June 26, 2019 | NLN CEO Update on NLN Staff and 2019 NLN Summit

Before I dive into today's main topic, I would like to share some exciting news about the talent at the NLN. Board of Governors member Dr. Launette Woolforde and NLN staff members Drs. Barbara Patterson and Susan Gross Forneris have been selected as fellows of the American Academy of Nursing. Launette is vice president for nursing education and professional development at Northwell Health in New York. She is a visionary leader in this industry, most recently awarded the Columbia University, Teachers College Alumni Achievement Award for Nursing Practice. Launette was also recently inducted into the Columbia University, Teachers College Hall of Fame.

I told you about Sue's work in my last Member Update. She is the director of the newly restructured NLN Center for Innovation in Education Excellence. Barbara wears several hats. She is distinguished professor and associate dean for scholarship and inquiry at Widener University School of Nursing and Distinguished Scholar for the NLN | Chamberlain Center for the Advancement of the Science of Nursing Education, and Research Briefs editor for the NLN research journal, Nursing Education Perspectives.

We do not have time — or room — to list all the initiatives overseen by these distinguished nurses. Let me just say that I am truly proud of the work they do and the leadership they demonstrate. Dr. Launette Woolforde joins BOG members Drs. Angela McNelis, Ann Marie Mauro, and Linda Moneyham as well as president and president-elect, Drs. Rumay Alexander and Patricia Yoder-Wise, respectively, as Academy fellows. In addition, NLN President-Elect Dr. Patricia Yoder-Wise and BOG members Drs. Angela McNelis and Teresa Shellenbarger are fellows in the NLN Academy of Nursing Education, known by the credential ANEF.

Drs. Barbara Patterson and Susan Gross Forneris join several Academy fellows at the NLN: Drs. Judith Halstead, Janice Brewington, and yours truly, Beverly Malone; the editor of Nursing Education Perspectives, living legend Dr. Joyce Fitzpatrick; and two former staff who are now NLN consultants, Drs. Mary Anne Rizzolo and Elaine Tagliareni. Colleagues, join me in saluting the entire NLN staff, Board of Governors, and nurse leaders everywhere!

Now, for our main topic, let me tell you about two of the dynamic speakers you will hear at our upcoming NLN Education Summit, September 26-28 at the National Harbor near Washington, DC. George E. Thibault, MD, was until recently president of the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation, a national philanthropy dedicated to improving the education of health professionals through investments in interprofessional education and teamwork and care for underserved communities. He is someone who knows well the complexity of our changing health care landscape and the importance of breaking down the traditional silo-approach to health professions education. In his keynote address, Dr. Thibaut will focus on "Humanism in the Health Professions and in Society." As we look toward the future of nursing education 2030, I am thrilled that we will hear from someone who is well known for demonstrating visionary leadership — someone who will speak with purpose, power, and passion.

Dr. Thibault's address will kick off the Summit on Thursday. On Saturday morning, at our annual National Faculty Meeting, we will hear from Dr. Philip D. Dickison, chief officer, operations and examinations, at the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. At last year's Summit, Dr. Dickison took part in a special session about Next Generation NCLEX and efforts to measure clinical judgment, and the room was packed. We clearly had to invite him back and give you the opportunity to ask additional questions and offer comments — something we do at our National Faculty Meetings, where you can expect the unexpected.

What else can you look forward to at this year's Summit? Well, if you've been to Summits before, you will know how stimulating they can be. There is no substitute for the opportunity to engage with colleagues and be part of cutting-edge presentations in crucial areas of nursing education. If you look at the list of concurrent sessions, you will see that they are color coded according to categories important to you — green for teaching excellence, blue for transition to practice, and so on, through leadership, active learning, technology, simulation, global initiatives, and interprofessional education. If you are a newcomer, you will soon realize the Summit is an important way to be part of a transformative future for education, shaped by the NLN's unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence.

I will say no more for now — just that it is time to register for the NLN Education Summit 2019!

Now, another topic. The NLN has teamed up with Mediaplanet on its cross-platform campaign Empowering Our Nurses. The campaign supports nurses with career advice and encouragement and offers inspiration and information for those considering a career in nursing. Look for Sue Forneris' comments on clinical instruction and how simulation is being used to educate the next generation of nurses. The print campaign is in USA Today and the online version is available for sharing with the world.

And a final, personal word. I am consistently impressed with our president, NLN Board of Governors, and incredible staff whom I have the privilege of working with and for. They raise my game. I turn to my right and there is nothing but excellence. I turn to my left and it's the same — co-creating and implementing transformative strategies with daring ingenuity — a simple, beautiful definition of excellence. While our work is directed toward nursing education, let's not forget the bottom line for our students, patients, and the people we are honored to serve. See you at the Summit and together we will find our North Star with purpose, power, and passion.

NLN Expands Focus on Innovation in Education Excellence, Read More. New! Sign Up for Pilot Testing of CNE Exam Forms 15 & 16, Register Today. Navigating Social Media, Learn More.

Next Issue of the NLN Member Update: Wednesday, July 10, 2019. View previous issues of NLN Member Update »