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June 2005
News Watch
On August 9, 2005, AACN will present the first Clinical
Nurse Leader (CNL) Faculty Development Workshop at the University
of Kansas School of Nursing in Kansas City, KS. All academic and
clinical faculty participating in the CNL project are invited to
attend this workshop which will facilitate designing master’s
curriculum, developing didactic and clinical experiences, preparing
preceptors, and shaping immersion experiences. The CNL workshop
precedes a two-day conference co-sponsored by AACN and the Plexus
Institute titled “Complexity Science: Opportunities for Nursing
Education” on August 10-11, 2005. This introduction to complexity
science is designed for pioneering educators who are committed to
making major improvements to nursing education, research, practice
and leadership by tapping the latest advances in science.
Earlier this month, U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine
Chao announced the award of $12 million in grants to fund health
care and biotechnology training projects under the President's High
Growth Job Training Initiative. Almost $3 million of this funding
will be used to address the nurse faculty shortage. AACN member
schools receiving funding include Pace University’s Lienhard
School of Nursing, the University of Utah, and the University of
Wisconsin- Milwaukee. Read more about all grant
recipients on the Web.
Schools looking to obtain grants through the
High Growth initiative are encouraged to apply for funding through
the Community-Based
Job Training Grant Program. These grants aim to foster capacity
building through community-based strategic partnerships to train
workers for high growth, high demand industries such as registered
nursing. In FY 2005, $248 million is allocated for these grants.
Based on current authority, senior colleges and universities are
eligible for funding. The definitions in the US Code that accompany
the Eligibility Requirements state that schools granting baccalaureate
degrees may apply.
With input from a large number of member schools,
AACN has compiled a new report on articulation agreements between
associate degree (ADN) and baccalaureate (BSN) nursing programs.
Articulation agreements are widely used to facilitate the transfer
of credit and encourage educational mobility. Currently, 31 states
and the District of Columbia maintain statewide articulation agreements,
including 8 states that mandate credit transfer between programs
at public institutions. Schools in the remaining 19 states have
created hundreds of individual articulation agreements to facilitate
baccalaureate degree completion.
4.
PROPOSED
HOUSE BILL SPARES FUNDING FOR NURSING EDUCATION
On June 9, the House Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education (LHHS) Subcommittee "marked up" its bill
for FY 2006. Nursing Workforce Development Programs, Title VIII
of the Public Health Service Act (PHSA), received $149.99 million
from the Subcommittee, equal to the President's request. As a result,
Title VIII sustained less than a 1% cut from the FY 2005 funding
level of $150.68 million. However, Health Professions Education
Programs (Title VII, PHSA) received $47.13 million, funding only
the Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students (SDS) Program. This
equals an 84% cut overall since Title VII received $299.57 million
in FY 2005. On June 16, the full House Appropriations Committee
marked up the bill leaving funding levels for nursing programs unchanged.
The Committee did transfer $12 million from SDS to Centers of Excellence
programs maintaining that funding level.
In addition, the National Institute of Nursing Research
(NINR) received $138.73 million, $657,000 more than in FY 2005.
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality was level funded
at $318.7 million. View a detailed chart on proposed FY
2006 funding levels for health programs.
5.
SUMMER
SEMINAR COMING TO VANCOUVER, BC IN JULY
Join colleagues at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver July
24-27, 2005 for AACN's annual Summer Seminar. Under the theme "Interprofessional
Education and Research: Considerations for Nursing Education",
participants will explore several programs characterized by noteworthy
models, beneficial collaborations, and a history of success in collaborations
among health care disciplines. Topics are applicable to any nursing
school with the potential to share resources and partner with another
health care or other discipline in educational and/or research programs.
The conference is for deans, directors, chairs, other academic leaders,
and faculty interested in the topics. Participants will be encouraged
to share perspectives, ideas, concerns, and successful strategies.
6.
