at a crossroads- An opportunity for action. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 13(4), S1-S48. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2155-8256(23)00006-6

OADN Simulation Committee Honored with Society for Simulation in Healthcare’s 2024 Service in the Field of Virtual Simulation Award

The Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN) is pleased to announce that the OADN Simulation Committee has garnered the prestigious 2024 Service in the Field of Virtual Simulation Award from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH). SSH’s Virtual Simulation Section presented the award during the 2024 International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare (IMSH) Conference held in San Diego, California.

This award recognizes those who have modeled dedication, investment, and contributions that have facilitated the utilization of Virtual Simulations. The OADN Simulation Committee, known for its commitment to advancing simulation education in nursing, has been recognized for its outstanding service and creation of the OADN Virtual Simulation Reviews, a partnership between OADN and Unbound Medicine.

“OADN is deeply honored that the committee’s innovative initiatives, dedication to excellence, and tireless efforts to enhance simulation practices in nursing education have earned them this esteemed accolade,” said OADN President Karen LaMartina, Ph.D., MSN, RN. “The OADN Board of Directors congratulates the Simulation Committee for this well-deserved honor. As OADN celebrates its 40th anniversary, this award reinforces the organization’s commitment to shaping the future of nursing education and embracing advancements in simulation technology and practices.”

“At the height of the pandemic, the OADN Simulation Committee’sOADN Virtual Simulation Reviews founding members recognized the critical need for virtual simulation options while clinical learning experiences were drastically reduced or completely unavailable,” added OADN Chief Executive Officer Rick García, Ph.D., RN, CCM, FAAOHN, FNYAM, FAADN. “The committee developed a systematic review of virtual simulation options using the Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice (HSSOBP™), reviewed numerous products, and embarked on a campaign to educate nurse faculty on these standards and their application to virtual simulation products. We are all deeply proud of the committee’s accomplishments and record of service.”

OADN Simulation Committee Chair Janeen Berndt, DNP, RN, CNE, CHSE, ACNS-BC, expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “Receiving the 2024 Service in the Field of Virtual Simulation Award is a testament to the hard work and passion of our committee members. Early on, the committee decided that the resources we created should be broadly accessible to all nurse faculty who may need them. We remain dedicated to building nurse educators’ capacity to assess and utilize virtual simulation options for nursing programs.”

“The Virtual Simulation Reviews our committee developed were the first of their kind in health professions education,” noted committee member Elizabeth Robison, EdD, MSN, RN, CNE, CHSE-A. “The broad need for this resource created a platform for the committee’s other educational activities, including numerous webinars and conference presentations. Together, we have educated hundreds of faculty on the importance of the HSSOBP™ in all simulation modalities, as well as other critical issues such as diversity, equity, & inclusion in simulation and aligning simulation tools to the Next Generation NCLEX© exam.”

For more information about the OADN Simulation Committee and its initiatives, please visit the OADN Resource Library.

Several OADN Simulation Committee members gather at the 2023 OADN Convention in San Diego. Featured here (right to left): Anna Williams, MNSc, RN, CNE; Teresa Cooney, MSN, RN; Sami Rahman, RN, MEd, MSN; Tammy Schwabb, DNP, RN, CHSE; Liz Robison, EdD, MSN, RN, CNE, CHSE-A; Marci Dial, DNP, MSN, PMGT-BC, CHSE, LNC; and guest speaker Joanna A. Hall, MNSc, RN, CHSE.

Nursing Community Monthly Roundup – January 2024

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 Passing of Former Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson
On January 4, the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) issued a statement honoring the life and legacy of former Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, who passed away at the age of 89. The NCC had the privilege of working with her in Congress as she advocated for nursing on Capitol Hill. Her legacy will continue to be an inspiration to all.

NCC Sends Letter to Congressional Leadership Outlining FY 2024 Continuing Resolution Funding Requests for Title VIII and NINR
On January 9, all sixty-three 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 $302.472 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) 2024, as outlined in the Senate Appropriations Committee passed bill. The NCC urged Congress to avoid a long-term continuing resolution (CR) and fully fund these critical programs.

NCC Sends Letter to in Opposition to H.R.3347/S.2070, the Protect Lifesaving Anesthesia Care for Veterans Act of 2023
On January 25, forty-one members of the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) sent a letter outlining opposition to H.R.3347/S.2070, the Protect Lifesaving Anesthesia Care for Veterans Act of 2023. H.R.3347/S.2070 would unnecessarily, and unjustifiably, restrict access for our CRNAs within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), adversely impacting the health care of our nation’s veterans.