Industry News

TruMerit

2024 Nurse Migration Report

On February 11, 2025, CGFNS International – now known as TruMerit - released the 2024 Nurse Migration Report, which indicates that a robust annual rate of nurse migration into the United States held steady in 2024 as healthcare systems continued to look to foreign-educated nurses to help address staffing shortages. This report synthesizes data and trends from the past year to provide a comprehensive picture of the global movement of nurses and other healthcare workers. The authors see the current high rates of nurse migration as likely unsustainable amid persisting visa retrogression and caps on employment-based green cards for nurses, along with new immigration policies being implemented by the Trump Administration.

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American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching 

2025 Research Activity Designations

On February 13, 2025, the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching published the 2025 Research Activity Designations, unveiling an updated methodology that better reflects the research landscape of U.S. higher education institutions. The Carnegie classifications now require only two criteria for R-1 status: spend $50 million in annual research and award at least 70 research doctorates a year. A new designation also recognizes smaller colleges conducting research. See the ACE press release and the Inside Higher Ed article.

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Nursing Outlook

Harmonizing Excellence: Crafting the Nexus of Competencies, Standards, and Degree Demands in Nurse Practitioner Education

In the March-April 2025 Nursing Outlook, Dr. Lorna Finnegan from Loyola University Chicago and colleagues published Harmonizing Excellence: Crafting the Nexus of Competencies, Standards, and Degree Demands in Nurse Practitioner Education. The paper calls for transitioning NP education to the DNP degree utilizing the 2022 National Task Force Standards for Quality Nurse Practitioner Education and the 2021 AACN Essentials. To ensure that NPs remain at the forefront of healthcare delivery, the authors call for a comprehensive, competency-based approach to preparing NPs for 21st century practice. Clear and consistent educational standards that align with system needs is a path forward.

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National Academy of Medicine

Vital Directions for Health and Health Care

Published every 4 years to coincide with federal leadership transitions, the National Academy of Medicine’s Vital Directions for Health and Health Care series analyzes the top health policy needs for the nation. The 2025 edition, published January 22 in Health Affairs, lays out six key priorities: transforming health care payment and delivery; integrating AI into health care; modernizing public health; addressing the health impacts of climate change; improving women’s health; and advancing the biomedical research enterprise. As leaders inside and outside government navigate complex challenges, the Vital Directions series provides nonpartisan, evidence-based guidance. 

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Nursing Outlook

Addressing Burnout Among Nurses of Color: Key Priorities and Calls for Action

In the November-December 2024 issue of Nursing Outlook, Dr. J. Margo Brooks Carthon from the University of Pennsylvania and colleagues explore Addressing Burnout Among Nurses of Color: Key Priorities and Calls for Action. The authors detail proceedings from a convening of nearly 40 expert stakeholders to consider what can be done to address the high rate of burnout among nurses of color. Identified solutions include improving the work environment and nurse staffing, reducing stigma against nurses seeking mental health care, addressing workplace racism as a root cause of nurse burnout, and increasing support for nurses experiencing racism at work.

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Gallup

Americans' Ratings of U.S. Professions Stay Historically Low

On January 13, 2025, Gallup released the results of its annual ranking of the most trusted professions, with nurses once again topping the list. Three in four Americans consider nurses highly honest and ethical, making them the most trusted of 23 professions rated in Gallup’s annual measurement. Following a national survey conducted in December 2024, 76% of those polled rated nurses as high or very high in terms of honesty and ethical standards. Other highly ranked health professionals include pharmacists (57%) and physicians (53%). Nurses have earned the highest rating every year, except one, since Gallup added them to the annual survey in 1999.

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Imprint

Fortifying Nurse Well-Being, Self-Care, Leadership, and Resilience

In the November-December 2024 issue of Imprint, AACN’s Robert Rosseter and Dr. Joan Stanley contributed an article titled Fortifying Nurse Well-Being, Self-Care, Leadership, and Resilience. The latest Essentials call for preparing nurses with competencies related to leadership development, professionalism, and developing wellness and resilience for self and others. The article details how AACN worked with 10 nursing schools to develop learning strategies, assessment measures, faculty suggestions, and other resources that can be used by faculty to adapt curriculum to meet today’s expectations. To access these resources, which were developed with funding from Johnson & Johnson, click here.

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Journal of Pain and Symptom Management

Dr. Betty Ferrell and the Extraordinary Pursuit of Worldwide Palliative Nursing Education

The January 2025 issue of the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management features an eight-part series in tribute to Dr. Betty Ferrell for her commitment to advancing clinical expertise and research in pain management, quality of life, and palliative care. Dr. Ferrell is the director of Nursing Research and Education at City of Hope in Duarte, CA, who founded the End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) in partnership with AACN. With contributions from two dozen scholars, the papers include an analysis of ELNEC’s global impact in a piece titled Dr. Betty Ferrell and the Extraordinary Pursuit of Worldwide Palliative Nursing Education. The ELNEC project celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025.

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Nursing Outlook

State Health and the Level of Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners

In the January-February 2025 Nursing Outlook, Dr. Jacqueline Dunbar-Jacob and Dr. Jeffrey Rohay from the University of Pittsburgh published a new study on State Health and the Level of Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners. Following a review of United Health Foundation’s health rankings of U.S. states, the researchers found that states with full practice authority for nurse practitioners (NP) ranked higher in overall state health, health outcomes, clinical care, quality of care, access to care, number of primary care providers per 100,000 population, and childhood immunizations. The data suggest full NP practice authority could address primary care shortages while achieving better population health.

