WASHINGTON, D.C., November 15, 2019 – The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) applauds Dr. Nancy Fahrenwald, Dean and Professor at the Texas A&M University College of Nursing, for presenting testimony before the House Committee on Small Business on the role of innovation in academic nursing on Wednesday, November 13. Dr. Fahrenwald, who serves as the Chair of AACN's Government Affairs Committee, discussed how her school of nursing is using clinical simulation to augment nursing curriculum and better prepare tomorrow's practitioners and caregivers.
"Dr. Fahrenwald provided testimony at a time when nursing educators are evolving to incorporate 21st century technologies and innovations," said Dr. Ann Cary, Chair of the AACN Board of Directors. "Academic nursing is always working to improve the education experience, and we appreciate the Committee giving us the opportunity to discuss our great work."
From simulation labs to electronic health records and virtual reality to adaptive learning, academic nursing has been at the forefront of incorporating new technologies and ideas to ensure that future nurses are prepared to competently and confidently enter the workforce.
"Nursing schools are increasingly using a design-build approach paired with an instructional designer to promote innovation and ensure effective teaching methods," said Dr. Deborah Trautman, AACN President and Chief Executive Officer. "These methods help to address diverse learning styles as well as limited resources, rising education costs, and demands to expand enrollments."
The House Committee on Small Business hearing was titled Upskilling the Medical Workforce: Opportunities in Health Innovation. The association will continue to work with our Nursing Community Coalition partners and Congress to ensure that investments in nursing education are, and remain, a top priority as the demand for high-quality, patient-centered health care continues.
Read Dr. Fahrenwald's full testimony here. Watch the recording of the hearing here.
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About the American Association of Colleges of Nursing
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is the national voice for academic nursing representing 825 schools of nursing nationwide. AACN establishes quality standards for nursing education, influences the nursing profession to improve health care, and promotes public support of baccalaureate and graduate nursing education, research and practice. See www.aacnnursing.org.