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May 2009 News Watch 1. Plan Now to Attend AACN's 40th Anniversary Celebration
1. PLAN NOW TO ATTEND AACN's 40th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Join colleagues at the Fall Semiannual Meeting, October 31-November 3, 2009 at the J.W. Marriott, Washington, DC in celebration of AACN's 40th anniversary. The program format remains the same, but we will enjoy a few nontraditional sessions during the event. The Saturday breakout sessions are "The Best of the Best" - several previously presented leader development topics that were particularly highly rated by attendees. The Sunday opening session features Dr. Ken Bain, author of What the Best College Teachers Do, speaking about his 15 years of research into what makes faculty influential and memorable. Next on the agenda is an unusual presentation by photographic artist Chris Jordan whose startling images provide a unique perspective on our culture of consumerism, and the difficulties we face as citizens of the world. Evening entertainment is provided by the Capitol Steps, the popular political satire troupe. Tuesday's closing session spotlights creativity in academe by Charles "Chic" Thompson, an academic himself and former employee of Walt Disney. Note that deans may bring multiple associate deans as guests for this special event. Full program and registration details will be available on the Web site and by mailed brochure in the next few weeks.
2. AACN LAUNCHES NEW CENTRALIZED APPLICATION SERVICE FOR NURSING On April 23, AACN announced the development of the first national Centralized Application Service for students applying to nursing programs with an anticipated start date of Spring 2010. This service, similar to ones in place for medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy, will provide applicants with a convenient way to apply to nursing programs while also serving as a mechanism to fill vacant seats in schools of nursing. Called Nursing CAS, the new service will offer prospective nursing students the option of completing one standardized application that can be disseminated to multiple schools for consideration. Applicants to nursing programs offered at the associates, baccalaureate, and graduate degree levels will be able to use Nursing CAS. “The new application service will enable U.S. nursing schools to maximize capacity by admitting more qualified applicants and filling all available seats in entry-level and graduate nursing programs,” said AACN President Fay Raines. See http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Media/NewsReleases/2009/cas.html. 3. NEW MARKETING TOOL KIT AVAILABLE FOR UHC-AACN RESIDENCY PROGRAM The University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC), AACN’s partner in the post-baccalaureate residency project, has developed a full set of marketing materials for nursing schools interested in sharing information about the nurse residency with their practice partners. Designed to transition recent graduates into the nursing workforce, the residency program is an effective tool for maximizing new nurse competency and raising nurse retention rates. The new marketing tool kit includes a benefits sheet, brochure, product offering list, and a handy Return on Investment calculator to help practice partners understand the cost savings potential of the program. For more details, see http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Education/NrsResToolkit.htm.
4. APPLY NOW FOR THE 2009 LEADERSHIP FOR ACADEMIC NURSING PROGRAM Make plans now to participate in the prestigious Leadership for Academic Nursing Program (LANP). The LANP fellowship gives prominence to a cadre of competitively selected leaders within AACN member schools. Given the shared concern about the future of nursing education and the need for thoughtful succession planning, creating a strong group of academic leaders is vitally important. Past LANP Fellows have called this educational opportunity "life changing", and many fellows have gone on to impressive academic promotions. The 2009 fellowship year will begin with a seminar in Kansas City, MO, on August 2-6, 2009. The application deadline is May 29, and final notifications will be sent by June 5th. Please share this opportunity with members of your faculty in mid- to upper-level leadership positions. Complete information is found at http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Education/LANP.htm. 5. REGIONAL MEETINGS SET FOR GENERALIST MASTER’S ESSENTIALS In an effort to be responsive to schools of nursing during these tough economic times, AACN is pleased to offer a reduced rate on conferences taking place in FY 2010 (July 2009-June 2010). Representatives from AACN member institutions will receive a deep discount on our regular conference fees ($399) when signing up in advance for at least three conferences. Through this offer, schools would pay $999 to register for three AACN conferences in advance. Signing up early for additional conferences would be at the reduced rate of $359 per conference. Schools wishing to pursue this offer do not need to identify the registrant for each conference in advance. That information can be sent to AACN closer to the time of the conferences. Members wishing to take advantage of this offer must complete the form found online at http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Conferences/discount.htm and return it to AACN by September 30, 2009. The discount is not available through online registration. Please direct any questions about this opportunity to AACN Conference Coordinator Erica Turner at eturner@aacn.nche.edu.