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Creative Nursing

The Progression of Inclusive Language that Enhances Belonging

In the November 2024 issue of Creative Nursing, Dr. Brigit Carter, AACN’s Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and colleagues explore The Progression of Inclusive Language that Enhances Belonging. Inclusive language demonstrates a sense of respect and value for all people while simultaneously acknowledging the diverse culture in which we live. This manuscript was developed to increase awareness of culturally sensitive terms and phrases for those who are often marginalized or stereotyped, with special emphasis paid to language used in the context of race and ethnicity, disability, socioeconomic status, gender identity and sexual orientation, age, and size.

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Journal of Professional Nursing

Weaving Caring Science into the AACN Essentials: A Cross-Impact Analysis and Resource Guide

In the January-February 2025 Journal of Professional Nursing, Dr. Sara Horton-Deutsch from the University of San Francisco and colleagues focus on Weaving Caring Science into the AACN Essentials: A Cross-Impact Analysis and Resource Guide. The authors describe Caring Science as a discipline-specific organizing foundation for the 2021 Essentials. Faculty from three AACN-funded schools (Mount Carmel College, Nevada State University, and Samuel Merritt University) and three Caring Science scholars detail their approach to integrating Caring Science knowledge into the AACN Essentials. These three schools and two practice partners (Kaiser Permanente and Stanford Healthcare) showcase how Caring Science and the 10 Caritas Processes® can advance professional nursing education and practice.

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The American Nurse

Nurses and Policy: Tools and Resources for Engagement

Samantha Karp, Allison Crha, and Alison Hernandez published an article in The American Nurse on Nurses and Policy: Tools and Resources for Engagement. Being a civic-minded community member is an expectation identified in the American Nurses Association’s Code of Ethics for Nurses and aligns with the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s report on the Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity. The authors compiled a helpful table of fellowship and internship opportunities for nursing students in undergraduate through post-doctoral programs interested in engaging in policy making at the state or federal levels. 

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Journal of Professional Nursing

Collaborative Nursing Education Between Advanced Practice Registered Nurses

Published online by the Journal of Professional Nursing on November 7, 2024, Dr. Ryan Richey and colleagues from the University of Alabama at Birmingham explore Collaborative Nursing Education Between Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. Despite efforts to recruit and retain nursing faculty, the shortage persists and calls for new approaches to utilizing the strengths of existing faculty. This article highlights an innovative collaboration between a Nurse Anesthesia and an Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner program that has been effective at facilitating teaching and educational strategies across programs, sharing faculty expertise, and mitigating reduced faculty numbers.

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Becker's Hospital Review

A Quiet Driver of the Nurse Shortage, Explained

On October 28, 2024, writer Stefanie Asin with Becker’s Hospital Review published an article titled A Quiet Driver of the Nurse Shortage, Explained. With a national nurse faculty vacancy rate of 7.8%, the author explores the direct connection between having a sufficient number of nurse educators and meeting the nation’s demand for healthcare. Using AACN data, the article explores the impact of the faculty shortage as well as possible solutions, which include offering loan forgiveness programs for those who become nurse educators and creating partnerships between hospitals and schools to provide competitive compensation packages. 

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Bloomberg News

Simple Economics Can Help Cut Health-Care Costs

On October 15, 2024, the editorial board of Bloomberg News published an opinion piece titled Simple Economics Can Help Cut Health-Care Costs. Given the national dialogue about the high price of hospital-based services, the authors call for increasing the supply of qualified healthcare professionals, including nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants, as the most straightforward way to lower costs and bridge gaps in care. The article addresses the benefits of removing outdated laws that restrict patient access to care delivered by NPs. The cost savings and improved care that would result from allowing NPs to practice to the full extent of their education and preparation are highlighted.

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Journal of Professional Nursing

Improving Nurse Faculty Job Satisfaction: An Action Guide for Academic Nurse Leaders

In the November/December 2024 Journal of Professional Nursing, Dr. Cori Heier from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and colleagues published an article titled Improving Nurse Faculty Job Satisfaction: An Action Guide for Academic Nurse Leaders. The authors identify core concepts of 5 relational leadership theories (adaptive, authentic, servant, transformational, and human-centered leadership in healthcare) and map those concepts to academic nurse leader behaviors that impact faculty job satisfaction. Human-centered leadership in healthcare emerged as the best-fit theory for leaders to apply to enhance productivity and the work environment. The article serves as an evidence-based guide to enhance faculty job satisfaction at schools of nursing.

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Journal of Nursing Administration

Differences in Nurse Practitioner Work Effectiveness by Level of Education and Work Experience

In the October 2024 Journal of Nursing Administration, Dr. Debra Hampton and colleagues from the University of Kentucky published an article titled Differences in Nurse Practitioner Work Effectiveness by Level of Education and Work Experience. This study was developed to assess the association of educational level, work experience, and other demographic factors with the perceived impact of nurse practitioner (NP) role effectiveness. The authors found that DNP-prepared NPs had a significantly higher overall outcome impact scores when compared to master’s-prepared NPs, including higher scores on patient satisfaction, student precepting, and organizational leadership/engagement.