BUREAU OF HEALTH
PROFESSIONS HOLDS ALL-GRANTEE CONFERENCE
On June 1-3, the Bureau of Health Professions held
their first All-Grantee Conference in Washington, DC to discuss
the Bureau’s proposed Performance Measurement System and showcase
the work of grant recipients. Nursing was well-represented at this
crowded event, and AACN Executive Director Polly Bednash delivered
the closing address. All presentations
from the meeting are posted online. Please also note:
- The federal Division of Nursing received
fewer than expected numbers of grant applications this year for
Nursing Workforce Diversity Grants and are encouraging more applications
in the next round of funding. Program administrators also called
for more applications in the areas of cultural competence, nurse-managed
health centers and managed care improvement.
- The Bureau is seeking input on the agency’s
new Performance Measurement System which is highlighted in several
meeting presentations. Feedback on program, core and national
measures outlined in the draft plan should be sent to Annette
Debisette at debisette@hrsa.gov.
7.
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
OFFERS GRADUATE NURSING SCHOLARSHIPS
The American Cancer Society, the largest not-for-profit
funding source for cancer research and training, invites applications
from master’s and doctoral nursing students. Master’s
Degree Scholarships in Cancer Nursing are available for graduate
students and may be renewed for up to two years in the annual amount
of $10,000. Doctoral Degree Scholarships in Cancer Nursing are available
to students pursuing doctoral study in cancer nursing in the areas
of research, education, administration, or clinical practice. Awards
are made for up to four years with a stipend of $15,000 per year.
The Society offers several other research and training grants in
addition to these offerings. Application deadlines are December
1.
8.
AACN
SUPPORTS JCAHO CONFERENCE ON HEALTH PROFESSIONS EDUCATION
AACN is serving as a sponsoring organization for
an upcoming conference sponsored by the Joint Commission on Accreditation
of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) titled “Transforming Health
Care Professional Education: Core Competencies, Microsystems and
New Training Venues.” Coming September 14-15, to the Hyatt
Rosemont in Chicago, attendees will gain insights into changes in
health professions education that are centered on implementing the
IOM's five core competencies. Presenters will discuss innovations
in education and practice that can be applied to enhance patient
safety, health outcomes, professional satisfaction, and efficiency.
All will be encouraged to contribute to recommendations for improving
education and practice.
9.
HRSA SEEKS NURSE FACULTY
TO SERVE AS GRANT REVIEWERS
The Health Resources and Services Administration
(HRSA) has issued a call for grant reviewers to help the agency
select the best programs from competitive groups of applicants.
Reviewers are chosen for specific grant programs based on their
knowledge, education and experience. Grant review panels are selected
to reflect diversity of ethnicity, gender, experience and geography.
Reviewers gain understanding of the grant-making process while enjoying
the opportunity to network with colleagues. HRSA grant reviews usually
are held in the Washington, DC area and last for 3-5 days. HRSA
makes all logistical arrangements and pays for travel expenses and
other costs. Each reviewer receives an honorarium.
10.
AACN LEADERSHIP NETWORKS
NOW ACCEPTING NEW MEMBERS
Enrollment is now underway for faculty wishing to
participate in AACN’s seven Leadership Networks. The networks
provide a forum for nursing school faculty and staff to connect
with colleagues nationwide while engaged in professional development
activities and resource sharing. Working through the networks, peer
professionals will share best practices and success stories, sharpen
leadership skills, and take full advantage of AACN resources. The
seven networks include Organizational Leadership, Instructional
Leadership, Research Leadership, Practice Leadership, Business Officers
of Nursing Schools, Nursing Advancement Professionals, and Graduate
Nursing Admissions Professionals. The annual membership fee is $100
per person per network. Faculty and staff may participate in multiple
networks, and schools may send more than one representative to each
network.
11.
DIRECTORY
OF STATE NURSING WORKFORCE REPORTS COMPILED
As part of AACN’s work to keep members updated
on issues impacting nursing education and workforce supply, AACN
has created this new directory of State Nursing Workforce Reports.
As new reports are released in your state, please let us know by
sending an email to rrosseter@aacn.nche.edu.
In addition to the posted reports, the following studies have been
in the news this month:
- Researchers at the University of California,
San Francisco predict that the state’s nursing shortage may
reach as high as 122,000 RNs by the year 2030. In this study commissioned
by the California Board of Registered Nursing, the authors conclude
that efforts to increase the number of nursing school graduates
are the “only plausible solution to the shortage.”
