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   In This Issue

 

GA Nursing Workforce Center
Nursing Leadership Spotlight

GNLC News

Announcements & Reminders

Legislative Corner

Share Your Story

 

GEORGIA NURSING WORKFORCE CENTER NEWS

 

NEW REPORT: GNWC & GBN COLLABORATION

We are excited to share the release of the inaugural collaborative report from the Georgia Nursing Workforce Center and the Georgia Board of Nursing: State of Georgia Pre-Licensure Nursing Education, Academic Year 2023–2024.

This first-of-its-kind report provides critical insights into Georgia’s nursing education pipeline, highlighting enrollment trends, graduation rates, and the capacity of nursing programs across the state. By offering a comprehensive look at the current landscape, this collaboration serves as an essential resource for educators, policymakers, and healthcare leaders working to strengthen Georgia’s nursing workforce.

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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

Grant Award Spotlight: Dr. Mi-Kyung Song

Congratulations to Dr. Mi-Kyung Song, Professor at Emory’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, on receiving a five-year, $3.9 million grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Dr. Song is a nationally recognized leader in palliative and end-of-life care research, with a career dedicated to improving communication, treatment decision-making, and the lived experiences of patients and families navigating serious illness. Her new project, “Longitudinal Study of Quality of Everyday Life Experience among Home Dialysis Patients and Their Family Caregivers,” will examine how patients and caregivers adapt to the demands of home dialysis and how these experiences influence health outcomes and quality of life.

With the prevalence of end-stage renal disease rising, this important work will provide critical insights to guide interventions and policies that ease the burden on families and improve long-term success with home dialysis. This award reflects Dr. Song’s remarkable leadership and the significant impact of her contributions to nursing science and patient care.

 
 

We are proud to celebrate Dr. Stuart Downs, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive at Northeast Georgia, on his election as the 2026 President of the American Organization of Nurse Leaders (AONL). This remarkable achievement reflects his exceptional leadership and vision in advancing nursing excellence on both the state and national level.

Dr. Downs’ election is a proud moment for Georgia nursing leadership, and we look forward to his impact in shaping the future of health care through AONL.

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After seven years of transformative leadership, Deborah Watkins Bruner, PhD, RN, FAAN, will step down as Emory University’s Senior Vice President for Research on December 31, 2025. Dr. Bruner, a professor and Robert W. Woodruff Chair in Nursing, has overseen unprecedented growth in Emory’s research enterprise, with sponsored awards increasing by 56% and surpassing $1 billion annually for three consecutive years.

During her tenure, she spearheaded key initiatives that streamlined research operations, strengthened compliance and analytics, and amplified faculty support—while championing public engagement through projects like Science Gallery Atlanta and the Impact in Progress podcast. Internationally recognized as a leading researcher and clinical trialist, Dr. Bruner will pursue a year-long fellowship before returning to the School of Nursing faculty in 2027 to continue advancing research innovation.

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GNLC NEWS

 

2026 GNLC DOCTORAL SYMPOSIUM

Date: February 7, 2026
Location: Georgia College & State University
Time: 8:00am-4:00pm


Mark your calendars for the 2026 Georgia Nursing Leadership Coalition (GNLC) Doctoral Symposium. This exciting event will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
The symposium will feature a full day of poster and podium presentations, with Continuing Education Units (CEUs) available for all-day attendees. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with nursing leaders and scholars from across the state.
 

For more information, contact Dr. Catherine Fowler at Catherine.Fowler@gcsu.edu.

REGISTER
 
 

The September 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.

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A new collaborative agreement is underway in Georgia aimed at bolstering the pipeline of nursing professionals. The initiative will expand educational access, streamline training pathways, and support workforce growth across the state. This partnership marks an important step toward strengthening the availability and quality of nursing care in Georgia.

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We are proud to announce that Dr. Pam Cromer, Professor and Director of Costa Layman International Outreach and Community Engagement at Augusta University’s College of Nursing, was invited to serve as a national panelist for the recently published study featured on PubMed. Her expertise and insights have contributed to advancing important nursing scholarship on a national level.

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The Georgia Nurses Foundation has announced the opening of nominations for its 2026 Georgia Nursing Hall of Fame cohort. This prestigious recognition honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to nursing in Georgia. If you know a deserving nurse leader, educator, or innovator, be sure to submit your nomination.

SUBMIT NOMINATION
 

The latest issue of Nurses on Boards Coalition News is now available. Inside, you’ll find a message from NOBC Leadership, a spotlight on a featured nurse, helpful resources, and important updates on ongoing initiatives.

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GNLC ANNOUNCEMENTS & REMINDERS

 

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS: 2026 GNLC DOCTORAL SYMPOSIUM

Date: February 7, 2026
Location: Georgia College & State University
Time: 8:00am-4:00pm


Mark your calendars for the 2026 Georgia Nursing Leadership Coalition (GNLC) Doctoral Symposium. This exciting event will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
The symposium will feature a full day of poster and podium presentations, with Continuing Education Units (CEUs) available for all-day attendees. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with nursing leaders and scholars from across the state.
 

For more information, contact Dr. Catherine Fowler at Catherine.Fowler@gcsu.edu.

SUBMIT AN ABSTRACT
REGISTER
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GANS 73RD ANNUAL CONVENTION

Date: November 1, 2025
Location: Kennesaw State University


Georgia Association of Nursing Students is thrilled to announce that Dr. Michelle Wallace, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, Executive Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer at Grady Health System, will serve as the keynote speaker at this year’s convention.

With more than two decades of experience spanning frontline trauma care to executive nursing leadership, Dr. Wallace is a passionate advocate for advancing nursing practice, education, and health equity. Her journey is both inspiring and empowering, offering future nurses invaluable insights into the profession’s evolving landscape.

REGISTER
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SAVE THE DATE: HEALTH CARE UNSCRAMBLED 2026

Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026
Location: Georgia Freight Depot, Atlanta, GA 30303
Time: 12:30pm - 4:00pm

 

Join Georgians for a Healthy Future for the 16th Annual Health Care Unscrambled, the state’s signature health policy event bringing together leaders, advocates, and community voices for bipartisan discussions on Georgia’s most pressing health challenges and opportunities ahead.

REGISTER
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JOIN NPWH – A COMMUNITY FOR WOMEN'S HEALTH PROVIDERS & STUDENTS 

Are you a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP), WHNP student, or RN student with a passion for advancing women’s health? Become a member of the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH) and connect with a national network of professionals dedicated to advocacy, education, and clinical excellence in women’s healthcare.

Whether you’re just beginning your journey or already practicing, NPWH offers invaluable resources, mentorship, and a strong professional community.

JOIN NPWH
 

GNLC LEGISLATIVE CORNER

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GHF PEACH PULSE NOW AVAILABLE

The September edition of Peach Pulse is here! This month’s issue features a message from GHF’s Executive Director on autism facts and resources, the latest publications on mental health parity enforcement, and upcoming webinars and advocacy opportunities. Stay informed with timely updates and tools to help shape Georgia’s health care future.

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Georgia Board of Nursing Launches New GOALS Data System

Beginning September 2025, the Georgia Board of Nursing will transition to a new data system called GOALS. This system will be your go-to resource for renewing your license, updating personal information, verifying license status, and submitting new applications.

 

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

READ FULL ANNOUNCEMENT
 
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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.

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