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McKinsey & Company

The Pulse of Nurses’ Perspectives on AI in Healthcare Delivery

On October 1, 2024, McKinsey & Company, in collaboration with the American Nurses Foundation, published findings from a survey of 7,200 nurses in a report titled The Pulse of Nurses’ Perspectives on AI in Healthcare Delivery. Findings suggest that nurses are optimistic and excited about AI-powered tools, with two-thirds of respondents citing AI’s potential to improve patient care and case workloads. Respondents expressed a strong desire to better understand how AI works and the need for more opportunities to provide input on how best to use the technology in the clinical environment. 

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Nursing Outlook

The Power of Hispanic Nurses in Advancing Health Equity: The Career of Henrietta Villaescusa

In the September/October 2024 Nursing Outlook, Dr. Antonia Villarruel and Dr. Julie Fairman from the University of Pennsylvania explore The Power of Hispanic Nurses in Advancing Health Equity: The Career of Henrietta Villaescusa. Though nurses of color make important contributions in nursing, their impact too often remains invisible. To amplify the contribution of Latino nurses in advancing health equity, the authors highlight the career of pioneering nurse leader Henrietta Villaescusa to illuminate her impact across government, health, and nursing sectors in advocating for the health of Latino communities.

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Nursing Education Perspectives

Supporting Mental Health Well-Being in the Most Vulnerable Future Nurses

In the September/October 2024 issue of Nursing Education Perspectives, Dr. Catherine Stubin and Dr. Thomas Dahan from Rutgers University School of Nursing-Camden published an article on Supporting Mental Health Well-Being in the Most Vulnerable Future Nurses. This study explores the relationship between perceived faculty support and the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress levels among 1,163 baccalaureate nursing students across the U.S. Results revealed nearly 54% of nursing students suffer from severe/extremely severe depression, anxiety, or stress. Faculty support was found to be critical to student mental health well-being.

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Nursing Education Today

Unintended Consequences – Risk for Bias in Competency-Based Assessment

On September 14, 2024, Nursing Education Today published an article from Dr. Janelle Sokolowich from Chamberlain University, who serves on AACN’s Assessment Expert Working Group, titled Unintended Consequences – Risk for Bias in Competency-Based Assessment. As nursing transitions to a competency-based education, careful attention must be paid to the measures used to assess learning outcomes. The author highlights the need to reduce bias by using a consistent approach with universal design for learning, rubric validation, and multiple assessment methods. Practical suggestions for developing an objective assessment strategy to minimize bias are offered.

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Journal of Professional Nursing

Institutional Factors that Affect Faculty Mentoring in Academic Nursing Programs

Published in the September/October 2024 Journal of Professional Nursing, Dr. Katie Ruth Busby from the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs and Dr. Claire Burke Draucker from Indiana University published a manuscript on Institutional Factors that Affect Faculty Mentoring in Academic Nursing Programs. Mentoring in academic nursing facilitates the acclimation of nurse faculty into academia, supports career development, and improves faculty satisfaction and retention. The authors identify factors that support or hinder faculty-to-faculty mentoring, including the important role academic nursing leaders play in ensuring the success of a mentoring program.

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Journal of Nursing Education

Differentiation and Integration of Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Quality Improvement

On September 3, 2024, the Journal of Nursing Education published an article from Dr. Jayne Jennings Dunlap from Texas Woman’s University and colleagues, titled Differentiation and Integration of Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Quality Improvement. The transition to the 2021 AACN Essentials calls on faculty to recognize the distinctions and interrelatedness of research, evidence-based practice (EBP), and quality improvement (QI) in the context of competency-based education. The authors differentiate these concepts and how they are used to focus problem-solving efforts in nursing. A helpful table illustrating the unique components of research, EBP, and QI is featured.

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Journal for Nurses in Professional Development

Content Validation for a Medical-Surgical Orientation Competency Assessment Instrument

On August 16, 2024, the Journal for Nurses in Professional Development published an article by Dr. Lorraine Hopkins Pepe and colleagues (including AACN Essentials Coach Gerry Altmiller) titled Content Validation for a Medical-Surgical Orientation Competency Assessment Instrument. The article details the development of a competency assessment tool, grounded in the 2021 AACN Essentials with input from practice and academic leaders, that is relevant to measuring RN clinical competency in the medical-surgical specialty. The authors underscore the importance of assessing nursing orientation competencies with a content-validated instrument to ensure high-quality, safe nursing practice.

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Nursing Outlook

Nurses in Health Policy: Lessons Learned from One Cohort of the American Academy of Nursing Jonas Policy Scholars Program

In the September 2024 issue of Nursing Outlook, Dr. Rachel French from the University of Pennsylvania and colleagues offer insights on Nurses in Health Policy: Lessons Learned from One Cohort of the American Academy of Nursing Jonas Policy Scholars Program. Graduates of the Jonas Policy Scholars Program, a joint initiative of Jonas Philanthropies and the Academy, share insights on how to prepare nurses with the expertise and experiences needed to help shape policy at the national level. The authors describe the program’s tenets and learnings from their 2-year fellowship experience, as well as recommendations for expanding nurse engagement in health policy.

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Becker’s Clinical Leadership

We Need a More Balanced View of NP Education

On August 5, 2024, Becker’s Clinical Leadership published a letter to the editor by Dr. Sarah Szanton, dean of the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, titled We Need a More Balanced View of NP Education. The letter responds to the Bloomberg News article titled "The Miseducation of America's Nurse Practitioners." The author calls for an end to “fearmongering” that undermines the evidence-based value of advanced practice nurses and may discourage patients from seeking care from well-qualified nurse practitioners (NPs). Dr. Szanton points to the need for greater focus on models of excellence in NP education, including AACN’s Essentials, which outlines the curriculum content and competency expectations of today’s NP graduates.

