NLN to Inaugurate Debra L. Spunt Endowed Lecture

Pamela R. Jeffries, DNS, RN, FAAN, to Deliver Talk, Sat., Sept. 29,
8:30-9:30 amAt Phoenix Convention Center

Laerdal Medical Corp. Endows Lectureship in Memory of
Dr. Spunts Lifelong Contributions to Nursing Education

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 19, 2007 — New York, NY — The first Debra L. Spunt Endowed Lecture, honoring the lifelong contributions of one outstanding colleague, will be among the highlights of a crowded schedule for nurse educators gathered next week in Phoenix for the 2007 National League for Nursing Education Summit. The sold-out conference is expected to draw faculty and administrators from 500 nursing schools representing all levels of academia, from programs granting practice certificates through doctoral degree-granting programs at universities.

In establishing the Debra L. Spunt Endowed Lecture in appreciation of her leadership in the design, development, and implementation of simulation in nursing education, the NLN lauded the late Debra L. Spunt, DNP, MS, RN, FAAN as a "symbol of leadership and a true inspiration."

"Her unflagging commitment and dedication to excellence in nursing education distinguished her as a teachers teacher," said Dr. Beverly L. Malone, CEO of the NLN, in an announcement to the NLN Board of Governors earlier this year. The board later announced its wholehearted endorsement of Dr. Spunts handpicked choice for the inaugural lecture: Dr. Pamela R. Jeffries, DNS, RN, FAAN.

A resident of Maryland for more than 30 years, Dr. Spunt earned a bachelor of science in nursing (1979), a masters of science (1983), and a doctor of nursing practice (2007), all from the University of Maryland. Joining the faculty at her alma mater, she became an assistant professor there.

Nationally and internationally recognized for her knowledge, expertise, and leadership in clinical simulation, especially the use of computerized human patient simulators via clinical case scenarios to educate nurses and other health care providers, Dr. Spunt was responsible for the design, administration, and management of the University of Maryland School of Nursings 28 clinical simulation laboratories, considered the preeminent nursing student learning labs in the world. In this role, she collaborated with faculty on the integration of simulation into the nursing curriculum, and in doing so, helped prepare thousands of graduates to enter the profession.

As a thoughtful participant in the plans for her legacy, Dr. Spunt created the Debra L. Spunt Clinical Simulation Practice and Research Endowment at the University of Maryland School of Nursing to support clinical simulation laboratory equipment.

An associate professor and associate dean for undergraduate programs at the Indiana University School of Nursing in Indianapolis and the recipient of this years NLN Excellence in Nursing Education Research Award, inaugural speaker Pamela Jeffries worked closely with Dr. Spunt for many years.

Dr. Jeffries presentation, "Get in S.T.E.P. With Simulations (Simulations Take Educator Preparation)" will discuss how schools of nursing can better prepare their faculty to incorporate simulation modules into teaching. Dr. Jeffries is currently serving as director of a three-year NLN faculty development initiative involving simulations. This project, as well as an earlier multi-site study she directed to test the use of simulation in nursing education, has been funded by a grant to the NLN from Laerdal Medical Corporation, which has also endowed the Spunt Lecture.

Editors and reporters: For advance interview opportunities, or if you would like to attend the Spunt Lecture, please contact NLN chief communications officer Karen R. Klestzick at 212-812-0376, kklestzick@nln.org. For interview opportunities during the week of the Education Summit, please contact Jane Calem Rosen, communications consultant to the NLN at 201-906-7339 or email janeruth@aol.com.

Dedicated to excellence in nursing, the National League for Nursing is the premier organization for nurse faculty and leaders in nursing education offering faculty development, networking opportunities, testing and assessment, nursing research grants, and public policy initiatives to its 23,000 individual and 1,100 institutional members.