- The Maryland Hospital Association
reported that the state’s RN vacancy rate is 9.2 percent,
which is down substantially from the 15.6 rate recorded in 2001.
Maryland still needs almost 1,500 nurses to lower the vacancy
rate below 7 percent.
12.
WINNERS
ANNOUNCED FOR THE 2004 SECRETARY’S AWARD
The Secretary's Award for Innovations in Health Promotion
and Disease Prevention recognizes forward-thinking proposals by
health professions students and generates creative strategies for
addressing goals outlined in HHS' “Healthy People 2010: Understanding
and Improving Health.” The program is sponsored by HRSA's Bureau
of Health Professions in collaboration with the Federation of Associations
of Schools of the Health Professions, and is coordinated by AACN.
13.
THREE
ELNEC COURSES OFFERED IN 2005 FOR NURSE FACULTY
The End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium
(ELNEC) is sponsoring three upcoming training programs for nursing
faculty looking to develop new expertise. On August 3-5, 2005 the
third ELNEC-Pediatric Palliative Care Course will be held in Pasadena,
CA. On October 10-12, 2005, an ELNEC-Core Course, funded by Archstone,
will be held for California faculty members only. On October 28-30,
2005 the first ELNEC-Core course for undergraduate nursing faculty
in three years will be held in Washington, DC. For questions, contact
ELNEC Director Pam Malloy at pmalloy@aacn.nche.edu.
14.
AACN WELCOMES SUMMER INTERNS
AACN welcomes two interns for the summer semester:
Kae Rivers Livsey, MPH, RN, and Tracy Lehmann, BSN. Ms. Livsey returns
to AACN after interning with us last fall. A doctoral candidate
at George Mason University, Ms. Livsey is also a graduate research
assistant as well as an adjunct clinical faculty member. She is
working with the Government Affairs staff on faculty funding and
other issues related to Title VIII, PHSA. Ms. Lehmann is a master's
student at the University of Maryland in the Adult Primary Care
Nurse Practitioner program and a graduate teaching assistant. She
is also pursuing a post-master's certificate in nursing education.
Ms. Lehmann is working with the Government Affairs staff on advocacy
and public health policy issues.
15.
CALL FOR
NOMINATIONS ISSUED FOR 2006 AACN BOARD ELECTIONS
AACN’s Nominating Committee has issued a Call
for Nominations for candidates to fill five Board seats and two
committee vacancies. Chaired by Dr. Timothy Gaspar from Winona State
University, the committee will choose the slate of candidates at
the 2005 Fall Semiannual Meeting based on nominations and the committee’s
deliberations. The positions under consideration are President-Elect,
Secretary, Board Member-at-Large (3 vacancies), and Nominating Committee
(2 vacancies). Nominations must be received by 5pm on October 22,
2005.
16.
INPUT
NEEDED ON PROPOSED COMMUNITY COLLEGE-BSN POSITION STATEMENT
AACN invites faculty and deans from member institutions
to provide comments on a draft position statement related to baccalaureate
nursing programs offered at community colleges by July 1, 2005.
The AACN Board of Directors will review these comments at their
meeting in July, and then re-issue the draft statement with any
revisions by September 1. AACN members will vote on the position
statement at the October meeting. The statement is posted online.
Please send comments and suggestions to Robert Rosseter, AACN director
of public affairs, at rrosseter@aacn.nche.edu.
17.
NEW PARTNERSHIPS AND GRANT-FUNDED INITIATIVES
In this section, AACN spotlights new partnerships
and initiatives launched by members, corporate citizens, philanthropies,
and government sponsors that effectively increase student capacity,
add new nursing faculty, increase student diversity, address the
nursing shortage, and enhance the way education is delivered.
- The University of Maryland School of Nursing
is partnering with Shady Grove Adventist Hospital (SGAH) on a
new initiative called “Teach
for the Health of It” which will move a significant number
of RNs into faculty positions in a short period of time. The School
of Nursing and SGAH have established an agreement where the School
will use the hospital’s master’s prepared specialists
as clinical faculty for the traditional baccalaureate program.
