On Friday, September 13, 2019, the Illinois Association of Colleges of Nursing and the Illinois Community College Deans and Directors held a joint meeting at Heartland Community College, in Normal Illinois. Representatives from more than 30 Illinois’ providers of nursing education–both 4-year institutions and community colleges–were in attendance.
The meeting was a celebration of information sharing and collaboration between the two organizations–something that IACN hopes will continue long into the future.
“I think this type of collaboration is invaluable,” says Judy Neubrander, IACN President and Dean of Illinois State University’s Mennonite College of Nursing.
Diane Cousert, Assistant Dean for Nursing and Health Professions Operations at Parkland College and President of the Illinois Community College Deans and Directors, agrees. “As nursing educators, we all face a set of similar challenges. This type of event allows us to share successes and challenges, and work together to better serve all of Illinois’ nursing students. Meeting collaboratively like this regarding the future of nursing allows us to take control of the state of nursing in Illinois.”
With more than 30 Illinois’ providers of nursing education in attendance–both 4-year institutions and community colleges– Topics discussed included shortages in long-term-care, creative clinical placement solutions, recruitment of nursing faculty, academic progression, and funding for continuing education and research. The next IACN meeting will be held on February 21st, 2020.