FOLLOW GNLC ON INSTAGRAM

   In This Issue

 

GA Nursing Workforce Center
Nursing Leadership Spotlight

GNLC News

Announcements & Reminders

Legislative Corner

Share Your Story

 

GEORGIA NURSING WORKFORCE CENTER NEWS

We’re excited to share the 2024 Annual Impact Report from the Georgia Nursing Workforce Center. This comprehensive report highlights key achievements, workforce data, and ongoing efforts to strengthen Georgia’s nursing pipeline and support a thriving, diverse nursing workforce. Dive into insights, trends, and the initiatives shaping the future of nursing across our state.
Let’s continue building a healthier Georgia—together.

VIEW THE FULL REPORT
 

The National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers (National Forum)
is excited to host their 2025 Annual Conference, “Showcasing, Innovating and Strengthening the Nursing Workforce” on June 2-4, 2025 at the Marriott Philadelphia Downtown, 1201 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA.  

Nurses and healthcare leaders will come together to share creative models of practice, workforce data analysis and interpretation along with innovations in nursing education to change the nursing workforce game and address the critical workforce development issues facing our nation.

The National Forum of Nursing Workforce Centers Conference will explore strategies to strengthen a diverse nursing workforce. They invite abstract on the following topics:

K-12 pipeline and pre-nursing pathways
Nursing education at the LPN, RN and APRN levels
Health and well-being of the nursing workforce
Upskilling the workforce
Innovative care delivery models
Workforce data and research
Local, state and federal policy

The National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers is a national network of 45+ nursing workforce entities reaching more than 4 million nurses across the nation. Each unique center focuses on addressing the nursing shortage, support the advancement of nurse workforce initiatives, and share best practices in nursing workforce research, planning, development and formulation of policy.

READ MORE
 

The Georgia Nursing Workforce Center (GNWC) is excited to launch the Nursing Workforce Research Interest Group (NWRIG), a new collaborative space for Georgia nursing faculty, students, and practicing nurses interested in health services and policy research, transforming models of care, and studying nursing care delivery's impact on patient outcomes.
The NWRIG will meet virtually on the first Friday of each month from 10:00 – 11:15 AM EST. This initiative aims to streamline research efforts, foster community, and serve as a launch point for securing funding and generating impactful evidence on health outcomes and nursing care.
If you are collecting or interested in Georgia nursing workforce data, this is an excellent opportunity to engage with experts in the field.

LEARN MORE
 

NURSING LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT

                            Congratulations, 2025 Georgia Nursing Graduates!

Dear Georgia Nursing Graduates,
On behalf of the Georgia Nursing Leadership Coalition, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of you on your graduation! Whether you’ve earned your undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degree, this milestone represents the culmination of years of determination, passion, and resilience.

Your dedication to the nursing profession, especially during times of transformation and uncertainty in healthcare, speaks volumes about your strength and commitment. You have chosen a path of purpose—one that requires compassion, courage, and excellence—and we are proud to welcome you into the next chapter of your nursing journey.

As you transition into practice, leadership, or further academic pursuits, please remember that the GNLC is here to support you. Whether you are seeking professional development, mentorship, or ways to make an impact in health policy or nursing education, we encourage you to stay connected with our statewide network.

The future of nursing in Georgia is brighter because of you. We are confident that your leadership will transform care, strengthen communities, and uplift the voice of our profession across the state and beyond.

Once again, congratulations on your graduation. We celebrate your accomplishments and look forward to all that you will contribute as the next generation of nurse leaders.

With Pride and Warmest Wishes,
The Georgia Nursing Leadership Coalition

 

Congratulations to Our Newly Inducted 2025 Fellows of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP)!

Please join us in celebrating three remarkable nurse leaders representing Georgia in the 2025 Class of Fellows of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP) — one of the highest honors in the nursing profession!

