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YOUR SOURCE FOR NATIONAL LEAGUE FOR NURSING & NURSING EDUCATION NEWS & UPDATES

The National League for Nursing offers professional development, networking opportunities, assessment services, nursing research grants, and public policy initiatives to nearly 45,000 individual and over 1,000 institutional members. NLN members represent nursing education programs across the spectrum of higher education, and health care organizations and agencies.

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The NLN Nursing EDge Unscripted podcast highlights timely topics on innovation & transformation in nursing education

News Alerts

NLN Installs New National Leadership

Oct 10, 2023, 08:00 AM by Mike Gmail Keaton
Dr. Patricia Sharpnack Advances to NLN Chair, Dr. Yolanda VanRiel Becomes NLN Chair-Elect & Dr. Mark Hand Serves as New Treasurer, with Additions to the Nominations Committee & Certification Commission

NLN Installs New National Leadership

Dr. Patricia Sharpnack Advances to NLN Chair, Dr. Yolanda VanRiel Becomes NLN Chair-Elect & Dr. Mark Hand Serves as New Treasurer, with Additions to the Nominations Committee & Certification Commission

Washington, DC — The National League for Nursing has installed new officers in key posts of the Board of Governors, plus two new governors at-large, along with additions to the Nominations Committee and Certification Commission. Installation took place during the Annual Business Meeting of the 2023 NLN Education Summit, held September 28-30 at National Harbor near Washington, D.C.

Patricia Sharpnack, DNP, RN, CNE, NEA-BC, ANEF, FAAN, dean and Strawbridge Professor in the Breen School of Nursing and Health Professions at Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, Ohio, having concluded her two-year term as NLN chair-elect, was advanced to serve as NLN chair. She will serve in that role through 2025.

Yolanda VanRiel, PhD, RN, MEDSURG-BC, OCN, CNE, ANEF, chair of the Department of Nursing at North Carolina Central University, was elected NLN chair-elect for 2023-25, ceding her current seat as a governor at-large on the Board of Governors.

Mark Hand, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, clinical professor at East Carolina University College of Nursing in Greenville, has rejoined the Board of Governors to serve a three-year term as Treasurer. He previously served on the board from 2019-2022.

“As NLN chair-elect for the past two years, Patricia has already proven herself an indispensable part of the National League for Nursing leadership team. I am thrilled to welcome her as chair and I look forward to her continued good counsel and having the entire membership benefit from her wisdom, experience, and dedication to our mission,” said NLN President and CEO Beverly Malone, PhD, RN, FAAN.

In her inaugural address, Dr. Sharpnack eloquently spoke about the “why,” the purpose of nursing education and called on colleagues to reflect on its vital importance:

I believe that we must step back a moment, at times, to remember our purpose as educators. If we believe our purpose is to prepare graduates who are excited to be a part of a respected profession that touches the lives of patients and their families while maintaining an exquisite relationship with them; that we are preparing them for a dynamic profession that transforms ordinary persons into knowledgeable and skilled heroes; and that we are preparing them for a compassionate profession that makes a difference in the lives of those they touch—then our “why” is grounded in ensuring that the work that we do is well positioned to achieve this purpose.

Dr. Malone also welcomed the newly elected officers and governors at-large, saying, “Through their board service, I have also come to know and value Yolanda and Mark, whose support for and contributions to our multifaceted programs and activities have been immeasurable. On behalf of our professional staff, I extend congratulations to them as newly elected officers and to the distinguished governors at-large who have joined the Board of Governors through this year’s election.”

About Patricia Sharpnack, DNP, RN, CNE, NEA-BC, ANEF, FAAN

The Dean and Strawbridge Professor in the Breen School of Nursing and Health Professions at Ursuline College, Dr. Patricia Sharpnack holds leadership and board positions on several regulatory bodies, health care agencies, and regional, national, and international professional organizations. She is a three-term past-president of the Ohio Board of Nursing, Board supervisory member, and chair of the Nursing Education Advisory Board. Her extensive experience and accomplishments have been recognized over the years with prestigious awards and accolades. Dr. Sharpnack is a TeamSTEPPS Master Team Trainer and member of the Advisory Board to the American Hospital Association.

