NLN UPDATE 
A Biweekly Publication of the National League for Nursing
Vol. VII, Issue No. 14, July 12, 2004
Letter from NLN CEO Ruth D. Corcoran, EdD, RN
ANNOUNCING A NEW ALLIANCE AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE
The first annual NLN Nursing Education Research Institute will take place in Tampa, Florida, January 6-10, 2005. This is an exciting new initiative for the NLN and is the next step in our strategic goal to enhance the research science that is the foundation of nursing education. This landmark conference is the result of an alliance between the NLN and one of our member schools, the University of South Florida. We modeled the alliance after the very successful relationship we enjoy with Villanova University College of Nursing. With Villanova, we offer our annual Faculty Development Institute, an exemplar of creative collaboration in practical instruction and hands-on experiences for faculty.
The Nursing Education Research Institute will present a unique opportunity for 50 individuals - experienced researchers in nursing education as well as new researchers and doctoral students - to investigate ideas for specific research studies. Each day, following a targeted didactic presentation, participants will meet in small groups to work on the design and development of multi-site, multi-method, and multi-paradigmatic studies.
There will also be opportunities to address the challenges of dissemination and utilization of findings, grant writing, and the development of ongoing research programs. Participants are encouraged to bring current or proposed studies so they can refine them in collaboration with other nurse researchers and students and benefit from the personal attention of the institute facilitators, Dr. Pam Ironside and Dr. Nancy Diekelmann.
The University of South Florida is an ideal partner for the NLN in this endeavor. It is a comprehensive institution that enrolls nearly 42,000 students. It boasts a diverse student body, including more than 2,000 international students representing 116 countries. Its college of nursing offers baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral programs, including several innovative accelerated program options. And, consistent with NLN priorities, the college offers the opportunity for students in the doctoral program to pursue preparation for academic roles as faculty members. We are excited by the college's intellectually stimulating environment and the way it promotes excellence in critical thinking, academic performance, and clinical practice.
Details about specific content, cost, and other aspects of the Nursing Education Research Institute will be available in August and posted on the NLN website at www.nln.org. If you wish to reserve one of the 50 spaces and be part of the inaugural group, you are invited to contact Dr. Terry Valiga at tvaliga@nln.org. She will hold reservations on a first-come, first-served basis.
1. THE NLN LAUNCHES AN EDUCATION POLICY NEWSLETTER
As a further expansion of our member services, the NLN has launched a new e-newsletter, "Nursing Education Policy." This monthly, PDF-formatted report focuses on what is affecting nursing education - both in Washington, DC and in the states. If you would like to opt in and receive "Nursing Education Policy," which will be sent to you electronically, please send an e-mail message to edpolicy@nln.org.
2. A NEW SCHEDULE FOR NLN ELECTIONS
To maximize member participation, NLN elections will be held online via the Internet starting August 11 and continuing through September 14. NLN members will be notified by e-mail when the ballot is online.
3. NURSING DATA REVIEW
The NLN publication, Nursing Data Review, Academic Year 2003, Volume 1: Contemporary RN Nursing Education, is now available. We are making one copy available AT NO CHARGE to all of our education member agencies. To request your copy, please write to Kathy Young in our membership department (kyoung@nln.org). If you wish to purchase additional copies, please visit our website at www.nln.org/research/datareview/nursingdatareview.htm to place your order.
This book is based on data obtained from the NLN Annual Survey of Schools of Nursing. This year's survey will be online September 1 through November 15. To facilitate the survey process, be sure to let us know about changes in your nursing program administration. (Write to Vicki Carter at vcarter@nln.org and provide the names, titles, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of any new deans, directors, or chairpersons employed at your school of nursing.)
4. PAX-RN VALIDITY STUDY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Our Assessment and Evaluation Business Unit has issued a request for proposals to perform a validity study for the NLN Pre-Admission Exam for RNs (PAX-RN). The intent of the study is to validate the effectiveness of the PAX-RN in predicting success for prospective nursing students. We have noticed a significant increase in the demand for this exam, which we welcome as a reflection of the increase in applicants interested in enrolling in schools of nursing.
The NLN has provided pre-admission exams to schools of nursing since 1941. Our PAX-RN is one of a comprehensive series of exams the NLN provides. Those interested in submitting proposals will find more information at www.nln.org/testprods/PreAdmin/RN/rfp.pdf.
5. RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION
Faculty and program administrators, did you complete your Student Recruitment and Retention Survey? The research arm of our Research and Professional Development Business Unit sent you a unique URL in an e-mail invitation. If you have already completed the survey, we thank you very much. If not, please respond as soon as possible. Your insights are very important for the future of nursing.
6. FACULTY RECRUITMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Does your school have openings for nurse faculty? Media Rep Consultants now handles ad sales for Nursing Education Perspectives. Call Janis Mason at 312/346-3076 or e-mail Medrepcons@aol.com to place an ad in our September/October Summit issue,
For maximum exposure, we recommend that schools of nursing use BOTH a print ad in Nursing Education Perspectives and the online NLNeCAREER CENTER, which is accessed from our website homepage (www.nln.org). This is an interactive and integrated online job bank that reaches two million association members who may be potential candidates for clinical faculty positions.
Advertise online for immediate and far-reaching exposure. Advertise in print in Nursing Education Perspectives to publicize the unique aspects of your nursing education program.
7. IDENTIFY YOUR AGENCY AS AN NLN MEMBER
NLN member agencies are invited to visit www.nln.org/membership/memberagencylogo.doc to download a new logo for use on course catalogues, stationery, websites, and other publications. We hope you will use this opportunity to identify your school as a proud member of the NLN.
8. 2004 NCLEX INVITATIONAL
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing is planning the NCLEX Invitational 2004, September 13, in San Francisco. This year's agenda is designed specifically for nurse educators, nurse recruiters, NCSBN member boards of nursing, and professional and review course organizations to provide the latest information on the NCLEX examinations. Visit www.cvent.com/EventManagement/Summary/Summary.asp?type=HomePage&eCode=iknlikcilryiipdlireilbziiynlic for more information.
9. CAREER OPPORTUNITY AT THE NLN
The NLN has an excellent opportunity for a master's-prepared nurse with experience and interest in nursing education. We are seeking a manager of professional development who will coordinate existing professional development initiatives and participate in the development of new initiatives. Please visit www.nln.org/careers/mgrprofdev.pdf for details.
10. ONLINE COURSES
"Practicum: The Development of a Web-Based Course," the fourth course in the Teaching & Learning Web-Based Courses Certificate Program offered by Indiana University, and available at a discount to NLN members, will run from July 19-August 6. You must register by Friday, July 16, at 5 pm EDT. See www.nln.org/profdev/onlinecourses/teachinginnursing.htm for more information about all of the excellent online courses in this program.
11. NLN MEETINGS/EVENTS/INSTITUTES/AUDIO-WEB CONFERENCES (www.nln.org)
- August 5-6, 2004. The NLN and the New York State Nurses Association will co-sponsor a new regional workshop, "Developing Valid and Reliable Exams to Assess Critical Thinking: The Ultimate Test," in Latham, NY. Visit www.nln.org/profdev/Workshops/NYSNA/index.htm for more information.
- September 30-October 2, 2004. The NLN Education Summit 2004, "Excellence and Innovation in Nursing Education: If We Can Dream It, We Can Do It," at the Universal Studios Royal Pacific Resort in Orlando, Florida. Go to www.nln.org/Summit/index.htm to register online.
- October 29-31, 2004. "Nuts and Bolts: The NLN Technology Conference," designed for those interested in using technology to develop and/or implement new approaches to educating students, at the Marriott San Antonio Riverwalk Hotel. See www.nln.org/profdev/Conferences/SanAntonio/SaveTheDateFlyer.pdf for information.
- November 5, 2004. The NLN and the Ohio League for Nursing will co-sponsor "Improving Confidence in the Results of Classroom Multiple Choice Exams," a regional workshop presented by Mary McDonald, MA, RN, at the Radisson Hotel Cleveland Airport. See www.nln.org/profdev/Workshops/Ohio/index.htm for more information.
12. UPCOMING NLN CONSTITUENT LEAGUE MEETINGS
WISCONSIN
The Wisconsin League for Nursing Fall Conference will take place on Friday, September 17, in Waukesha. Donna Ignatavicius will speak on "Clinical Assessment/Evaluation." For more information and a program flyer, contact Mary Ann Tanner at 414/332-6271 or e-mail modtech@att.net.
Visit www.nln.org/newsletter/index.htm to view previous issues of NLN UPDATE.
Write to Cindy Rogers at crogers@nln.org to subscribe to NLN UPDATE.
Next Issue of NLN UPDATE: Monday, July 26, 2004. Write to Leslie Block at lblock@nln.org to submit items for consideration.