Dr. Lori Modly – Assistant Professor, Emory School of Nursing
Dr. Quyen Phan – Associate Professor, Emory School of Nursing
CAPT Sharon Chatman Rhynes – Director, Strategy & Projects Coordination Program, ASPR, Center for the Strategic National Stockpile

These trailblazing nurse practitioners have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to clinical practice, research, education, and policy.
We are proud to see them represent Georgia and advance the impact of nurse practitioners nationwide.

READ MORE
 

Celebrating Georgia Nurse Educators Selected for the 2025 NLN Leadership Institute

Please join us in congratulating four outstanding nurse educators from Georgia who have been selected for the 2025 National League for Nursing (NLN) Leadership Institute, a prestigious initiative designed to foster excellence in nursing education and leadership.

Representing Emory School of Nursing:
Dr. Helen Baker, Associate Clinical Professor, was selected for the LEAD Program, designed to support early to mid-career educators in leadership growth.

Dr. Katie Cole, Assistant Clinical Professor, will participate in the Leadership Development Program for Simulation Educators (Sim Leaders), which empowers faculty in simulation-based education.

Representing University of West Georgia and College of Coastal Georgia:
Dr. Cynthia Johnson, from the University of West Georgia School of Nursing, and
Dr. Nevada LeCounte, from the College of Coastal Georgia, will also participate in these nationally recognized programs, showcasing Georgia’s leadership in advancing nursing education.

READ MORE
 
 

Congratulations to Dr. Michelle A. Nelson, Director of Graduate Programs at Clayton State University School of Nursing, on her recent election as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Region 11 Director. Dr. Nelson’s exceptional leadership and passionate advocacy for advanced practice nursing continue to uplift and empower the nursing profession. Her election to this national leadership role is a testament to her impact and vision.
The United Advanced Practice Registered Nurses of Georgia (UAPRN) proudly celebrates this milestone and stands ready to support Dr. Nelson as she leads and represents Region 11 with distinction.

READ MORE
 

Congratulations to Dr. Stacy Buchanan, Assistant Clinical Professor at Emory’s School of Nursing, who was recently featured in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. In her piece titled "Your Insurance Coverage Is Under Attack: Fallout of the 2024 Election," Dr. Buchanan addresses the potential threats to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the critical implications for millions of Americans who rely on its protections.
Her expert perspective amplifies the importance of healthcare equity and access—and urges public awareness and advocacy. 

READ MORE

Congratulations to Augusta College of Nursing Assistant Professor, Dr. Louisa Dasher Martin on being named Assistant Program Director for Didactic Instruction for the Nurse Anesthesia Program. In addition, she was recently named first author on a manuscript accepted for publication in the prestigious Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses Journal.
To top it all off, Dr. Martin was featured on the AANA's national "Grade 1 View" podcast, a platform dedicated to nurse anesthesia students. She shared valuable insights from her dissertation research, discussing the important topic of incivility in the operating room.

READ MORE
 

GNLC NEWS

 

The Augusta University College of Nursing has once again made the U.S. News & World Report's Best Graduate Schools list for our MSN and DNP programs! Not only are both in the top 100 programs in the nation, but they are the #1 choices for public programs in Georgia. This would not be possible without our amazing students and excellent faculty members!

LEARN MORE
 

The April 2025 Edition of Augusta College of Nursing’s Nursing Notes Monthly Newsletter Is Now Available. Stay up to date with the latest news, achievements, and important updates from our College of Nursing community.

READ MORE
 

Congratulations to Dr. Kim Johnson, Assistant Professor at Augusta University College of Nursing, for her outstanding contributions to psychiatric-mental health nursing education. Dr. Johnson recently authored two chapters in the newly published textbook, Psychiatric-Mental Health Guidelines for Advanced Practice Nurses. Her chapters—“Conducting the Adult Psychiatric Assessment” and “Feeding and Eating Disorders”—offer essential guidance to Augusta’s DNP/PMHNP students and are rooted in her extensive experience in clinical practice, research, and education.

