NLN President in the Spotlight with Prestigious Honors for Dr. Judith Halstead

American Academy of Nursing and Sigma Theta Tau International Bestow Professional Recognition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New York, NY — October 20, 2011 — Judith A. Halstead, PhD, RN, FAAN, ANEF, who was sworn in as president of the National League for Nursing at the NLNs 2011 Education Summit in September, is receiving major honors from two prominent professional nursing organizations: the American Academy of Nursing and Sigma Theta Tau International, the Honor Society of Nursing.

In announcing the awards, NLN CEO Beverly Malone, PhD, RN, FAAN said, "It is no surprise that Judys outstanding leadership and contributions to the fields of nursing and nursing education have come to the attention of the AAN and STTI, who have deemed her worthy of recognition at this time. On behalf of the NLN family, I join the many colleagues who extend congratulations on these well-deserved honors."

"I feel honored to have been chosen," Dr. Halstead said. "My 35-year journey in nursing and nursing education has been enriched by many individuals and I am thankful for their support, mentoring, and guidance."

A professor and executive associate dean for academic affairs at Indiana University School of Nursing in Bloomington, Dr. Halstead was inducted on October 15 into the American Academy of Nursing, joining the elite cadre of AAN fellows, nursings most accomplished leaders in education, management, practice, and research. Recognized for their extraordinary nursing careers, they are among the nations most highly-educated citizens who take seriously their responsibility to engage with health care leaders both within and outside the nursing field to transform Americas health care system.

Just two weeks later, during STTIs 41st Biennial Convention in Grapevine, Texas, October 29-November 2, Dr. Halstead will receive the societys Elizabeth Russell Belford Award for excellence in nursing education, one of seven STTI Founders Awards.

"Nurses and other health care professionals nominate colleagues for these awards as a way to recognize professional excellence and personal commitment to making a significant contribution," said STTI president Karen H. Morin, DSN, RN, ANEF. "The 2011 International Awards program helps exemplify the continued tradition practiced by nurses and other health care professionals to maintain the core values and success of the honor society."

Dr. Halstead brings more than three decades of experience in undergraduate and graduate nursing education and expertise in online education, nurse educator competencies, and evidence-based teaching in nursing education to her post. She is co-editor of the widely referenced book on nursing education, Teaching in Nursing: A Guide for Faculty. Dr. Halstead served as the chairperson for the National League for Nursings Task Group on Nurse Educator Competencies which resulted in the development of evidence-based, nurse educator core competencies and is editor of the book representing the work of the task force, Nurse Educator Competencies: Creating an Evidence-Based Practice for Nurse Educators. Dr. Halstead was the 2005 recipient of the MNRS Curriculum and Education Research Section Advancement of Science Award for her leadership in advancing the science of nursing education. She is past chairperson of the National League for Nursings Nursing Education Research Advisory Council (NERAC). In 2007, in recognition of excellence, Dr. Halstead was inducted as a fellow into the NLN Academy of Nursing Education.

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 education, 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 35,000 individual and 1,200 institutional members.

The American Academy of Nursing serves the public and the nursing profession by advancing health policy and practice through the generation, synthesis, and dissemination of nursing knowledge. Every day across America, the academy and its members create and execute knowledge-driven and policy-related initiatives to drive reform of Americas health care system.

The Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) supports the learning, knowledge, and professional development of nurses committed to making a difference in health worldwide. Founded in 1922, STTI has more than 125,000 members in 90 countries including practicing nurses, instructors, researchers, policymakers, entrepreneur, and others. STTIs 475 chapters are located at 586 institutions of higher education throughout the world.