The Future of Nursing Is Focus of NLN 2011 Education Summit National Health Policy Expert Donna Shalala to Present Keynote

Leading Academic Progression. Advancing the Health of the Nation Wednesday, September 21 - Saturday, September 24
Marriott World Center, Orlando, FL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE/CALENDAR LISTING

New York, NY — March 31, 2011 — The magic happens in Orlando, Wednesday, September 21 through Saturday, September 24 at the Marriott World Center, where the National League for Nursing will hold its annual gathering, the 2011 NLN Education Summit. Early-bird registration is advised for this sell-out conference, attended by nurse educators and leaders in nursing education from coast-to-coast and around the world.

This years conference theme, Leading Academic Progression. Advancing the Health of the Nation, will focus on the much heralded recommendations contained in The Future of Nursing, a report issued last fall by the Institute of Medicine, based on work done by the Committee on the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Initiative on the Future of Nursing. Said NLN president Dr. Cathleen Shultz, "To highlight the reports key findings, the NLN is pleased to present Dr. Donna Shalala, who will kick off the Education Summit with her Keynote Presentation on Wednesday, September 21." Dr. Shalala chaired the committee on the RWJF Initiative, helping to draft the IOM report. Former US secretary of Health and Human Services in the Clinton administration, Dr. Shalala is considered a national leader in the arena of health care policy.

"We look forward with great anticipation to hearing from Dr. Shalala at the 2011 Education Summit," said NLN CEO Beverly Malone, PhD, RN, FAAN. "I am certain that we will all benefit from the wisdom of her experience in examining the issues surrounding health care policy and reform. We know that her action oriented approach will infuse our vision of the future of nursing and nursing education."

With the release of the IOM report, transformation and professional development have taken on new urgency, and this years NLN Education Summit presents an outstanding opportunity for nurse educators to learn about innovative enrichment programs. The conference identifies key components needed to achieve seamless academic progression; formulate strategies to strengthen the evidence base for innovation in teaching, simulation and technology, and leadership in nursing education; integrate the NLNs core values — caring, integrity, diversity, and excellence — into the advanced practice role of the nurse educator; and dialogue with and create networks of nurse educators and practice partners to advance the scholarship and science of nursing.

Also covered in workshops, seminars, and presentations by leading nurse educators throughout the four-day gathering will be the latest advances in research, technology, and curricular developments that advance excellence in nursing education in all higher education settings. Participants can expect stimulating plenary sessions on timely topics, and outstanding presentations, workshops, and posters.

Among the NLN Education Summit highlights:

• Thursday: "The Role of Nursing in Realizing a Transformed Health Care System: Emerging Models," featuring a panel of health care strategists who currently lead innovative programs to remodel health care delivery in ways called for in the IOM report
• Friday: the CEO Summit Address; Centers of Excellence and Research Awards Presentations; and the National Faculty Meeting, punctuated by President Cathleen Shultzs valedictory address
• Saturday: Laerdal Medical-funded Debra Spunt Lecture, "Leadership in Simulation: Looking Back, Looking Forward" featuring a panel of those very leaders who have already achieved much success in this burgeoning field
• Saturday: Annual Business Meeting, including Dr. Judith Halsteads Inaugural Address as the incoming president of the NLN, followed by the Town Meeting
• Saturday: Summit Finale with the Presidents Reception, followed by the annual celebratory banquet, featuring the NLN Awards and the induction ceremony of the 2011 Academy of Nursing Education fellows

Online registration is easier than ever at http://events.signup4.com/NLN2011. And again this year, as a thank you for using online registration, the NLN will place names in a drawing for an outstanding selection of prizes.

Registration Questions: Please contact NLN Summit Registration at 800-321-6338 or registration@prestigeacc.com.

Editors and Reporters: For interview opportunities or to cover the Summit, please contact NLN chief communications officer, Karen R. Klestzick 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. The NLN offers faculty development, networking opportunities, testing services, nursing research grants, and public policy initiatives to its 34,000 individual and 1,200 institutional members who represent nursing education programs across the spectrum of higher education.