The national voice for academic nursing is the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). The AACN fosters public support for nurse practitioner education, study, and practice while working to establish high moral standards for nursing practice and helping schools put those standards into practice.
SCHOLARSHIP SPONSORS
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGE OF NURSING
More than 850 member nursing schools at private and public universities across the country are represented by AACN today, up from an initial 121 participating institutions in 1969. A variety of baccalaureate, grad, and post-graduate programs are offered by these institutions. Although AACN serves the entire educational enterprise, including faculty, admin personnel, and students, the dean or chief nurse supervisor serves as its representative. For nursing school faculty and staff engaged in research, faculty practice, organizational leadership, business operations, graduate student recruiting and selection, and communications/development, AACN maintains seven Leadership Networks. An annual gathering of participants is held at each network. More details and joining instructions can be found in the membership brochure.
PROGRAMS FOR AACN
Curriculum Standards: The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has led the creation of a series of Essentials files that outline competency anticipations for graduates of baccalaureate, master’s, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs. These documents were created using a national consensus-based process. With the aid of these documents, nursing schools can make sure their academic programs uphold the highest standards and comply with accreditation requirements. A white paper on the clinical nurse leader,and guidelines outlining the crucial clinical capital for nursing practice, research, and faculty practice are also among the publications by the AACN that are of high caliber.
Health Policy Advocacy: The AACN strives to improve public policy on nursing practice, research, and practice through government affairs and other advocacy. The AACN is a pioneer in securing consistent government funding for nursing education and research, influencing nursing school legislation and regulations, and assuring ongoing financial aid for nursing students.
Research and Data Services: As part of its efforts to maintain the Institutional Data System, which is a thorough databank reporting current statistics on student enrollment and graduation rates, faculty salaries and demography, budgets, resources, and other patterns in baccalaureate and graduate nursing education, AACN surveys all baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs each year. Several yearly publications help member schools with benchmarking initiatives and policy selection.
Conferences and webinars: As shown by the numerous national conferences, conferences, and webinars sponsored each year, dean and faculty development is a top concern for AACN. The association’s business is advanced at the semi-annual meetings in Washington, D.C., and deans are allowed to address new topics. Numerous conferences targeted at instructors teaching in baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate programs as well as those involved in faculty practice are used to promote faculty and staff development. Additionally, the AACN provides free webinars for nurse educators who are teaching bachelor’s and higher degree courses.
Since the association’s founding nearly 50 years ago, leadership development has been a key component of its programs and services. AACN has introduced AACN LEADS to guarantee that all AACN members are given access to leadership development events catered to their needs. With a portfolio of courses and events for new, formative years, and experienced deans, deputy deans, program directors, and faculty, AACN LEADS presents a wide range of educational opportunities at all career stages along the leadership continuum.
Diversity and Inclusion: The AACN has been a leading proponent of increasing diversity and inclusivity in academic nursing. The primary objectives of the AACN Membership are reflected in the position statement Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion in Academic Nursing. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leaders Network (DEILN), comprised of AACN faculty members who offer expertise, experience, and guidance for academic nurses in Leading Across Differences, has been established by AACN to further investigate novel techniques to increase diversity. The brand-new Diversity Tool Kit, the Holistic Admissions Tool Kit, and workshops are further continuing endeavors. These tools help schools and institutions build a varied class of students with the education, character traits, and practical abilities required for success in the field.
ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP
Top candidates for this scholarship will receive two $5,000 grants four times a year
SCHOLARSHIP REQUIREMENTS
The following requirements must be met by all applicants for scholarships:
1. Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.2 in your current program or at your previous institution.
2. Be accepted or enrolled in a nursing program leading to a bachelor’s or higher degree at a CastleBranch-affiliated institution that is an AACN member. OR you’ve used NursingCAS to submit your applications to a nursing school.
The winners’ academic ranking at their institutions must be good. Only winners will receive notification of the final results because of the large number of applications received. The names of all winners will be published on the AACN website and in the e-newsletter AACN News Watch.
DEADLINES
January 31, April 30, July 31, and October 31 are the application deadlines.
APPLICATION
Interested persons can now apply here https://www.aacnnursing.org/Students/Financial-Aid-Scholarships/Geraldine-Polly-Bednash-Scholarship