7. CNL CERTIFICATION EXAM DATES AND DEADLINES SET The next deadline to apply for the Clinical Nurse LeaderSM (CNL®) Certification Examination is just around the corner! June 19 is the deadline for the Commission on Nurse Certification (CNC) to receive CNL certification applications and for institutions/schools of nursing to register as an exam site for the July 20-August 21, 2009 testing period. Other testing periods include: November 30-December 18, 2009 with a registration deadline of October 20, 2009; and January 11-19, 2010 with a registration deadline of December 4, 2009. CNL program directors are responsible for coordinating an exam date and notifying the CNC (www.aacn.nche.edu/CNC/pdf/SiteReg.pdf).For more information about CNL Certification, see http://www.aacn.nche.edu/CNC.
8. APPLY NOW FOR THE FACULTY LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM The Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Bureau of Clinician Recruitment and Service is seeking applicants for the 2009 Faculty Loan Repayment Program. This program provides a financial incentive for advanced degree-seeking health professionals from disadvantaged backgrounds who wish to pursue academic careers. Individuals selected must agree to serve on the faculty of an accredited health professions college or university for a minimum of two years after graduation. In return, the federal government agrees to pay, for each year of faculty service, up to $20,000 of the outstanding principal and interest on the participant's educational loans. For details, see http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/dsa/flrp. The application deadline is July 7, 2009. 9. AACN SEEKS NEW DIRECTOR OF FACULTY PROGRAMS AACN is currently seeking to fill a new director-level position at the association's headquarters in Washington, DC. A Director of Faculty Programs is needed to develop and manage program initiatives for nurse faculty constituents. Responsibilities include developing regional and online faculty development conferences and managing efforts to increase faculty participation in association programs. An advanced degree plus 5-7 years professional experience in higher education or program management is required. Interested applicants are encouraged to send their resume/CV and cover letter to AACN Deputy Director Jennifer Ahearn at jahearn@aacn.nche.edu. 10. NEW DIVERSITY IN NURSING RESOURCE POSTED ONLINE AACN strives to be a clearinghouse for information on issues relevant to our members and other stakeholders in the field of nursing education. AACN recently launched a new online feature called the Diversity in Nursing Education Resource Center which houses the latest information on diversity issues as well as links to noteworthy reports. This Web resource includes separate sections on the latest data, funding opportunities, efforts to enhance cultural competency, initiatives underway to diversify the student population, and links to specialty nursing organizations. See http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Diversity.
On May 7, AACN applauded the FY 2010 budget proposal released by President Obama that called for $263 million in funding for Nursing Workforce Development Programs (Title VIII of the Public Health Service Act) and $144 million for the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR). The proposed funding for Title VIII programs represents a 54% increase over the FY 2009 level of $171.03 million. If approved by Congress, the greatest increase would be awarded to the Nurse Loan Repayment and Scholarship Programs, which received $125 million, a 238% increase over last year’s funding level. The Nurse Faculty Loan Program received $16 million, a 39% increase over the FY 2009 level of $11.5 million. In response, AACN President Fay Raines said: “If the President’s request passes Congress, it would be the highest allocation these programs have received since created in 1964. AACN will work diligently with our top nursing advocates in the House and Senate to see this funding level enacted.” See http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Media/index.htm. 12. HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE JOURNAL OF PROFESSIONAL NURSING AACN’s scholarly publication, the Journal of Professional Nursing, helps faculty keep pace with continuing changes in legislative, regulatory, ethical, and professional standards that affect nursing education and practice. This bimonthly publication offers detailed coverage of key topics in education at the local, national, and global levels, including health policy and academic leadership. Recent highlights include articles on Leveraging Higher Salaries for Nursing Faculty, Teaching Baccalaureate Nursing Students in Clinical Settings, Nurses of African Descent and Career Advancement, and Bringing Nursing Science to the Classroom. For more information, see http://www.professionalnursing.org.
13. AACN CEO FEATURED ON AARP PROGRAM ON THE NURSING SHORTAGE Last month, AARP produced a televised program for its Inside E Street series that focused on the national nursing shortage and legislative efforts to address this issue. Titled Hurting for Nurses, the program featured interviews with two nurse champions on Capitol Hill – Representative Lois Capps (D-CA) and Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) – as well as Anne Converso, president of United American Nurses. AACN CEO and Executive Director Polly Bednash was featured in a segment on capacity in nursing schools and the impact of the faculty shortage. Watch the broadcast online at http://www.aarp.org/aarp/broadcast/aarp_radio/radio_prime_time/articles/Nursing_Shortage.html.
