September 5, 2018 | NLN CEO Update on Healthcare Simulation Week, COEs and Academy Fellows

After months of preparation — and 125 years of leadership — we will convene in Chicago in just one week for the NLN Education Summit 2018. It will be the 3^rd of October when I write to you again and tell you about some of the highlights of the Summit. In the meantime, let me share with you some other information about what you can expect from the NLN in the next few weeks.

First, on September 7 you will receive a link to our Member Satisfaction Survey. It will be so helpful if you take a few minutes to respond. As the premiere organization for nurse educators and the voice for nursing education, it is important that we meet your needs in terms of benefits, services, career, and professional development programming. To do so we need to understand what you value from the NLN and where we have opportunities to grow. The NLN is an incredibly diverse organization, representing all levels and types of nursing education nationally, and for that reason we must hear from members representing the full range of the programs we serve — and that means all of you. Please complete the survey at your earliest convenience.

Next, look for news from the NLN as we help the Society for Simulation in Healthcare celebrate Healthcare Simulation Week, September 17–21. This special week is intended to celebrate global professionals who use simulation to improve the safety, effectiveness, and efficiency of health care delivery and raise awareness about how simulation is leading to safer, more knowledgeable patient care. Our Center for Innovation in Simulation and Technology is at the forefront of research in the use of simulation and technology in nursing education and we offer numerous resources for faculty development and classroom use. We will tell you about these each day during Healthcare Simulation Week so stay tuned. Our Simulation Innovation Resource Center (SIRC), a collaborative alliance between the NLN and Laerdal Medical, offers tons of resources, and we always encourage you to look around. SIRC is a one-of-a-kind resource and we want to make sure you take full advantage of it.

As we look ahead, don't forget that October 15 is the deadline for indicating intent to pursue designation or continuing designation as an NLN Center of Excellence in Nursing Education. Recognition by the NLN as a Center of Excellence distinguishes schools and health care organizations that demonstrate a commitment to excellence and sustained, evidence-based, and substantive innovation in a specific area. Recognition of the current year's cohort of COEs is a highlight of all NLN Education Summits. This year we will recognize 16 outstanding nursing programs for enhancing student learning and professional development, promoting the pedagogical expertise of faculty, and advancing the science of nursing education.

At the same Honors Convocation we also induct nurse educators into the prestigious Academy of Nursing Education. This year we will induct 14 distinguished nurse educators as fellows in the Academy, as well as 2 honorary fellows in affiliated professions or public service who have made significant contributions to nursing education. Colleagues, you have time plenty of time to plan your application for fellowship for 2019 — applications are due February 15 — but I encourage you to check out the NLN Academy Handbook now.

Talk of the Honors Convocation brings me back to the Summit and the exciting days ahead. As we look back this year on our 125 years of leadership, the NLN Foundation for Nursing Education will be looking to the future with the goal of raising $225,000 by December 31. How the Foundation uses your contributions is very apparent at the Summit, for that is where we announce the recipients of the NLN Research Grants and NLN Faculty Scholarships. The more you contribute, the more we can give to promote excellence in nursing education and build a strong and diverse nursing workforce to advance the health of our nation and the global community. As you take part in the Summit, look to the Foundation Thank You Wall and see the names of our most generous supporters. It's always good to see your own name on the Wall. And note that contributing to the Foundation can be a lot of fun. For example, have dinner with colleagues at Portillo's Restaurant during Nurses Night Out on September 13 or make a purchase from Convention Jewelry in the Exhibit Hall and know that a portion of what you pay will be returned to the Foundation. Most important, take part in Text to Donate. The simple message is: NLN Count Me In! I'm a Giver for NLN's 125^th. Your donations directly benefit the next generation of nurse educators. If you are not able to be at this Summit, please make your online gift today. And consider making a donation of at least $125 to mark our 125 years of excellence in nursing education.

A final word before I close. The nation said good-bye to Senator John McCain last week. Despite years of abuse as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War, Senator McCain is remembered for his many contributions to public service. His life is a reminder that former military officers have much to offer upon their return to civilian life. The NLN will soon publish a toolkit to help schools of nursing recruit and mentor talented military nurse officers for nursing faculty roles. The men and women who served during the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars or are considering departure can be a wonderful resource for schools of nursing. Our toolkit is designed to help ease the transition from the military to academia. I will let you know when it is available to download. And speaking of resources, our military rate as one of our nation's most precious resources.

I can't tell if I'm just excited or overloaded with all the things that need to be done before the Summit. What I do know is that we are planning the biggest celebration ever. Colleagues, I can't wait to see you there.

NLN Announces 2018 Grant and Scholarship Winners, they will be announced at #NLNSummit18, Read More. Nursing needs to undergo a gender-neutral "rebranding" to break down barriers stopping men entering the profession Learn More. Check out this National Web-based Network for Anonymous Reporting of Student Errors and Near Misses from NCSBN, Read More. Download the #NLNSummit18 mobile app to navigate the program, connect with other Summit attendees, speakers, and more. Download Now.

Next Issue of the NLN Member Update: Wednesday, October 3, 2018. View previous issues of NLN Member Update »