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Journal of Professional Nursing

Undergraduate Nursing Faculty Knowledge, Beliefs, and Experiences with Teaching LGBTQ+ Content: A Scoping Review

In the September-October 2024 Journal of Professional Nursing, PhD student Caitlin Nye and colleagues from the University at Buffalo published an article on Undergraduate Nursing Faculty Knowledge, Beliefs, and Experiences with Teaching LGBTQ+ Content: A Scoping Review. The authors found that faculty knowledge related to LGBTQ+ health is typically framed by a “deficit narrative,” emphasizing physical and mental health risks and negative outcomes. Further, faculty beliefs are often measured with instruments that reflect cisnormativity or heteronormativity. The authors call for more research on the mechanisms by which nursing faculty incorporate LGBTQ+ content into their courses, as well as the facilitators and barriers to content inclusion.

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American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)

AANP Responds to Recent Article in Bloomberg News

On July 29, 2024, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) published a letter to the editor of Bloomberg News in response to an article challenging the safety of nurse practitioner (NP) education and practice. The article focused on specific incidences of NP care that led to tragic results while ignoring the extensive body of evidence linking positive patient outcomes and increased access to care to NP practice. AACN’s leaders and government affairs staff are working directly with AANP and the American Nurses Association on a coordinated response to the article as well as with the 30+ member organizations with the NP Roundtable to issue a joint letter supporting NP education and practice, which will be posted later this week.

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JAMA Network Open

Changes in Registered Nurse Employment Plans and Workplace Assessments

Published July 18, 2024 in JAMA Network Open, Dr. Christopher Friese and colleagues from the University of Michigan explored Changes in Registered Nurse Employment Plans and Workplace Assessments. In response to reports that nurses are planning to leave the profession in increasing numbers, the authors examined actual changes in RN employment plans and workplace assessments from 2022 to 2023. Study results showed that even though workplace conditions improved, planned departure rates, abusive or violent events, and unsafe conditions remained high, and understaffing was a primary concern. The authors call for health system leaders and policymakers to prioritize initiatives that support nurse retention and reduce potential workforce instability.

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American Academy of Nursing

American Academy of Nursing Continues to Condemn Gun Violence

On July 15, 2024, the American Academy of Nursing issued a statement strongly condemning the shooting that occurred at a rally for former President Donald Trump, which tragically resulted in injury and loss of life. AACN joins with the Academy in applauding the emergency personnel and healthcare providers who responded promptly to this crisis. The Academy supports the U.S. Surgeon General's recent declaration of gun violence as a public health crisis and stands ready to work with policymakers to enact policy changes to prevent future tragedies from occurring. To review the Academy’s nine policy recommendations for reducing firearm violence and promoting public safety, click here.

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Journal of Nursing Regulation

Highlights of the Nurse Licensure Compact Survey Findings: Nurses’ Needs, Experiences, and Views

In the July 2024 Journal of Nursing Regulation, Dr. Elizabeth Zhong and colleagues from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) published Highlights of the Nurse Licensure Compact Survey Findings: Nurses’ Needs, Experiences, and Views. Developed by NCSBN, the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is designed to promote nurse mobility, increase access to care, and advance uniform licensure requirements. In a survey of more than 66,000 RNs across 5 states, 45% of respondents reported providing nursing services outside their state of licensure; 96% of those who practiced under their multistate license identified the NLC as beneficial to their nursing practice.

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National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine

Ending Unequal Treatment: Strategies to Achieve Equitable Health Care and Optimal Health for All

On June 26, 2024, the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine announced a new publication titled Ending Unequal Treatment: Strategies to Achieve Equitable Health Care and Optimal Health for All. Developed by an expert committee, the report underscores the lack of progress made since the call to action issued in the 2003 Institute of Medicine report on Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care. The new report reviews the major drivers of healthcare disparities, provides insight into successful and unsuccessful interventions, identifies gaps in the evidence base, and makes recommendations to advance health equity.

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Journal of Nursing Education

Supporting Nursing Student and Nursing Workforce Wellness Through Academic-Practice Partnerships

In the June 2024 Journal of Nursing Education, Dr. Sharon Little and Dr. Mona Newsome Wicks with The University of Tennessee Health Science Center published a guest editorial on Supporting Nursing Student and Nursing Workforce Wellness Through Academic-Practice Partnerships. The authors call on nurse faculty to consider new approaches to helping students manage stress, build resilience, and prioritize wellness. The article highlights the importance of using academic-practice partnerships to create learning and work environments that foster “nurse and student well-being, wellness, and resilience” with the goal of preventing burnout and promoting optimal patient outcomes.

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Medical Care

Alternative Models of Nurse Staffing May Be Dangerous in High-Stakes Hospital Care

In the July 2024 issue of Medical Care, Dr. Karen Lasater and colleagues from the University of Pennsylvania issued results from a new study which found that Alternative Models of Nurse Staffing May Be Dangerous in High-Stakes Hospital Care. In a review of more than 6.5 million Medicare patient records, the article explores the impact of reducing the proportion of RNs to total nursing staff in hospitals on patients, hospitals, and payers. The research team found a 10 percentage-point reduction in RNs was associated with 7% higher odds of in-hospital death, 1% higher odds of readmission, 2% increase in expected days, and lower patient satisfaction. This translates to 10,947 avoidable deaths and 5,207 avoidable readmissions annually, generating roughly $68.5 million in additional Medicare costs.