14. APPLICANTS NEEDED FOR BAGNC SCHOLARS AND FELLOWS PROGRAMS The American Academy of Nursing is currently seeking applicants for the 2010 Building Academic Geriatric Nursing Capacity (BAGNC) Scholars and Fellows Programs. The Scholars’ program provides $100,000 to support 2 years of predoctoral work for nurses committed to careers in academic geriatric nursing. The Claire M. Fagin Fellowship provides $120,000 of support for each of 2 years of advanced research training and mentorship designed to assist doctorally-prepared nurses in launching successful research careers in geriatric nursing. Twelve scholarships and 9 fellowships will be awarded in 2010. These programs are funded in part by The John A. Hartford Foundation, the Atlantic Philanthropies, and the Mayday Fund. For more details and application materials, see http://www.geriatricnursing.org.
15. CALL FOR NOMINATIONS ISSUED FOR 2009 ARMIGER AWARD The Sr. Bernadette Armiger Award was created to recognize nursing academic leaders who have worked to advance education and practice within the profession. AACN is seeking nominations for individuals who have received national recognition for significant contributions to nursing education; demonstrated scholarship, leadership, and advancement of the nursing profession; and served as an exemplary role model in nursing. Nominations must be accompanied by statements of endorsement from two additional AACN members. The nominator is responsible for soliciting the endorsements and for completing and returning the nomination form with a copy of the candidate's curriculum vita by June 26, 2009. The winner will be recognized at the 2009 Fall Semiannual Meeting in Washington, DC. For more information, contact AACN Membership Director Beth Aronson at baronson@aacn.nche.edu.
The National Institutes of Health maintains a Nursing Genomic Competency Listserve for the purposes of sharing and disseminating genetic and genomic education resources for nursing faculty. To join the listserve, send an email to Kathy Calzone at calzonek@mail.nih.gov or visit https://list.nih.gov/archives/nursing_genomic_comp.html and click the third bullet titled “Join or leave the list.” 17. DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR INSPIRED COMFORT AWARD NOMINATIONS Cherokee Uniforms is now accepting nominations for its annual Inspired Comfort Awards program that celebrates nurses for their tireless work and dedication. “The nominations for the Cherokee Inspired Comfort Award tell the remarkable stories of healthcare professionals who go far above and beyond to deliver the best possible care to people in need,” said Michael Singer, president and CEO of Cherokee Uniforms. “We are proud to honor those who demonstrate the most commendable qualities of healthcare professionals every day.” Nominations may be submitted for practicing APRNs, RNs, and LPNs; students enrolled in schools of nursing; and other healthcare professionals. A panel of nurse leaders, Cherokee professionals, and former award recipients will choose winners who best meet the program’s criteria: exceptional service, sacrifice, and innovation. The nomination period has been extended to June 30, 2009. See http://www.CherokeeUniforms.com.
18. APNA SEEKS APPLICATIONS FOR NURSING STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS The American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2009 APNA-Ortho-McNeil Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC Student Scholarship Program. Nursing students are invited to apply, and deans/directors of nursing schools are encouraged to nominate one or more students with an interest in psychiatric mental-health nursing for this award. The program is open to both graduate and undergraduate nursing students. The application deadline is June 1, 2009. For details, see http://www.apna.org/files/public/2009_Janssen_Application.doc.
19. NEW AFTERCOLLEGE-AACN SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS ANNOUNCED AACN is pleased to announce the latest recipients of the AfterCollege-AACN Scholarship, which was created to support students seeking baccalaureate and graduate degrees in nursing. Mary Colleen Casper is enrolled in a Doctor of Nursing Practice program with a focus on Health Policy and Leadership at the University of Colorado Denver College of Nursing. As a practice leader, she is interested in enhancing the operations of hospital systems with a strong orientation to data driven quality and systems improvement. Salima Walani is pursuing a PhD in nursing at New York University with a goal to advance her academic and research skills. She is committed to working as a nurse educator after completing her studies. For more details on this scholarship, see http://go.aftercollege.com/events/AACN/2006/index.cfm.
20. NURSE WEEK PROMOTION YIELDS 100+ FACULTY VACANCY ADS In honor of National Nurses Week held earlier this month, AACN offered member schools an opportunity to post free faculty vacancy announcements on our Web-based Faculty Career Link. Many schools took advantage of this offer and more than 120 faculty vacancies in 37 and the District of Columbia are now posted online at http://www.aacn.nche.edu/CareerLink/2009/may/ads.html. For more details on how Faculty Career Link can help you meet your faculty recruitment needs, see http://www.aacn.nche.edu/CareerLink/advert.htm. 21. 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.
22. MEMBER NEWS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND AWARDS
23. AACN OUTREACH AND ADVOCACY UPDATE
24. OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES TO CONSIDER
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