 

NEW GA NURSE HONOR GUARD CHAPTER

We are proud to share that Dr. Kelly Dyar, Director of Inquiry and Scholarship and Associate Professor at UWG Tanner Health School of Nursing, has partnered with colleagues at West Georgia Technical College and Perimeter College at Georgia State University to charter a new chapter of the Georgia Nurse Honor Guard. Dr. Dyar will serve as the inaugural Chairperson of the newly formed West Georgia Healing Hands Honor Guard. This chapter will serve the counties of Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Fayette, Haralson, Heard, Meriwether, Polk, and Troup. The Honor Guard offers a meaningful and solemn Nightingale Tribute and Final Call of Duty to honor nurses during transition or memorial services, symbolically releasing them from their nursing duties. This service is provided at no cost to families.

APPLY
 

SAVE THE DATE: 2025 GNLC DOCTORAL SYMPOSIUM

We are excited to announce the planning of a Doctoral Symposium for 2025, set to be held at Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville.
Stay tuned for the official date, which will be shared as soon as it's confirmed.
We look forward to this opportunity to connect and engage with the doctoral community.

READ MORE
 

GNLC ANNOUNCEMENTS & REMINDERS

Image
 

HEROES & HEARTBEATS FEST

Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
Location: GNA Headquarters
Time: 10:00am - 3:00pm


Western Governors University (WGU)  is partnering with the Georgia Nurses Association (GNA) and the Georgia Association of Nursing Students (GANS) to celebrate K-12 Educators and Nurses of the future with fun, food & networking. This celebration is set to honor healthcare providers and educators (current and potential partners, students and alumni), recognizing their invaluable contributions to our communities. This event will provide an engaging and festive atmosphere with CU earnings (Nurses), Educator’s panel, employment opportunities, activities, entertainment, networking opportunities, and meaningful giveaways.  

REGISTER
Image
 

NOBC BOARD OPPORTUNITY

Application Deadline: May 21, 2025

 

The Nurses on Boards Coalition (NOB) has announced an exciting new board opportunity with Zebra Technology’s Healthcare Customer Advisory Board. This virtual, nationwide position is open to Executive/Director-level nurse leaders who are passionate about advancing healthcare innovation and influencing industry impact through board service.

APPLY
Image
 

BECOME A MEMBER OF ALSN 

Join the Association for Leadership Science in Nursing (ALSN) and connect with top researchers, academics, and practice experts in the field of nursing leadership! Unlock access to webinars, research grants, JONA subscription, conference discounts, and more. Open to students, professionals, and international members.

BECOME A MEMBER
Image
 

GNF 2025 SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

Application Deadline: May 31, 2025

 

The Georgia Nurses Foundation (GNF) has officially opened the application period for its 2025 Scholarship Awards. The Georgia Nurses Foundation (GNF) is the charitable and philanthropic arm of the Georgia Nurses Association (GNA). GNF supports GNA and its work to foster the welfare and well-being of nurses, and promote and advance the nursing profession, thereby enhancing the health of the public.

APPLY

The Environmental Justice & Climate Protection Conference 2025 will be held in Valdosta, GA in June 12-13, 2025.

Conference Charge:
What can be done right now to work with communities to move the needle on addressing environmental impacts on health? How can we measure success so that these immediate actions are sustained?

LEARN MORE
 
Image
 

ALSN PILOT GRANT OPPORTUNITY

Application Deadline: June 15, 2025

 

The Association for Leadership Science in Nursing (ALSN) is offering a $10,000 pilot grant to support research aligned with their priority areas, including nurse well-being, workforce development, and leadership competencies. This opportunity is open to ALSN members in good standing—whether you’re an experienced researcher or a PhD student new to nursing leadership science (with mentorship from a seasoned investigator).

APPLY
Image
 

20TH ANNUAL COSTA LAYMAN HEALTH FAIR

Date: July 11, 2025

 

The College of Nursing will host its 20th Annual Costa Layman Health Fair. Costa Farms and Augusta University are partnering together to provide free health screenings and health information for the employees of the nursery. Many free resources will be available. Laboratory work blood testing is available before the health fair on June 27th and on the day of the Health Fair. Screenings for weight, blood pressure, vision, dental, lung function, and more will be available.

