NLN Names 2009-2012 Centers of Excellence in Nursing Education at Education Summit in Philadelphia
Five Schools Selected for Creating Environments that Promote Student Learning or Pedagogical Expertise of Faculty
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Philadelphia — September 25, 2009 — In a special presentation as part of its annual four-day Education Summit, the National League for Nursing this morning announced the five schools of nursing to receive the organizations prestigious Center of Excellenceâ„¢ (COE) designation for 2009-2012.
Three schools – UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing in Pennsylvania; Christ Hospital School of Nursing in New Jersey; and University of Oklahoma (continuing designee from 2006-09) – were lauded for creating environments that promote student learning. Two schools – Brookdale Community College in New Jersey and Indiana University of Nursing (continuing designee from 2006-09) – were chosen for creating environments that promote faculty expertise.
Each year since 2004 the NLN has invited nursing schools to apply based on their ability to demonstrate sustained excellence in faculty development, nursing education research, or student learning and professional development. Schools must also have a proven commitment to continuous quality improvement.
"The NLN is proud to recognize those schools whose faculty, staff, and students are doing the outstanding work that sets them apart from others," said Dr. Beverly Malone, CEO of the NLN. "By publicly acknowledging these best academic practices, we hope to set the bar higher in nursing programs across the board so that those entering the profession will have the best tools available to meet the challenges of a diverse, ever-changing health care environment."
In another facet of the presentation, Jeanne B. Jenkins, MBA, MSN, RN and a doctoral candidate at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, was named winner of the 2009 Student Excellence Paper Competition for her submission, "A Letter to Sarah." Each year, students enrolled in COE schools have an opportunity to share their thoughts on the meaning of excellence in nursing education, what fosters excellence, and what it means to them to be part of a COE-designated nursing program. "Jeannes paper reflects the wisdom and maturity befitting a person who already understands what it means to strive for excellence," said NLN president Dr. Elaine Tagliareni.
In keeping with the NLN mission to advance excellence in nursing education, throughout the three years that schools carry the COE designation, they are expected to be available to other schools seeking to move their own programs toward the COE distinction. "Through the Centers of Excellence designation, nursings most exciting programs are made known to the entire academic community, thus inspiring everyone to strive for excellence," Dr. Malone concluded.
Editors and reporters: 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. Following this week, please contact Karen Klestzick, chief communications officer of the NLN, at 212-812-0376 or kklestzick@nln.org.
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 services, nursing research grants, and public policy initiatives to its 30,000 individual and 1,200 institutional members.