Published September 06, 2017
Weekly Digest
In a new article published in the Journal of Nursing Regulation, Dr. Peter Buerhaus and colleagues examine the “Four Challenges Facing the Nursing Workforce in the United States,” which include: the aging of the Baby Boom generation, the shortage and uneven distribution of physicians, the accelerating rate of registered nurse retirements, and the uncertainty of healthcare reform. This article describes these major trends and examines their implications for nursing. The authors also explore how nurses can meet these complex and interrelated challenges and continue to thrive in an ever-changing environment.
In the August issue of the Journal of Nursing Education, Drs. Rebecca McCombs Wheeler and Lisa Wright Eichelberger take an in-depth look at the “Perspectives of Nurses Pursuing Doctoral Degrees in Georgia: Implications for Recruitment.” Based on findings from a survey of all doctoral students enrolled in Georgia nursing schools, the authors conclude that the recruitment of nurses to doctoral programs should focus on messaging, timing, and highlighting the unique aspects of programs. Understanding student perspectives on doctoral education can improve recruitment strategies and increase the number of nurses graduating with doctorates.
AACN Updates
The Social Pulse
Is a "Disease-Free" World Within Reach?
Research!America’s National Health Research Forum is designed to spark stimulating conversations among top leaders in government, industry, patient advocacy, and academia about “in the moment” issues that could impact the trajectory of medical and health research and innovation. With such uncertainty regarding the future of our nation’s scientific enterprise, thought leaders will come together to discuss potential solutions to challenges that could slow the pace of scientific progress. This program will be livestreamed on WebMD on Thursday, September 7 at 11:30 am, and will feature AACN's Board Chair-Elect Dr. Ann Cary as a panelist.
Social Media Best Practices
As a student nurse, using social media wisely can be a key ingredient in landing a job and keeping it. Read the full article for best practices for nurses to consider when using social media, from social media expert and nurse Pamela Ressler, BSN, RN, adjunct lecturer of Public Health and Community Medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine. Learn more about social networking for nurses.
Washington Weekly
Inside this week’s edition of Washington Weekly: AACN expresses deep concern over the President’s decision to rescind DACA; the Senate Appropriations LHHS-ED Subcommittee approves increased funding for NIH research, opioid prevention and treatment, and education; and the House Rules Committee works to pass a 12-bill spending package.
Read AACN's Washington Weekly >>
Member News & Announcements
The University of Illinois (UIC) at Chicago College of Nursing has received a $5 million donation from M. Christine Schwartz to expand upon an existing simulation laboratory that bears her name. The new center will be “one of the largest and best-equipped simulation training centers among nursing colleges in the United States,” according to Dean Terri Weaver. All UIC nursing campuses across Illinois — Chicago, Rockford, Peoria, Quad Cities, Springfield, Urbana — will benefit from the latest technology incorporated in the expansion.
Fairfield University’s Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies is launching a six-week immersive acting program — Patients and Performance: Health Care Method Acting Certificate. As part of the program, participants will be certified in exchange for 10 unpaid hours served in the role of a standardized patient in the school's new state-of-the-art simulation center.