READ MORE
Image
 

2025 GNA CONFERENCE & MEMBERSHIP ASSEMBLY

Date: August 22-24, 2025
Location: Columbus Marriott, Columbus GA
Time: 9:00am


The Georgia Nurses Association (GNA), the state’s largest professional association for registered nurses and affiliate of the American Nurses Association (ANA), is excited to host its 2025 Conference and Membership Assembly on August 22nd through the 24th at the Columbus Marriott in Columbus, GA. Take advantage of this unique convention of Georgia's top registered nurses.

REGISTER
Image
 

UAPRN 2025 CONFERENCE

Date: September 19-21, 2025
Location: Hilton Peachtree City Atlanta Hotel & Conference Center
2443 Hwy 54 W, Peachtree City, GA 30269


Join UAPRN for an engaging and dynamic conference designed to empower and educate Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), students, and healthcare professionals. This premier event
will provide attendees with cutting-edge clinical education, networking opportunities, and professional development tailored to the evolving landscape of advanced practice nursing.

REGISTER
Image
 

ALSN 2025 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

Conference Date: September 25-27, 2025


The Association for Leadership Science in Nursing (ALSN) invites you to submit an abstract for the 2025 International Conference, taking place September 25-27, 2025, at the Marriott Courtyard Hotel in Decatur, Georgia. This conference is a premier gathering for nursing educators, executives, administrators, and researchers to discuss current healthcare and system challenges on a global scale.

REGISTER
Image
 

NOBC'S LATEST EDUCATION OFFERING

Are you a nurse looking to serve on a board but unsure how to navigate the boardroom environment? Or are you already on a board and want to make an even greater impact? The Communication and Language in the Boardroom: Linguistic Strategies for Making Your Board Seat Count micro-credential program is designed to help you confidently engage, communicate, and lead in board settings.

This FREE program, offered by the Nurses on Boards Coalition (NOBC) in collaboration with Memra Language Services and the National League for Nursing (NLN), provides essential strategies to help nurses overcome fears about board participation and enhance their contributions.

ENROLL
 

GNLC LEGISLATIVE CORNER

Image

2025 Georgia Legislative Session Update: Key Wins and Nursing-Focused Progress

The 2025 legislative session wrapped with several healthcare-related initiatives advancing through both chambers. Some highlights include:
1. Expansion of scope of practice for APRNs and PAs, including ordering home healthcare services and participating in guardianship evaluations.

2. Passage of the Preceptor Tax Credit increase to $750 and extension through 2030.

3. Support for the HOPE for Georgia Patients Act, expanding access to investigational treatments.
4. Budget wins for nursing and health science infrastructure across Georgia universities, and continued advocacy for APRN and Nurse Faculty Loan Repayment Programs.

The legislative session also emphasized efforts to improve healthcare workforce data, continuing education tracking, and support for impaired healthcare professionals.

A special thank you to Sharrell Canty, UGA Intern, for her exceptional contributions this session, and to our dedicated legislative team: Julianna McConnell, Robin Pingeton, Dr. Michelle Nelson, Michele Dunn, Wesley Dunn, and Sharrell Canty for their tireless advocacy on behalf of nursing.

For questions or clarifications, please contact Julianna McConnell at julimcconnell@bellsouth.net.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
 
Image
 

GEORGIANS FOR A HEALTHY FUTURE

Georgians for a Healthy Future (GHF) is your go-to resource for the latest developments in Georgia's health policy landscape. Their blog offers timely legislative updates, insights for advocacy. Recent posts cover topics such as the conclusion of the 2025 legislative session and guidance on enrolling in health coverage during Special Enrollment Periods. Stay engaged and informed by exploring their recent articles.

READ MORE

STAY CONNECTED
Connect with us on social media for regular news & updates!

Instagram Twitter Web Site
Image Image Image Image Image
SHARE