First Entry in NLN Vision Series Endorses Academic Progression Options for All Nurses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New York, NY — March 9, 2011 — Nursing education is charged with the responsibility to prepare nurses to enter a workforce that is complex, uncertain, and constantly evolving. "In response," announced NLN president Dr. Cathleen Shultz, "the National League for Nursing has issued Academic Progression in Nursing Education, a living document designed to serve as a vision for the future of nursing education."

This first in a new series of Vision Statements from the NLN calls for "a fundamental re-conceptualization of nursing education" in order to create nursing practice that can respond successfully to our dynamic health system. It goes on to urge the nursing community to "forge new partnerships among nurse educators, practice colleagues, students, and the community to provide opportunities for a seamless transition to higher degree programs and lifelong learning. The design and implementation of seamless models that promote academic progression is vital to meet the national call for a highly educated and competent nursing workforce."

"One such model described in Academic Progression in Nursing Education, is the NLN Education Competencies Model, the product of a two-year examination of program outcomes and competencies across the academic spectrum" pointed out League CEO Dr. Beverly Malone. "Vetted by the nursing education community and colleagues in practice, the final document comprises a set of outcomes and competencies that addresses all program types, a comprehensive text that is both contemporary and futuristic and fills a gap in the existing body of scholarly research."

Concluding with a set of recommendations for the nursing education community, for practice partners, and for the National League for Nursing, Academic Progression in Nursing Education aims to serve as a roadmap, reflecting the NLN's role as the leader in nursing education. "Our goal is to be proactive, deliberate, and flexible," said Dr. Shultz. "This living document conveys the Leagues readiness to move quickly and nimbly in advancing the health of the nation we serve."

To read the complete text of the NLN Vision Series piece, Academic Progression in Nursing Education, visit www.nln.org/aboutnln/livingdocuments/nln_vision.htm.

Reporters/Editors: For interview opportunities, please contact Karen R. Klestzick, chief communications officer, 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 and assessment, nursing research grants, and public policy initiatives to its 34,000 individual and 1,200 institutional members.