October 3, 2018 | NLN CEO Update on Celebrating the Why of Nursing, Nursing Education, and the NLN

We looked to the past. We looked to the future. What a Summit we had in Chicago to mark the beginnings of the NLN and 125 years of leadership in nursing education. Thank you, Chicago, for opening your arms to welcome us.

From the moment we marched in for the opening ceremonies — yes, we marched — our past presidents, our Board of Governors, our Centers of Excellence, our Academy fellows, our Constituent League presidents, our Ambassadors — this was a Summit like no other. In the words of our president, Dr. Rumay Alexander, we looked good for 125 years, ready to give the world something to talk about another 125 years from now!

As we have the past few years, we will post videos of the major Summit presentations on the NLN YouTube channel. That will give you the opportunity to view our fascinating historical presentation and hear from our keynote speaker, Rear Admiral Sylvia Trent-Adams, deputy surgeon general of the United States. Rear Admiral Trent-Adams spoke of the incredible power of nurses to make a difference in the world. I am so grateful that she was able to attend the Summit, which allowed Rumay to present her with a President's Award. It was by no means certain that the Rear Admiral could get to the Summit because Hurricane Florence was about to hit the Carolinas, and she was needed to lead public health recovery efforts. She was, in fact, whisked away before she could take questions. We thank her and Lieutenant Commander Yvonne Santiago, her assistant, for being with us and kicking off our celebration of 125 years.

I must tell you that thoughts of the hurricane were never far away during this Summit, despite the sunny weather in Chicago. Some members from North Carolina and South Carolina were unable to attend, while others — like our president, G. Rumay Alexander — were with us but anxious about what they would find when they returned home. Our hearts go out to all those who continue to be affected by the terrible flooding brought about by this disaster. As a reminder, we can help through the American Red Cross and other organizations. I want to acknowledge the nurses, nurse educators, and nursing students who responded to calls for help. What you did when the hurricane first hit, and what you continue to do, are in the best tradition of nursing.

In his talk at the National Faculty Meeting, futurist Matt Thornhill reminded us of how we can win tomorrow: embrace community, teach inclusiveness, be visible, be engaged, and be a big tent. While noting that the NLN is already a big tent — and I certainly agree with that — he urged us to talk about our purpose, our why. Nursing, he said, should be "crushing it" with millennials who feel strongly about the importance of making a difference, but success is not inevitable as we are already competing for purpose with the business community. Well, I feel strongly about our why — the why of nursing, the why of nursing education, and the why of the NLN. I will shout it from the rooftops if necessary. It goes like this: to promote excellence in nursing education; to build a strong, diverse nursing workforce; to advance the health of the nation and the global community. On that note, I want to acknowledge our colleagues from China who were our special guests.

There were many electric moments at this Summit, far too many to summarize in this space. However, the photos are already on our Facebook albums and Flickr page for you to view and download for printing in high resolution. Share your favorites via social media and join us as we shout our why throughout cyberspace. You'll especially love the photos from the Black Tie Gala that concluded this Summit. Nurse educators really know how to dress up and tie down to party!

Before I conclude, a reminder: election season is coming up fast. Voting is vital to our democracy and the health of our nation. If you are traveling, obtain and complete an absentee ballot, and if you have moved or have not yet registered, NOW is the time to register to vote. It is essential that you share this message with your students.

The NLN also has an election coming up in spring 2019, and we are already seeking nominations for significant openings on the NLN Nominations Committee, Certification Commission, and Board of Governors: president-elect, secretary, and governor-at-large. At the Annual Business Meeting for this Summit, we welcomed Dr. Angela McNelis to the NLN Board of Governors and thanked Dr. Linda Moneyham for her service. Once again we are looking for individuals who have a breadth of experience in national and international policy discussions on nursing, health, and higher education to help lead us on our journey into our next 125 years. Our current BOG is outstanding. I want to congratulate Dr. Anne Marie Krouse, our treasurer, on her new post as dean of nursing at Widener University. And I must offer congratulations to Dr. Ann Marie Mauro, who will receive the 2018–2019 American Association of Colleges of Nursing Excellence and Innovation in Teaching Award. And let's not forget the NLN Foundation for Nursing Education Board of Trustees. We welcomed back Mike Newsome, CRA, as treasurer and greeted Dr. F. Patrick Robinson as our new secretary.

And a final message for an amazing opportunity. I have learned from Dr. Amal Abu Awad of the Palestinian Ministry of Health and Dr. Miriam J. Hirschfeld, a professor at the Max Stern Academic College of Emek Yezreel, Israel, of the need for faculty for a nursing PhD program in Palestine. If you are interested in teaching for two years in Palestine, please contact Dr. Amal Abu Awad or Dr. Miriam J. Hirschfeld.

Next year our Summit will be at the National Harbor in Maryland/DC September 26–29. Our theme is NLN North Star: Purpose, Power & Passion. Start working on your abstract — details and deadlines will be announced soon — and get ready now for another grand event.

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Next Issue of the NLN Member Update: Wednesday, October 17, 2018. View previous issues of NLN Member Update »