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U.S. General Accountability Office (GAO)

Higher Education: Education Could Improve Information on Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

On May 29, the U.S. General Accountability Office (GAO) released a report titled Higher Education: Education Could Improve Information on Accommodations for Students with Disabilities. With more students with disabilities pursuing college than in years past, the GAO was asked to review issues regarding accessibility and accommodations for this student population. This report examines (1) trends in and characteristics of the population of college students with disabilities; (2) any challenges to accessing education that students with disabilities face in college and how colleges have mitigated them, and (3) the extent to which the U.S. Department of Education helps mitigate these challenges.

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JAMA Network Open

Disability and Accommodation Use in US Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs

On February 20, 2025, JAMA Network Open published a study by Brandy L. Jackson from Wichita State University and colleagues titled Disability and Accommodation Use in US Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs. The authors were seeking to quantify the percentage of nursing students with disabilities, the most prevalent types of disability, and typical accommodations used in traditional pre-licensure BSN programs. With data collected from 19 schools, the study found that nursing students with disabilities accounted for 8.4% of total enrollment; the largest category of disability reported was psychological; and the most common support provided was school-based testing accommodations.

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Education Week

How Can Schools Get More Men to Be Teachers?

In the February 4, 2025 issue of Education Week, writer Elizabeth Heubeck published an article asking the question: How Can Schools Get More Men to Be Teachers? Look to Nursing for What Works. Since 1980, the percentage of male teachers in K-12 education has dropped from 33% to 23% of the U.S. workforce. This trend is reversed in nursing where the number of men across clinical and teaching roles has increased from 2.7% in 1980 to 11.2% today. To identify lessons learned in nursing that can be applied to the K-12 teaching workforce, the author spoke to males at every stage of the nursing profession to gain insights into recruitment strategies and ways to overcome stigma associated with men entering a predominantly female profession.

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Journal of Professional Nursing

The Importance, Challenges, and Proposed Solutions for Preceptors to Educate the Nursing Workforce

In the March-April 2025 Journal of Professional Nursing, Dr. Garrett Chan and past members of AACN’s Health Policy Advisory Council consider The Importance, Challenges, and Proposed Solutions for Preceptors to Educate the Nursing Workforce. Preceptors play an essential role in educating students for clinical practice, yet there are no uniform standards, competencies, and teaching strategies to prepare these nurse educators. Further, a lack of federal funding to support preceptor development presents another barrier to sustaining the nursing workforce. This article reviews the current state of preceptors, outlines challenges to quality clinical education, and offers solutions.

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Journal of Professional Nursing

A Measure of Wellness Among Nursing Faculty

In the March-April 2025 Journal of Professional Nursing, Dr. George Zangaro and AACN’s Dr. Cynthia Leaver and Robert Rosseter explore A Measure of Wellness Among Nursing Faculty. Creating a culture of wellness at schools of nursing allows faculty to thrive and assist with retention efforts. Using the 100 Million Healthier Lives instrument to gauge well-being, a survey of 3,489 faculty from undergraduate and graduate nursing programs found that over 40% reported feelings of struggling or suffering. Junior faculty reported significantly lower scores than full professors on well-being assessment items. The authors discuss several approaches to achieving faculty wellness.

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Journal of Nursing Administration

Exploring the Scholarly Value and Impact of DNP-Prepared Nurses Through the Lens of Nursing Leader

In the February 2025 Journal of Nursing Administration, Dr. Katherine Moran from Grand Valley State University and colleagues published an article on Exploring the Scholarly Value and Impact of DNP-Prepared Nurses Through the Lens of Nursing Leaders. The authors explore the perceptions of the impact, value, and support for Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)–prepared nurses engaging in practice scholarship. Following a survey of 87 organizational nurse leaders, respondents reported that the highest impact of the DNP-prepared nurse was on the quality of care, and their greatest value included the implementation of evidence-based practice and quality improvement initiatives.

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Journal of Professional Nursing

The Impact of the Jonas Scholars Program on Advancing Nursing Education, Research, and Practice

Published ahead of print by the Journal of Professional Nursing, Dr. Zhanette Coffee, Dr. Nia Adimu-Ceja Josiah, and Dr. Tonychris Nnaka explore The Impact of the Jonas Scholars Program on Advancing Nursing Education, Research, and Practice. Since its inception in 2008, the Jonas Scholars Program (JSP) has made a substantial impact by addressing the nurse faculty shortage, supporting doctoral-level education, promoting diversity, and developing future nurse leaders. Written by three JSP alumni, this editorial explores the program’s history, evolution, and impact, as well as its contributions to shaping the future of the nursing profession.

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Journal of Professional Nursing

The Year Long Journey: Transforming the BSN-DNP Curriculum

In the January-February 2025 issue of the Journal of Professional Nursing, Dr. LaMicha Hogan and colleagues from Texas Tech University Health Science Center School of Nursing published an article titled The Year Long Journey: Transforming the BSN-DNP Curriculum. The authors detail the process, opportunities, and challenges connected with revising DNP curriculum to meet the 2021 Essentials and the NTF criteria for nurse practitioner programs. The article features the program’s BSN to DNP degree plan, educational model, lessons learned, and recommendations for other schools in transition to consider.