About Yolanda VanRiel, PhD, RN, MEDSURG-BC, OCN, CNE, ANEF

Dr. Yolanda VanRiel, chair of the Department of Nursing at North Carolina Central University, has 28 years of nursing experience, including over 20 years as a nurse educator. The author of numerous presentations, publications, and grants, Dr. VanRiel has focused her scholarship on nursing education, provider-patient communications, health disparities, and oncology. Her achievements have been recognized with numerous professional accolades. A fellow in the NLN Academy of Nursing Education, Dr. VanRiel is a certified nurse educator (CNE), with additional certifications in oncology and medical-surgical nursing. Along with the National League for Nursing, Dr. VanRiel holds memberships in the American Nurses Association, Oncology Nursing Society, and the Gamma Zeta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International. She is past president of the North Carolina League for Nursing, which under her leadership won the NLN Constituent League Excellence in Innovation Award, and served as vice chair of the North Carolina Board of Nursing in 2019.

About Mark Hand, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE

Dr. Mark Hand, a clinical professor at East Carolina University (ECU) College of Nursing in Greenville, is the recipient of the 2023 North Carolina Nurses Association Education Nurse of the Year Award. In addition, he has received several honors and awards of distinction. Dr. Hand is a published author and sought-after speaker. He often collaborates with nursing students, ensuring they have opportunities for valuable professional development experiences. In keeping with this interest, he serves as faculty mentor for the American Association of Men in Nursing (AAMN) chapter at ECU. Most recently, he received the AAMN 2023 Gene Tranbarger Research Award for his manuscript “Men as Nursing Faculty: Factors of Recruitment and Retention.” His research focus includes LGBTQ+ health education, men as nursing faculty, and nursing student success. Dr. Hand is a certified nurse educator and a member of the Editorial Board of the NLN scholarly journal, Nursing Education Perspectives. He is also a past president of the North Carolina League for Nursing.

Governors-At-Large (3-year term: 2023-2026)

  • Elizabeth “Suzy” Cain, chief financial officer, KFF (The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation): Public Appointee
  • Anne Marie Fink, PhD, RN, CNE, associate dean for college and student services and director of the LEAD professional development program in the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University: Elected

Nominations Committee Election (3-year term: 2023-2026)

  • Kechi Iheduru-Anderson, DNP, RN, CNE, CWCN, nursing program director and professor, School of Rehabilitation and Medical Sciences, The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant
  • Jessica Ochs, DNP, APRN, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, FNAP, CNE, professor, Cummings School of Nursing and Health Sciences, Endicott College, Beverly, Massachusetts

The Nominations Committee solicits nominations from individual and agency representative members for all League elected positions reflecting the organization’s diverse membership.

Certification Commission Election (3-year term: 2023-2026)

  • Frank Hicks, PhD, RN, CNE, associate dean for academic programs and affairs, professor, adult health and gerontological nursing, Rush University College of Nursing, Chicago

The Certification Commission oversees and supervises the NLN Academic Nurse Educator Certification Program.

For more information, visit NLN.org.

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About the National League for Nursing

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 professional development, networking opportunities, testing services, nursing research grants, and public policy initiatives to its nearly 45,000 individual and 1,000 institutional members, comprising nursing education programs across the spectrum of higher education and health care organizations. Learn more at NLN.org.


Contact

No Solicitations
Michael Keaton
Deputy Chief Communications Officer
mkeaton@nln.org
202-909-2544
Leslie Block
Managing Editor, Nursing Education Perspectives
Editor, NLN Member Update
lblock@nln.org
973-777-4491
India West
Digital Marketing Manager
iwest@nln.org
202-909-2505
Ann Marie Watson
Marketing & Communications Manager
awatson@nln.org
202-909-2504
Jane Rosen
Media Consultant
janeruth515@gmail.com
201-906-7339

For media inquiries, contact Michael Keaton, deputy chief communications officer.

Honors

APEX Award 2024

The National League for Nursing earned national recognition in the 2024 APEX Awards for Publication Excellence:

 

2024 Hermes Award WinnerHermes Platinum Award WinnerThe National League for Nursing and CNEA earned national honors in the 2024 Hermes Creative Awards:

AJN First Place 2023

 

A Systematic Approach to Evaluation of Nursing Programs, 2nd edition, edited by Marilyn H. Oermann, PhD, RN, FAAN, ANEF, awarded first place in the 2023 AJN Book of the Year Awards in the Nursing Education/Professional Development category.

AJN Second Place 2023

 

Clinical Simulations in Nursing Education: Advanced Concepts, Trends, and Opportunities, 2nd edition, edited by Pamela R. Jeffries, PhD, RN, FAAN, ANEF, FSSH, awarded second place in the 2023 AJN Book of the Year Awards in the Adult Primary Care category and third place in the Nursing Education/Professional Development category.


The NLN Nursing EDge Unscripted podcast earned Honorable Mention in the 2023 PR Daily Nonprofit Communications Awards in the Podcast category. 


