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.

Augusta University’s College of Nursing Associate Professor Dr. Colleen Walters was accepted into the 2026 NLN LEAD program. LEAD is a program in the National League for Nursing Leadership Institute under the Center for Transformational Leadership and focuses on leadership development for nurses in education. This is a year-long program will provide an opportunity to engage with peers, explore organizational systems and leadership processes, strategic planning, building high performing teams, budgeting, and developing a personal career plan to advance leadership and professional development. She will also be attending the 2026 NLN Education Summit next September in Washington, D.C.

Augusta University’s College of Nursing Assistant Professor Dr. Lisa Prince-Clark was recently presented for the Center of Nursing Research. Her presentation, "Building Academic Success with Pre-Licensure Nursing Students" was supported by a $1,000 Student Success Grant funded through the Sigma Theta Tau Honors Nursing Society. This IRB-approved project was co-investigated with Academic Success Center Director, Paula Owens. They shared findings from a study conducted within the NURS 3500 course, which explored self-efficacy among pre-licensure nursing students. This course reinforces essential concepts by fostering individualized learning strategies in areas such as test-taking, study skills, stress management, and time management. She will also be published in Nurse Educator with Co-author Dr. Caroline McKinnon. "Embodying Core Professional Values of Nursing—A Calling Like No Other"

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.

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.

GNA WEBINAR

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.

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY: CHAIR, DEPT. OF NURSING SCIENCE AT AUG CON 

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.

Important Federal Update, Proposed Graduate Loan Caps Leave Nursing Behind

The U.S. Department of Education is preparing to implement new student loan caps under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)—but nursing has been excluded from the higher borrowing limits proposed for “first professional degree” programs. While those programs would receive up to $50,000/year and $200,000 lifetime, graduate nursing students would remain capped at $20,500/year and $100,000 lifetime, limits that do not reflect the true cost of advanced nursing education.

The Department is expected to release a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in early 2026, opening a crucial public comment period. ANA and state associations, including GNA, are preparing a national advocacy campaign to push for nursing’s inclusion. Nurses, students, and faculty are encouraged to stay informed, share their stories, and support efforts to ensure equitable loan policies for our profession.

More details and opportunities to engage will be shared as this rule develops.

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.

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.

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.