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Forbes

New Research Reveals True Value of College Education

On January 3, 2025, writer Chris Muller with Forbes explores the impact of higher education on income in an article titled New Research Reveals True Value of College Education. Based on findings from a comprehensive analysis of 53,000 degree and certificate programs conducted by the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity, bachelor's degree holders earn on average $32,112 more annually than high school graduates. Baccalaureate nursing programs rank among the highest degrees in terms of return on investment, with lifetime earnings premiums often exceeding $619,000. Nursing degrees also ranked high in terms of promoting economic mobility on a large scale.

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Nursing Education in Practice

Enhancing Nursing Education through Mobile Health Clinics: Aligning AACN Core Competencies with Pediatric Clinical Experiences in Rural and Indigenous Communities

In the November 2024 issue of Nursing Education in Practice, Dr. Shelly Hogan and colleagues from Montana State University explore Enhancing Nursing Education through Mobile Health Clinics: Aligning AACN Core Competencies with Pediatric Clinical Experiences in Rural and Indigenous Communities. A well-prepared nursing workforce is essential in order to meet the healthcare needs of rural, underserved, and Indigenous communities. This study examines nursing students' perceptions of a Mobile Health Training Program that integrates the AACN Essentials with a focus on culturally responsive care, interprofessional collaboration, and professional development.

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The Lancet

Can the US Health-Care Workforce Keep Pace with Demand?

On December 7, 2024, reporter Susan Jaffee with The Lancet published an original article titled Can the US Health-Care Workforce Keep Pace with Demand?. Featuring insights from AACN Board Chair Dr. Jean Giddens, the story focused on workforce challenges related to physician and nurse supply and how this diminishes care quality and access to essential services. Using AACN data, the article identifies the faculty shortage as the primary reason for not accommodating all qualified applicants to nursing schools. The impact of the work environment and insufficient staffing on retaining nurses in hospitals are also considered.

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The Nurse Practitioner

36th Annual APRN Legislative Update

In the January 2025 issue of The Nurse Practitioner, Dr. Susanne Phillips with the University of California, Irvine published the 36th Annual APRN Legislative Update. Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) across the US continue to remove statutory and regulatory barriers to full access to APRN care. The status of APRN practice in each US state and Washington, D.C. is examined, with updates to practice authority and reimbursement reported. The article provides legislative summaries for the 27 states allowing full practice authority for nurse practitioners (NPs) and the 23 states with reduced or restricted NP practice.

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Leader to Leader

Transitioning to Competency-Based Nursing Education

In the Fall 2024 issue of Leader to Leader, a National Council of State Boards of Nursing publication, AACN’s Dr. Susan Corbridge (Chief Essentials Program Officer) and Dr. Joan Stanley (Chief Academic Officer) contributed an article on Transitioning to Competency-Based Nursing Education (see page 4-6). The authors discuss why moving to competency-based education (CBE) will enhance both the confidence and skill level of new graduates. “CBE promotes the integration of theoretical knowledge and clinical experience while enhancing critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.” AACN’s efforts to support schools integrating CBE into their programs are outlined.

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The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Bill Conway's $1 Billion Plan to End the Nursing Shortage

On November 13, 2024, senior reporter Maria DiMento with The Chronicle of Philanthropy contributed a story on Bill Conway’s $1 Billion Plan to End the Nursing Shortage. The article details the generous commitment of Carlyle Group Founder Bill Conway to supporting priority issues in nursing education and practice. To date, more than $325 million in donations have been made to 22 U.S. nursing schools to fund student aid, new buildings, faculty recruitment and retention efforts, and other critical needs. In addition to featuring comments from several member deans and faculty, the article includes insights on the need to address the nurse faculty shortage from Dr. Katie Fioravanti, the director of AACN’s Foundation for Academic Nursing.

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Journal of Professional Nursing

Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging within Academic Nursing

Posted online October 25, 2024, by the Journal of Professional Nursing, Dr. Sheria Robinson-Lane and colleagues from the University of Michigan offered a commentary on Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging within Academic Nursing. Despite increasing calls for fostering inclusive learning environments, efforts to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in nursing education have been hampered by structural racism and bias. The authors examine how centering DEIB as key values provides a basis for a culture change that can decolonize the discipline.

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Inside Higher Ed

First-Year Enrollments Take a Tumble

On October 23, 2024, reporter Liam Knox with Inside Higher Ed examined newly released data from the fall semester in an article titled First-Year Enrollments Take a Tumble. The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center’s annual report shows first-year enrollment down by 5%, the largest drop since the pandemic and a setback after last year’s 1% gain. Four-year institutions saw the largest decline, with an 8.5% drop at public colleges and a 6.5% decline at nonprofit private schools. Colleges that serve large populations of low-income students experienced the steepest losses. These declines are being attributed in part to the bungled rollout of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid last year.

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Nursing Outlook

Reject the “Practice Readiness Myth”: Ask if Systems Are Ready for Nursing Graduates Instead

In the September-October 2024 issue of Nursing Outlook, Dr. Beth Ann Swan and colleagues from Emory University issued a call to Reject the “Practice Readiness Myth”: Ask if Systems Are Ready for Nursing Graduates Instead. Given the national dialogue about nursing’s move to competency-based education (CBE), the authors consider the potential harms of conflating CBE with competence or practice readiness. This commentary calls for increased clarity and specificity in conversations about CBE, an increased focus on healthy transitions to practice, and the need for greater strategic alignment across academia and practice.