The National League for Nursing earned national recognition in the 2023 APEX Awards for Publication Excellence:

  • Grand Award: NLN.org in the Website - Most Improved category
  • Award of Excellence: NLN.org in the Websites category
  • Award of Excellence: NLN Member Update in the Newsletters - Electronic & Email category

The National League for Nursing earned national honors in the 2023 Hermes Creative Awards:

  • Gold Winner: NLN.org in the Website Overall - Nonprofit category
  • Gold Winner: NLN.org in the Website Overall - Redesign category
  • Gold Winner: NLN Nursing EDge Unscripted podcast in the Podcast Series category
  • Gold Winner: NLN Accelerator in the E-Newsletter category
  • Honorable Mention: NLN.org Home Page in the Home Page category
  • Honorable Mention: NLN Education Summit Website in the Microsite category
  • Honorable Mention: NLN Member Update in the E-Newsletter category
  • Honorable Mention: NLN Look Ahead in the E-Newsletter category

The National League for Nursing earned national acclaim in the 2022 PR Daily Awards:

 

The 2022 Power of Association Gold Award Winner designation was presented to the National League for Nursing by the America Society for Association Executives (ASAE) for Taking Aim: Addressing Structural Racism, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Implicit Bias & Social Justice.

Media Partner

HealthySimulation.com: Healthcare Simulation resource website with the latest news, job listings, product demos, learning courses, research highlights, conference coverage, and more

In the News

Healthcare Finance

Pair of bills seek to curb nursing shortage: Features NLN Information

Becker's Hospital Review

Lawmakers reintroduce Stop Nurse Shortages Act: Features NLN Information

Arizona Daily Sun

Spotlight on Nurse Educators: Features NLN Information

Forbes

How To Become An Emergency Room Nurse: Features NLN Information

Spectrum News

Is the U.S. ready for a 32-hour work week? Some lawmakers think so: Interviews of NLN President & CEO Dr. Beverly Malone & Staff

Nurse.com

24 Nursing Certifications to Boost Your Career: Features NLN Information

McKnights Long-Term Care News

‘Dangerous’ trend requires different support for new and experienced nurses: expert panel: Features NLN President & CEO Dr. Beverly Malone

ASAE Center for Association Leadership

Four-Day Flex Work a Win-Win for Nursing Association and Its Staff: Article by NLN Leadership

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Data Deep Dive: A National Nursing Crisis: Features NLN Information

Fox News

Burnt out and getting out: American hospitals struggle with increasing shortage of nurses: Interview of NLN President & CEO Dr. Beverly Malone

Becker's Hospital Review

Meet the 6 nurse 'living legends' named by the American Academy of Nursing: Features NLN Chief Program Officer Dr. Janice Brewington

Minority Nurse Magazine

The National League for Nursing: Connecting the Academic and Clinical Worlds for 130 Years: Interview of NLN President & CEO Dr. Beverly Malone

TheBodyPro

Developing LGBTQ+ Education for Nursing Programs: Features NLN Information

AZ Big Media

How to advance your career in nursing to the next stage: Features NLN Information

Nurse.com

10 Side Hustles for Nurses: Features NLN Information

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

National League for Nursing remains leader to U.S. nurses for 130 years: Features NLN Information

MedPage Today

Operation Nightingale: State Nursing Boards React to the Fake Diploma Scheme: Interview of NLN President & CEO Dr. Beverly Malone

Digital Connect Mag

How To Become A Family Nurse Practitioner: Features NLN Information

Daily Nurse

Offering a Vision on Climate Change and Nursing: Interview of NLN Experts

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

We’re running out of nurses. Here’s what we must do: Features NLN Research

Fortune Magazine

What type of experience do you need to enroll in an online master’s in nursing (MSN) program?: Interview of NLN President & CEO Dr. Beverly Malone & Features NLN Research

Millenial Magazine

How To Boost Your Career Prospects As A Nursing Student: Features NLN Information

HealthTech

How Healthcare Organizations Can Overcome Staff Shortages: Interview of NLN President & CEO Dr. Beverly Malone

HealthTech

30 Healthcare IT Influencers Worth a Follow in 2022: Features NLN President & CEO Dr. Beverly Malone

Diverse: Issues in Higher Education

Celebrating Leading Women in Higher Education: Features NLN President & CEO Dr. Beverly Malone

WomensBiz

Power Package: Inspiring a Nation of Nurses: Interview of NLN President & CEO Dr. Beverly Malone

HealthTech

3 Nursing Tech Trends to Watch in 2022: Interview of NLN President & CEO Dr. Beverly Malone

Scripps National News

Nursing educator shortage: TV Interview of NLN President & CEO Dr. Beverly Malone

