A Message from the President We all have memories of the past as nursing faculty-experiences that have shaped us into what we are today as educators. For me, it was my first Louisiana League for Nursing (LLN) Conference. Set in spring 1998, I have fond memories of driving to the state capital for the gathering. Reflecting back it was a crowded conference center at the Crowne Plaza in Baton Rouge. As most statewide conferences go, we sat together as colleagues representing our respective programs. A Delgado Community College-Charity School of Nursing faculty member at the time, our group sat and cheered together as colleagues. Feeling confident, I introduced myself to Dr. Gail Poirrier, current Dean of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and president of LACANE. Dr. Billie Wilson, former Director of Nursing at Loyola University New Orleans was among the afternoon speakers. There was also secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Bobby Jindal, who delivered a dynamic speech on the status of healthcare in Louisiana at the time. While I can’t speak for all conference participants, I can truthfully say that it was an exhilarating time for me as a new MSN and novice academic nurse educator. I loved the energy and excitement among conference participants. At the time, I wanted to learn everything was there was to know about nursing education. Turning the clock ahead 17 years later and now President of the LLN, I often ask myself “What can I do to recapture the passion experienced at that 1998 conference?” Approaching the age of 60 something, I also ponder and ask, “What can I do to inspire nurses interested in nursing education?” You may ask “What makes these questions meaningful or relevant?” Some may even ask, “So what’s the big deal?” Well there have been several attempts to revitalize the LLN over the years. With a few slow starts and marginal outcomes noted, today marks a new chapter for the LLN. With help of an eager board of directors and goal-oriented officers, the LLN is undergoing reorganization with plans to achieve stability. Utilizing resources provided by the NLN I am pleased to announce that we have a strategic plan and bylaws. And while under development, a website is being created and plans are in progress to conduct a combined LLN membership and continuing education program in April 2015. Last, I share this newsletter with you. It’s the first of what will become a quarterly publication distributed by the LLN. Designed for Louisiana nurse educators, it will carry out the mission of the NLN which is to promote excellence in nursing education; to build a strong and diverse nursing workforce; to advance the health of our nation and the global community. Thus, regardless of your position as state board of nursing official, faculty member, dean, chair, program director, staff development coordinator, clinical administrator or preceptor, we look forward to working with you in support of nursing education.
Please join the Officers and Board Members of the Louisiana League for Nursing (LLN) in ushering in the summer 2015 season. This is a special time for us as it marks time gained toward a year’s journey in becoming a state affiliate group of the National League for Nursing. It’s also a period of recognition of LLN accomplishments achieved thus far and the commitment to future goals as an organization whose primary purpose is to serve as the Voice of Nursing Education in Louisiana. Included in this issue are objectives undertaken since January and those in the making during press release time of this newsletter. It’s important to note that all activities are based on the LLN’s 2015-2016 strategic plan. With a President’s Message titled “One Step at a Time”, it’s a reminder that the work of the LLN has just begun. What’s new in this edition? A brief overview on the NLN Ambassador Program is included in this issue. Also, with ongoing dialogues on the shortage of nursing faculty, this newsletter spotlights the Graduate Nursing Program at Southern University Baton Rouge for its efforts in meeting the supply and demand issue facing the nursing profession. Also included in this issue is recognition of Louisiana Nurse Educators and Academic Programs on the Move. Last, upcoming events supporting nursing and nursing education are provided.
May 2018