Amber Kujath serves as the Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences at Illinois Wesleyan University, a role she stepped into in January 2023. As a proud Illinois Wesleyan alumna, her advancement to one of the highest levels of academia felt like a deeply personal homecoming. Her nursing journey, however, has been far from linear. Like …
Embracing the Pivot: Amber Kujath’s Journey from Bedside Nurse to Dean Read More »
Lorna Finnegan, Dean, Loyola University Chicago Nurse practitioner (NP) programs have a long history of producing safe and competent NPs; however, bold, transformative leadership is needed to set a minimum standard for quality NP education to support a 21st-century healthcare system. This paper is a call to action for leaders in NP education to transition …
Frank D. Hicks, PhD, RN, CNE, has spent decades working in nursing education. As the Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Affairs at Rush University College of Nursing and the Chair of the Illinois Association of Colleges of Nursing (IACN), he plays a vital role in advocating for nursing faculty, students, and institutions across the …
Building the Future of Nursing: Frank Hicks and the Impact of IACN Read More »
Ensuring your nursing program meets CCNE’s Standard IV is essential for maintaining accreditation and demonstrating program effectiveness. Crafting clear, data-driven reports is key to showcasing your program’s success and driving continuous quality improvement. Check out this CCNE webinar session and learn more!
Frank D. Hicks, PhD, RN, CNE As nursing education evolves, so does the debate over the most appropriate academic pathway for nurse educators. In this OpEd, Dr. Hicks argues that the DNP with a nurse educator focus is an appropriate degree for nurse educators. He asserts that the nurse educator is an advanced nursing practice …
Academic-practice partnerships are collaborative relationships between nursing education institutions and healthcare organizations. These partnerships are designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and clinical practice, ensuring that nursing students receive a well-rounded education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience. Key Characteristics of Academic-Practice Partnerships 1. Research, Innovation, Shared Goals Partnerships often involve …
Defining Academic-Practice Partnerships in Nursing Read More »
For years, Illinois’ nursing higher education institutions have faced a growing challenge: a shortage of nursing faculty. This crisis has significant implications for the future of healthcare in the state, affecting not only the education and training of aspiring nurses but also the overall quality of patient care. In this post, we will delve into …
Addressing the Nursing Faculty Shortage in Illinois: A Critical Examination Read More »
As discussed in our most recent post, resiliency, accessibility, and NCLEX pass rates are closely linked. Advisors across higher education recognize that GenZ is different than previous generations, with unique challenges that put pressure on both educational institutions and healthcare facilities. Institutions of higher education are grappling with how to provide enhanced student support services …
Helping Illinois’ Students Pass NCLEX — Illinois’ Colleges of Nursing React Read More »
This May a short walk across the stage of institutions across Illinois marked the end of another school year, and another year spent preparing young nurses to step into the workforce. The Class of 2023 were freshmen in 2020 when COVID-19 sent our world into chaos – students were forced to navigate the brunt of …
The Illinois Association of Colleges of Nursing met at the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Academic Nursing Leadership Conference in Washington D.C. The conference, which coincided with AACN’s 50th anniversary, welcomed more than 675 nursing leaders from across the country. At the conference, Deans and Associate Deans of nursing institutions came together with …