This agreement will allow the school to admit an additional eight
BSN students in fall 2005.
- Georgia
Baptist College of Nursing is partnering with Piedmont
Healthcare in Atlanta to help recruit, educate and ultimately
place more nurses in the health system and the community at large.
The partnership includes efforts to increase the number of nursing
graduates, an enhanced nursing clinical practice at Piedmont,
and additional faculty opportunities. Both partners will share
resources and costs, hold community activities to promote healthcare/nursing
careers, and establish an annual nursing research conference.
A Piedmont Scholars program is being established to attract highly
qualified applicants into nursing.
18.
MEMBER NEWS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND AWARDS
- Dr. Elizabeth C. Poster, Dean of University
of Texas-Arlington School of Nursing, was appointed to the
executive committee of the Health Education Training Centers Alliance
of Texas (HETCAT). A federally supported group, HETCAT is charged
with creating an educational structure to train health professionals
and other care providers to improve the supply, distribution,
quality and efficiency of health personnel in Texas, particularly
along the Texas-Mexico Border.
19.
AACN OUTREACH AND ADVOCACY UPDATE
- AACN attended the
12th Congress of Health Professions Educators on June 7 and
8, 2005. Among the topics discussed were the integration of clinical
prevention and population health into education, practice, and
research; the scope and implementation of the Clinical Prevention
and Population Health Curriculum Framework; and the translation
of prevention and population health evidence into clinical practice.
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AACN is supporting the Part-time Student
Assistance Act (H.R. 1390) sponsored by Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ).
This bill would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA)
to provide access and assistance to increase college attendance
and completion by part-time students. It would also direct the
Secretary of Education to establish a year-round Pell grant
pilot program for those students enrolled in twelve-month accelerated
degree programs, so that they could receive up to 133% of the
maximum Pell Grant limit for that academic year. Further, H.R.
1390 would increase the income protection allowance for federal
grant programs to $9,000 for dependent students and $12,000
for independent students; provide grants to institutions of
higher education for child care assistance for low-income students;
and authorize a demonstration program to address the needs of
part-time students.
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AACN is also supporting the Rural Health
Training Incentive Act (H.R. 1654) sponsored by Rep. Cathy McMorris
(R-WA). This bill would amend Title VII of the PHSA to provide
for demonstration projects to encourage health professionals
to practice in rural areas. Five grants will be awarded to accredited
schools of medicine or nursing, with priority to those schools
with either residency programs or clinical rotations in rural
medicine lasting at least two months or comprehensive approaches
to recruiting students and placing graduates in rural areas.
20.
OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES TO CONSIDER
- The American Organization
of Nurse Executives (AONE) has issued a call for abstracts
for breakout and poster sessions at the 39th AONE Annual Meeting
and Exposition coming April 19-22, 2006 to Orlando, Florida. Among
other topics, AONE is specifically looking for abstracts focused
on Clinical Nurse Leader demonstration projects. Abstracts must
be submitted by July 25.
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The Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health
Statistics (NCHS) and AcademyHealth
are seeking applicants for their 2006 Fellowship. This program
brings visiting scholars in health services research-related
disciplines to NCHS to collaborate on studies of interest to
policymakers and the health services research community using
NCHS data systems. Up to two individuals will be selected to
conduct research in residence at NCHS in Hyattsville, MD for
a 13-24 month period. Applications are welcomed from doctoral
students through senior researchers/faculty. The deadline to
apply is January 9, 2006.
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The third annual Translating
Research into Practice (TRIP) conference will be held on
July 18-20, 2005 in Washington, DC. This year's conference will
highlight two areas: obesity and health disparities reduction.
In addition, the conference will continue to provide an opportunity
to share innovative TRIP research and implementation methods,
case studies and other experiences.
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The National
Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) is hosting the
2005 NCLEX Invitational on September 19 at the Hilton New Orleans
Riverside in New Orleans, LA. Since 1999, the NCSBN Testing
Services department has hosted this annual conference to update
attendees on the core foundations of the NCLEX® examinations
and how they all play a key role in the development and administration
of the nurse licensure examination.
If you would like to subscribe to receive News Watch each month,
please e-mail apathak@aacn.nche.edu.
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