The Lund Report

The Pandemic Changed How Nursing Schools Use Simulation: Interview of NLN President & CEO Dr. Beverly Malone

New York Times

Biden Opens New Federal Office for Climate Change, Health and Equity: Interview of NLN President & CEO Dr. Beverly Malone

NPR Here & Now

Medical Organizations Push For Health Care Institutions To Implement COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates: Radio Interview of NLN President & CEO Dr. Beverly Malone

NBC Nightly News

Hospitals overwhelmed amid surge in new Covid patients: Features NLN Information

Scripps National News

More VR and online courses becoming part of nursing education in the future: TV Interview of NLN President & CEO Dr. Beverly Malone

Essence

Creating Healthier Outcomes for POC: Features NLN Information

Scripps National News

Nursing education addressing systemic racism in health care: TV Interview of NLN Experts

New York Times

‘It was like a war call’: Applications to nursing schools rose during the pandemic: Interview of NLN President & CEO Dr. Beverly Malone

Kaiser Health News

COVID-19 'didn't scare me away': Nursing schools see enrollment bump amid pandemic: Interview of NLN President & CEO Dr. Beverly Malone

U.S. News & World Report

How Coronavirus Affects Nursing School Admissions: Features NLN Information

Daily Nurse

Nurses on the Frontlines of COVID-19: Interview of NLN President & CEO Dr. Beverly Malone

Community College Daily

Urgently needed, but facing hurdles to complete: Interview of NLN President & CEO Dr. Beverly Malone

Becker's Hospital Review

70 African American leaders in healthcare to know: Features NLN President & CEO Dr. Beverly Malone

New York Daily News

Photo of exhausted nurse goes viral with praise for healers: Interview of NLN President & CEO Dr. Beverly Malone

Nurse.com

Nursing Staff Development Ideas Worth Investing In: Interview of NLN President & CEO Dr. Beverly Malone

Nurse.com

Make ‘Cents’ of Nurse Pay to Recruit Quality Candidates: Interview of NLN President & CEO Dr. Beverly Malone

The Hill

Understanding social reasons for poor health helps to fix inequality: Op-ed by NLN President & CEO Dr. Beverly Malone

Archived News Releases & Statements

NLN Installs New National Leadership

Oct 10, 2023, 08:00 AM by Mike Gmail Keaton
Dr. Patricia Sharpnack Advances to NLN Chair, Dr. Yolanda VanRiel Becomes NLN Chair-Elect & Dr. Mark Hand Serves as New Treasurer, with Additions to the Nominations Committee & Certification Commission

NLN Installs New National Leadership

Dr. Patricia Sharpnack Advances to NLN Chair, Dr. Yolanda VanRiel Becomes NLN Chair-Elect & Dr. Mark Hand Serves as New Treasurer, with Additions to the Nominations Committee & Certification Commission

Washington, DC — The National League for Nursing has installed new officers in key posts of the Board of Governors, plus two new governors at-large, along with additions to the Nominations Committee and Certification Commission. Installation took place during the Annual Business Meeting of the 2023 NLN Education Summit, held September 28-30 at National Harbor near Washington, D.C.

Patricia Sharpnack, DNP, RN, CNE, NEA-BC, ANEF, FAAN, dean and Strawbridge Professor in the Breen School of Nursing and Health Professions at Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, Ohio, having concluded her two-year term as NLN chair-elect, was advanced to serve as NLN chair. She will serve in that role through 2025.

Yolanda VanRiel, PhD, RN, MEDSURG-BC, OCN, CNE, ANEF, chair of the Department of Nursing at North Carolina Central University, was elected NLN chair-elect for 2023-25, ceding her current seat as a governor at-large on the Board of Governors.

Mark Hand, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, clinical professor at East Carolina University College of Nursing in Greenville, has rejoined the Board of Governors to serve a three-year term as Treasurer. He previously served on the board from 2019-2022.

“As NLN chair-elect for the past two years, Patricia has already proven herself an indispensable part of the National League for Nursing leadership team. I am thrilled to welcome her as chair and I look forward to her continued good counsel and having the entire membership benefit from her wisdom, experience, and dedication to our mission,” said NLN President and CEO Beverly Malone, PhD, RN, FAAN.

In her inaugural address, Dr. Sharpnack eloquently spoke about the “why,” the purpose of nursing education and called on colleagues to reflect on its vital importance:

I believe that we must step back a moment, at times, to remember our purpose as educators. If we believe our purpose is to prepare graduates who are excited to be a part of a respected profession that touches the lives of patients and their families while maintaining an exquisite relationship with them; that we are preparing them for a dynamic profession that transforms ordinary persons into knowledgeable and skilled heroes; and that we are preparing them for a compassionate profession that makes a difference in the lives of those they touch—then our “why” is grounded in ensuring that the work that we do is well positioned to achieve this purpose.

