Living the NLN Life Through Member Engagement

Abstract

Being the president of the National League for Nursing has been both an honor and privilege. As I write my last President's Message, I find myself reflecting back to September 2013 when I first became president and the NLN had just moved to Washington, DC. It was an exciting time, filled with anticipation of wonderful things to come. The NLN was embarking on a new chapter in its organizational history after spending 120 years in New York City. Change was in the air. Since that time, our focus has been consistently on our members. With our members we have accomplished many things, and our professional development and recognition programs have flourished. Keeping our mission and core values in the forefront, NLN staff work tirelessly to provide the tools needed to support nurse faculty and nursing education programs in building a strong and diverse workforce and advancing the health of our nation and the global community. It is clear that member engagement in the NLN is key to promoting excellence in nursing education. Regional constituent leagues, NLN ambassadors, educators who hold the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) credential, faculty in NLN Center of Excellence schools of nursing, and fellows in the NLN Academy of Nursing Education are exemplars of active membership involvement. These committed members help us serve as the voice for nursing education. Like many of you, I was very involved in my state constituent league and held several offices throughout the years, including the presidency of the Alabama League for Nursing. Being part of the Alabama league, I believe, provided me with the knowledge, insight, and confidence to move forward with my involvement at the national level. Having had the good fortune to participate in most NLN programs, I guess you could say that I have lived the NLN life. The move to DC enabled the NLN to redesign its organizational structure while aligning with the 2011 Institute of Medicine Future of Nursing report recommendations. The NLN Home for Transformative Excellence was created, housing seven centers that address academic and clinical transitions, assessment and evaluation, diversity and global initiatives, vulnerable populations, simulation and technology, transformative leadership, and the advancement of the science of nursing education. Partnerships are built through these centers, and leaders are made. Another development has been the formation of strategic action groups, from within and outside the membership, to address critical issues affecting nursing education and nursing research. …