Council for Associate Degree Nursing in NYS

ABOUT THE COUNCIL

The Council of Associate Degree Nursing in New York State, Inc. (CADN) is a voluntary, non-profit organization that has a leading role in addressing the issues of students, faculty, and administrators of associate degree nursing programs in New York State. The Council was established in the 1970’s and membership is open to the deans and directors of all associate degree nursing programs in the state.

The goal of the organization is to provide a forum to address the educational, professional, and political issues that are of key importance to Nursing and that have specific relevance to undergraduate nursing education.

The CADN strongly supports the importance of continuing education for faculty members. Annually, the council plans a workshop for faculty whose schools are members of the council. Educational offerings are based on a needs assessment from the previous year’s workshop and focuses on a current trend or topic relevant to the education of associate degree nursing students. Fees are collected to provide for this workshop and are used in to plan for adequate space as well as meals and handouts for the workshop. When available, educational contact hours will be provided.

Council meetings are held twice per year. In addition to reports and discussion by membership, representatives of the New York State Department of Education and the New York State Nurses Association are invited to attend. They provide the membership with governmental, regulatory, and professional information in a timely fashion. These meeting with state representatives provide an opportunity for dialog and input from the associate degree programs.

HISTORY

Since its inception, the Council has been a voice for associate degree nursing, identifying and highlighting the contributions of graduates of these programs. Associate degree nursing has played an important role in the growth of the profession by successfully educating approximately 60% of nurses in practice today. Graduates of associate degree programs have improved the diversity and inclusion of under-represented groups in nursing and have gone on to earn advanced degrees and become leaders in nursing.

In 2007, the Council membership voted in support of the proposal requiring all associate degree nursing graduates to complete a bachelor degree in nursing within 10 years of their graduation. This proposal is in keeping with the Council’s long history of encouraging ongoing education for associate degree graduates.

In 2008, the issues of nursing faculty shortages are of great importance to the Council. Council members are concurrently emphasizing the importance of maintaining educational standards and supporting innovative practices.