National Nursing Advocate Highlights how Emmanuel is a “Role Model” for Academic Practice

Emmanuel’s role in supporting pipelines of practice-ready medical professionals was highlighted in a guest lecture from American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) President and CEO Dr. Deborah Trautman this week. 

The AACN is a national voice for academic nursing, which seeks to improve healthcare and build support for nursing education, research and practice. 

Partnerships that break down silos was a focus of the discussion, and Dr. Trautman applauded Emmanuel for strong relationships with healthcare providers that provide real-world experience and highlight pathways to career advancement. 

“We want to give a shout-out to you, because indeed you are a role model for academic practice,” said Dr. Trautman.

National Nursing Advocate Highlights how Emmanuel is a “Role Model” for Academic Practice  

Emmanuel College recently welcomed American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) CEO Dr. Deborah Trautman for a wide-ranging discussion on how impactful advocacy, education and partnerships can improve healthcare. 

The AACN is a national voice for academic nursing, with nearly 900 member schools nationwide. In addition to establishing quality standards for nursing education, the AACN seeks to improve healthcare by influencing the profession and build support for nursing education, research and practice. 

“We believe it’s important to champion excellence and innovation, in both nursing and nursing education,” said Dr. Trautman. “We have been intentional about bringing academia and practice increasingly closer together…. it’s so important for us to be integrated.”

Dr. Trautman credited the Maureen Murphy Wilkens School of Nursing & Clinical Sciences at Emmanuel for doing great work to prepare that next generation of nurses, both by promoting interest in the profession and ensuring graduates are practice-ready at graduation.  

“We want to give a shout-out to you, because indeed you are a role model for academic practice,” said Dr. Trautman. 

Dr. Trautman’s presentation highlighted several examples of how Emmanuel partners with healthcare providers to highlight nursing as a career path, and helps practitioners advance their education and vocation, including:

• The Emmanuel Summer Nursing Academy: where 80% of high school students who participate enroll in nursing programs. 
• The Patient Care Technician Program: which trains hospital employees for a critical patient-care role. 
• The RN-to-BSN Program: which helps RNs with associates degrees grow clinically and as leaders while earning their bachelor’s degree.

All three programs benefit from strong relationships with practice partners, such as Beth-Israel Deaconess Medical Center, explained Emmanuel Dean of Nursing Dr. Diane Shea. 

“Academic-practice partnerships in nursing are essential for aligning education with nursing clinical practice, helping to ensure graduates are well prepared to deliver safe, high-quality patient care,” said Dr. Shea. “Our practice partners are invaluable in creating clinical environments that enable students to apply and deepen their knowledge through hands-on experience.”

Dr. Trautman was introduced by Emmanuel President Beth Ross, EdD, who applauded her commitment to strong professional standards and academic nursing. That body of work includes numerous advocacy publications, a stint leading the Johns Hopkins Hospital Center for Health Policy and Healthcare Transformation and being tapped by then-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi to provide a nursing perspective during development of the Affordable Care Act. 

“It is a true privilege today, on behalf of the College, to welcome a figure whose accomplishments on the national stage so brilliantly exemplify Emmanuel's values of excellence, innovation and compassionate care to others,” said Dr. Ross. 

Dr. Trautman also touched on her own journey, from nursing student to Chief Nursing Officer at a community hospital in the Johns Hopkins system and then discovering a love of policy that set her on the path to the AACN. She encouraged students to explore that topic and offer their feedback to AACN on ways to make improvements going forward. 

“Policy engagement matters for all of us at some level,” said Dr. Trautman. “Not all of us have to knock on doors at Capitol Hill, but we do all need to be informed and engaged.”