OACNS - Oklahoma Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists

12/02/2025

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12/02/2025

Today, on World AIDS Awareness Day 2025, we stand united to honor those affected by HIV/AIDS and reaffirm our commitment to awareness, prevention, and compassion. ❤️
As Clinical Nurse Specialists, we hold a unique position to create meaningful change—not only for patients, but also by empowering nurses and strengthening healthcare organizations. Our influence extends beyond the bedside, driving education, innovation, and advocacy that help break stigma and improve outcomes.
Let’s continue to spread knowledge, foster understanding, and support global efforts toward an AIDS-free future. Every voice matters. Every action counts.

11/25/2025

Sign the petition urging the U.S. Department of Education to recognize nursing as a professional degree program.
https://Inkd.in/gcRZM_fR

🚨 Important Update for the Nursing Community

New U.S. Department of Education rules could sharply restrict access to federal financing for graduate-level nursing students, including CNSs and other APRNs.

By reclassifying post-baccalaureate nursing programs as “graduate” instead of “professional,” nursing students would receive only half the loan amounts available to medical students.

NACNS is joining more than 50 nursing organizations to push for changes before the final regulation language is released in early 2026. Implementation is currently expected in July 2026.

➡️ Take action: Sign the petition urging the Department of Education to recognize nursing as a professional degree program. It takes less than a minute and makes a real impact.

✍️ Sign here: https://ana.quorum.us/campaign/professionaldegreepetition/

10/24/2025

🏆 Awards Season is HERE!

Each year, NACNS celebrates the individuals and affiliates who elevate the CNS role through exceptional leadership, innovation, research, education, and service.

✨ 13 awards are being offered this year — including the NEW Innovator of the Year Award! This award honors an NACNS member for outstanding achievement as a CNS Preceptor who demonstrates exceptional commitment to teaching, coaching, and mentoring CNS students and new CNSs to achieve excellence across the nurse, patient, and organizational spheres.

🗓️ Nomination period: October 23 – November 10, 2025
🙌 Nominate yourself or a colleague who’s making an impact in the CNS community!

🔗 Get full details, eligibility, and nomination forms here: https://brnw.ch/21wWSZV

10/22/2025

Happy National DNP Week!
October 19 – 25

This week, we proudly celebrate our Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) colleagues—visionary nurse leaders who transform evidence into action, elevate clinical outcomes, and advance the future of healthcare across Oklahoma and beyond.

At OACNS, we honor the DNPs who lead with innovation, compassion, and courage—bridging the gap between research and real-world impact. Your dedication to excellence and your commitment to improving patient care inspire us all.

✨ Thank you for being change agents, mentors, and advocates for quality and equity in nursing practice.

10/15/2025

American Nurses Association Celebrates Inclusion of Nurse Staffing in Joint Commission’s National Performance Goals. Read the full statement: 🔗 https://ow.ly/PhBI50XaPZI

10/15/2025

Exciting news for NACNS members! 📣 CNSI is offering travel grants for podium or poster presentations that advocate for the Clinical Nurse Specialist role and highlight innovations and outcomes among nurse leaders.

If you’ve presented in collaboration with nurse leaders/executives or at conferences primarily attended by non-CNS nurse leaders (e.g., AONL) in the last 6 months, this is for you! For more information and the application, visit: https://brnw.ch/21wWCry

10/11/2025

Congratulations to OACNS President Brandy Burgess and OU NICU CNS Susan Bedwell!

10/08/2025

🚨 Important Update for Oklahoma APRNs! 🚨

We’ve received new information from the Oklahoma Board of Nursing (OBN) and Mike Starchman, RN, CPA, Deputy Executive Director, regarding House Bill 2298. Here’s what you need to know 👇

🗓️ Go-Live Date:
The official date to submit independent practice applications will be announced soon by OBN. Stay tuned!

📝 New Application Required:
If you’re transitioning from supervised to independent practice, you’ll need to submit a new application.

🎓 Education Requirements (No Changes):
You must complete either:
• 45 “Category B” contact hours OR
• 3 academic credit hours in pharmacotherapeutic management
These must be completed within 3 years prior to your application.

⚙️ Next Steps:
OBN is awaiting the Governor’s approval of emergency rules before implementation begins.
✅ Review the FAQ and supporting documents here https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:*2F*2Foklahoma.gov*2Fcontent*2Fdam*2Fok*2Fen*2Fnursing*2Fdocuments*2Fhb2298*2520faq.pdf/1/01010199c42cf5f1-56e98a6f-3834-424e-b3ee-c309b1696131-000000/ZLrO8uygq96nxB0Bmjc11RpXCmrZXB7TTDz_0s3YBfE=426__;JSUlJSUlJSUlJQ!!GNU8KkXDZlD12Q!9S0ETwHrNTTwvzUPAdZjG4RBuG_MYVN1E1JmqCIUeVl6L9EQN68KF4ang_WMuiW8dCj6u8fEQmib7-pYyJ4HRzd-l9JQt6pJ$

📩 Questions? Reach out — we’re here to help!

Let’s continue supporting and advancing APRN practice in Oklahoma! 💪🏽

10/04/2025

OU Health is hosting the 2025 Palliative Care Summit with featured speakers Dr. Christina Puchalski and Dr. Phyllis Whitehead!
Date: October 24th, 2025
Time: 9am - 4pm
Location: Rainbolt Auditorium, Samis Education Center, OU Children’s Hospital

Register at the link below!
https://ouhsc.cloud-cme.com/course/listing?p=1000

09/24/2025

If you are attending the ONA Conference, come see us at the OACNS booth!