[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 163 (Wednesday, October 16, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1287]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





        HONORING THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES OF NURSING

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                         HON. LAUREN UNDERWOOD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 16, 2019

  Ms. UNDERWOOD. Madam Speaker, I stand today to recognize the American 
Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)--the national voice for 
academic nursing--as this organization celebrates 50 years of advancing 
excellence in baccalaureate and graduate nursing education, promoting 
nursing research, and improving the health of our nation.
   Since 1969, AACN has set the standards for educating the nation's 
largest healthcare profession, nursing. AACN has consistently 
illustrated a steadfast commitment to nursing schools, deans, faculty, 
and students who are essential to ensuring a strong nursing workforce 
able to support the health and well-being of citizens in all 
communities throughout the country.
   The rich history of AACN began with a modest but significant meeting 
of 44 deans of nursing who met in Detroit, Michigan in 1969 and formed 
the Conference of Deans of Colleges and University Schools of Nursing. 
At its inception, the organization--soon to be renamed the American 
Association of Colleges of Nursing--represented 121 member 
institutions. This organization had a number of visionary leaders, not 
only for higher education, but also for the nursing profession. AACN 
has provided guidance through changing social, political, and economic 
context and as our country weathered many changes and advancements in 
health care and higher education.
   Over the last 50 years, AACN's dedication to sustaining the nation's 
nursing workforce has expanded and evolved with the organization now 
comprised of more than 825 schools of nursing representing more than 
45,000 faculty members and 543,000 students. AACN's commitment to 
preparing nurses with the skills needed to transform health care and 
improve the public's health has had a profound impact in every state 
and has helped to support the nation's healthcare infrastructure.
   As the American Association of Colleges of Nursing celebrates its 
50th Anniversary, I commend AACN for its leadership in educating the 
nursing workforce; its commitment to advancing innovation, diversity, 
inclusion, and research in the nursing profession; and for its 
dedication to driving excellence in academic nursing.

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