Dr. Malone also welcomed the newly elected officers and governors at-large, saying, “Through their board service, I have also come to know and value Yolanda and Mark, whose support for and contributions to our multifaceted programs and activities have been immeasurable. On behalf of our professional staff, I extend congratulations to them as newly elected officers and to the distinguished governors at-large who have joined the Board of Governors through this year’s election.”

About Patricia Sharpnack, DNP, RN, CNE, NEA-BC, ANEF, FAAN

The Dean and Strawbridge Professor in the Breen School of Nursing and Health Professions at Ursuline College, Dr. Patricia Sharpnack holds leadership and board positions on several regulatory bodies, health care agencies, and regional, national, and international professional organizations. She is a three-term past-president of the Ohio Board of Nursing, Board supervisory member, and chair of the Nursing Education Advisory Board. Her extensive experience and accomplishments have been recognized over the years with prestigious awards and accolades. Dr. Sharpnack is a TeamSTEPPS Master Team Trainer and member of the Advisory Board to the American Hospital Association.

About Yolanda VanRiel, PhD, RN, MEDSURG-BC, OCN, CNE, ANEF

Dr. Yolanda VanRiel, chair of the Department of Nursing at North Carolina Central University, has 28 years of nursing experience, including over 20 years as a nurse educator. The author of numerous presentations, publications, and grants, Dr. VanRiel has focused her scholarship on nursing education, provider-patient communications, health disparities, and oncology. Her achievements have been recognized with numerous professional accolades. A fellow in the NLN Academy of Nursing Education, Dr. VanRiel is a certified nurse educator (CNE), with additional certifications in oncology and medical-surgical nursing. Along with the National League for Nursing, Dr. VanRiel holds memberships in the American Nurses Association, Oncology Nursing Society, and the Gamma Zeta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International. She is past president of the North Carolina League for Nursing, which under her leadership won the NLN Constituent League Excellence in Innovation Award, and served as vice chair of the North Carolina Board of Nursing in 2019.

About Mark Hand, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE

Dr. Mark Hand, a clinical professor at East Carolina University (ECU) College of Nursing in Greenville, is the recipient of the 2023 North Carolina Nurses Association Education Nurse of the Year Award. In addition, he has received several honors and awards of distinction. Dr. Hand is a published author and sought-after speaker. He often collaborates with nursing students, ensuring they have opportunities for valuable professional development experiences. In keeping with this interest, he serves as faculty mentor for the American Association of Men in Nursing (AAMN) chapter at ECU. Most recently, he received the AAMN 2023 Gene Tranbarger Research Award for his manuscript “Men as Nursing Faculty: Factors of Recruitment and Retention.” His research focus includes LGBTQ+ health education, men as nursing faculty, and nursing student success. Dr. Hand is a certified nurse educator and a member of the Editorial Board of the NLN scholarly journal, Nursing Education Perspectives. He is also a past president of the North Carolina League for Nursing.

Governors-At-Large (3-year term: 2023-2026)

  • Elizabeth “Suzy” Cain, chief financial officer, KFF (The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation): Public Appointee
  • Anne Marie Fink, PhD, RN, CNE, associate dean for college and student services and director of the LEAD professional development program in the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University: Elected

Nominations Committee Election (3-year term: 2023-2026)

  • Kechi Iheduru-Anderson, DNP, RN, CNE, CWCN, nursing program director and professor, School of Rehabilitation and Medical Sciences, The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant
  • Jessica Ochs, DNP, APRN, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, FNAP, CNE, professor, Cummings School of Nursing and Health Sciences, Endicott College, Beverly, Massachusetts

The Nominations Committee solicits nominations from individual and agency representative members for all League elected positions reflecting the organization’s diverse membership.

Certification Commission Election (3-year term: 2023-2026)

  • Frank Hicks, PhD, RN, CNE, associate dean for academic programs and affairs, professor, adult health and gerontological nursing, Rush University College of Nursing, Chicago

The Certification Commission oversees and supervises the NLN Academic Nurse Educator Certification Program.

For more information, visit NLN.org.

#####

About the National League for Nursing

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 professional development, networking opportunities, testing services, nursing research grants, and public policy initiatives to its nearly 45,000 individual and 1,000 institutional members, comprising nursing education programs across the spectrum of higher education and health care organizations. Learn more at NLN.org.