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Nursing Administration Quarterly

Valuing Nursing Practice: Laying the Future Foundations for Nursing

In the October/December 2024 issue of Nursing Administration Quarterly, Dr. Tim Porter-O'Grady and Dr. Sharon Pappas explore Valuing Nursing Practice: Laying the Future Foundations for Nursing. The authors challenge health leaders to rethink how they quantify nursing’s financial value and its impact on healthcare services. The authors link the contribution of nurses to the fulfillment and purpose of the healthcare system and outline the value added by nurses related to lowering costs, increasing effectiveness, and innovating service delivery.

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Journal of Nursing Education

Comparative Analysis of NCLEX-RN Questions: A Duel Between ChatGPT and Human Expertise

On October 7, 2024, the Journal of Nursing Education announced the winners of this year’s Christine A. Tanner Scholarly Writing Award. The 2024 winners are Dr. Rachel L. Cox, Karen L. Hunt, and Dr. Rebecca R. Hill from the MGH Institute of Health Professions School of Nursing, who were recognized for their article titled Comparative Analysis of NCLEX-RN Questions: A Duel Between ChatGPT and Human Expertise. This study assessed NCLEX-RN questions generated by AI and those created by nurse educators and considers how AI can assist faculty with item writing.

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British Journal of Surgery

Nurse Understaffing Associated with Adverse Outcomes for Surgical Admissions

In the September 2024 issue of the British Journal of Surgery, researchers with the University of Southampton (UK) published an article titled Nurse Understaffing Associated with Adverse Outcomes for Surgical Admissions. Using data from more than 213,000 hospital admissions, the study found that insufficient staffing by both registered nurses (RNs) and nursing assistants is associated with adverse events. Having too few RNs in acute care settings was linked to an increase in the risk of mortality, longer hospital stays, and a higher incidence of deep vein thrombosis, pneumonia, and pressure ulcers.

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Campaign for Action

Five Nurses Celebrated for Leadership and Innovation in Advancing Health Equity

On September 10, 2024, writer Mary Boyle with the Campaign for Action posted a story online titled Five Nurses Celebrated for Leadership and Innovation in Advancing Health Equity. The article profiles five nurses from around the country who received Equity-Minded Nursing Awards for their work to end health disparities and improve access to high-quality health care for all. Among the honorees are Dr. M. Rebecca O’Connor from the University of Washington School of Nursing who received the 2024 Equity-Minded Nurse Educator Award, which is co-sponsored by AACN.

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International Journal of Nursing Studies

Assets, Not Burdens: Disabled Students in Nursing Education

In the June 2024 International Journal of Nursing Studies, Drs. Sabrina Jamal-Eddine, Teresa Savage, and Carol Gill from the University of Illinois Chicago published an editorial titled Assets, Not Burdens: Disabled Students in Nursing Education. Even with legislation in place protecting individual rights, disabled students are still being excluded and dismissed from some nursing programs due to disability. This paper confronts three ethical concerns often voiced by nursing faculty and administrators who marginalize disabled nursing students, including patient safety, nursing student safety, and fairness for all students.

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Nurse Educator

Defining Nurse Practitioner Core Entrustable Professional Activities: Essential Step Toward Competency-Based Education

In the September/October 2024 issue of Nurse Educator, Dr. Jeanne Moore from Catholic University and colleagues explore Defining Nurse Practitioner Core Entrustable Professional Activities: Essential Step Toward Competency-Based Education. This study sought to develop and validate a set of Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) that reflect the core activities performed by all nurse practitioners. The eight EPAs identified in this study map multiple advanced-level NP competencies to workplace expectations and provide a framework for competency-based assessment among NP preceptors.

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Journal of Professional Nursing

The Intersections between Competency-based Education and Simulation-based Education: Integration in Nursing Education

Published online August 27, 2024 in the Journal of Professional Nursing, Dr. Marie Gilbert from California State University, Fresno and colleagues explore The Intersections between Competency-based Education and Simulation-based Education: Integration in Nursing Education. The article considers how simulation-based education (SBE), used within the context of competency-based education (CBE), provides learners with an opportunity to practice in a safe environment and gain clinical skills, while enabling faculty to assess learner's needs. The authors see CBE and SBE as an optimal combination to achieve more competent graduates, closing the gap to clinical practice.

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Journal of Professional Nursing

Innovating to Meet AACN Essentials in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

In the September-October 2024 Journal of Professional Nursing, Dr. Maeve Howett from the University of Maryland and colleagues co-authored an article on Innovating to Meet AACN Essentials in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program. The article details the steps taken by one school to adapt their BSN program (entry-level and RN-BSN) to meet Level One competencies identified in the 2021 AACN Essentials. Using a backward design approach to ensure that all program outcomes are achieved, the authors also describe how a clinical evaluation tool was revised to evaluate students in competency-based education.

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Medscape

Recruiting Nursing Students: New Approaches to Filling the Healthcare Gap

On August 15, 2024, journalist Jodi Helmer with Medscape published a story on Recruiting Nursing Students: New Approaches to Filling the Healthcare Gap. The article highlights a variety of approaches used by schools of nursing to attract and enroll the next generation of registered nurses. Efforts underway include holistic admissions review, dual degree and direct-entry master’s programs, and policy efforts to address the nurse faculty shortage. AACN’s President and CEO Deborah Trautman is featured in the article.

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Journal of Nursing Administration

The DAISY Award: Meaningful Recognition's Impact on Patients, Nurses, and Organizations

In the July/August 2024 Journal of Nursing Administration, Dr. Ellen Swartwout published an article on The DAISY Award: Meaningful Recognition's Impact on Patients, Nurses, and Organizations. Evidence shows that meaningful recognition can improve a nurse’s self-esteem; increase self-worth, self-reflection, and self-awareness; decrease burnout; increase compassion satisfaction; foster professional development; and provide purpose in work. Explore how The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® (and by extension The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses Educators) can be used to achieve these benefits.

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American Nurse Journal

Mentorship: A Strategy for Nursing Retention

On August 1, 2024, the American Nurse Journal published an article by Dr. Kristin Gill-Bonanca titled Mentorship: A Strategy for Nursing Retention. Structured mentoring programs can be used to facilitate the transition of new nurse graduates into the healthcare workforce. The hallmarks of a successful program include reduced turnover, increased reported intent to stay, and higher levels of job satisfaction and self-confidence. The author offers advice for implementing a mentorship program, including steps for designing a matching process, training mentors, and measuring program success.

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Journal of Nursing Care Quality

DNP-Authored Articles in Peer-Reviewed Journals 2012-2018

In the July/September 2024 Journal of Nursing Care Quality, Dr. Susan Cortez from Chamberlain University and colleagues published an article titled DNP-Authored Articles in Peer-Reviewed Journals 2012-2018. The primary aim of this study was to quantify, analyze, and categorize DNP-authored publications in peer-reviewed journals over a 10-year period. The authors found 3,839 journal articles with at least one DNP-prepared nurse author. The majority of publications focused on practice (40%), nursing (17%), and education (15%). This study demonstrates the proliferation of DNP-authored publications, which may indicate an increase in nursing care quality initiatives in the clinical setting.

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Journal of Professional Nursing

Starting from Scratch: Creating a University Wellness Initiative

Published ahead of print by the Journal of Professional Nursing, Dr. Harriet Feldman from Pace University contributed an article titled Starting from Scratch: Creating a University Wellness Initiative. This article describes how one school of nursing developed a university-wide effort to address mental health challenges facing the student population. The author outlines the creation of a 3-year strategic plan to guide this effort, which included hiring a Chief Wellness Officer, developing an interactive website, engaging with the larger community, and offering programming across 8 dimensions of wellness: emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual.

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Journal of Nursing Education

Nursing Education and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

In the July 2024 Journal of Nursing Education, Dr. Amy Barton from the University of Colorado published an editorial titled Nursing Education and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In 2015, leaders at the United Nations agreed on seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. The author considers how integration of the SDGs into nursing curricula aligns with the 2021 AACN Essentials, particularly in the areas of Knowledge for Nursing Practice (Domain 1); Population Health (Domain 3); and Systems-Based Practice (Domain 7).

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Journal of Professional Nursing

Embarking on a Cultural Transformation Within a School of Nursing

In the September-October 2024 Journal of Professional Nursing, Dr. Mary Jo Kreitzer from the University of Minnesota and colleagues offer insights on Embarking on a Cultural Transformation Within a School of Nursing. Nursing schools nationwide are encountering fiscal, programmatic, and leadership challenges exacerbated by a fragmented healthcare system. This article focuses on how the University of Minnesota navigated challenges familiar to nursing schools using strategies that resulted in significant and sustained culture change. Recommendations are made for schools on their own transformative journeys.

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Becker's Clinical Leadership

'Who Will Teach Them?': 7 Experts on Bolstering the Nurse Educator Pipeline

On June 24, 20204, reporter Ashleigh Hollowell with Becker’s Clinical Leadership published an article titled 'Who Will Teach Them?': 7 Experts on Bolstering the Nurse Educator Pipeline. Given the growing demand for nurse educators, the author explores how partnerships between nursing schools and hospitals can help address the faculty shortage. The article features insights from experts at several AACN member schools, including Duquesne University, Old Dominion University, Touro University, and UT Health Houston.

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Journal of Professional Nursing

Addressing the 2021 Essentials with New Approaches for Developing Leadership, Resilience, and Self-Care/Well-Being in Undergraduate Baccalaureate Nursing Students

On June 14, 2024, the Journal of Professional Nursing published an article by Dr. Catherine Stubin from the Rutgers University-Camden and colleagues titled Addressing the 2021 Essentials with New Approaches for Developing Leadership, Resilience, and Self-Care/Well-Being in Undergraduate Baccalaureate Nursing Students. As one of 10 nursing schools selected by AACN to participate in a national pilot study, the authors detail their work to adapt undergraduate nursing curriculum in key areas that meet today’s Essentials. The article identifies 13 learning strategies designed to meet competencies and sub-competencies related to Professionalism (Domain 9) and Personal, Professional, and Leadership Development (Domain 10).

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Creative Nursing

Advancing Health Equity Through Artificial Intelligence: An Educational Framework for Preparing Nurses in Clinical Practice and Research

Published in the May 2024 issue of Creative Nursing, Dr. Michael Cary and colleagues from Duke University explore Advancing Health Equity Through Artificial Intelligence: An Educational Framework for Preparing Nurses in Clinical Practice and Research. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into health care offers the potential to enhance patient care, improve diagnostic precision, and broaden access to health care. This article proposes a framework for nurses which includes AI principles, skills, competencies, and curriculum development focused on the practical use of AI to help achieve health equity. AACN’s Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, Dr. Brigit Carter, co-authored this piece.

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