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THE RON BROWN AWARD FOR CORPORATE LEADERSHIP

The Ron Brown Award embraces the premise that business can do well by doing good. It was established by President Clinton in honor of the late U.S. Secretary of Commerce Ron Brown, who sought to bring U.S. business to the forefront of the global economy. Brown's commitment to corporate citizenship as a business strategy shaped both his work and his vision of a strong America. Companies receiving this honor exemplify the values of corporate citizenship, and demonstrate a deep commitment to initiatives that empower employees and communities while advancing strategic business interests.

On behalf of The Johnson & Johnson Campaign for Nursing's Future Selquist accepts the Ron Brown award from US Commerce Secretary, Carlos M. Gutierrez.

The Johnson & Johnson Campaign for Nursing's Future Receives Presidential Distinction

At a White House ceremony on Jan 5, 2006, Johnson & Johnson received the 2004-2005 Ron Brown Award for Corporate Leadership honoring the work of its Campaign for Nursing's Future. The award was presented by Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez who said "these [three] companies exemplify the best in our efforts to build a better America for the next generation…" Johnson & Johnson shared the stage with Bayer Corporation, and S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. that were selected from hundreds of applicants.

"Throughout our history, we have worked directly with nursing professionals and we understand how critical they are to quality health care," said Curt M. Selquist, company group chairman, Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems Inc. "Our efforts to help address the nursing shortage through The Campaign for Nursing's Future, and our overall commitment to the nursing profession, continue to be high priorities for Johnson & Johnson."

The Johnson & Johnson Campaign for Nursing's Future was created to address the most profound nursing shortages this country has ever seen, by instituting efforts to enhance the image of the nursing profession, recruit new nurses and nurse faculty, and help retain nurses currently in the profession. The initiative does so by working in cooperation with professional nursing organizations, schools, hospitals and other health care groups to promote opportunities in nursing, and increases awareness of the value of the nursing profession to our society and America's health care community.

Since its launch, the Campaign has attracted widespread media attention, and has won the support and respect of numerous nursing and educational organizations. The Ron Brown Award is yet another important recognition and validation of this initiative, and underscores how industry and communities can work together to address widespread and complex problems.

At a Glance
Most Common Nursing Credentials

ADN - Associate Degree in Nursing

APRN - Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

ASN - Associate of Science in Nursing

BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

CMA - Certified Medical Assistant

CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant

CNS - Certified Nurse Specialist

CNM - Certified Nurse Midwife

FNP - Family Nurse Practitioner

MN - Master of Nursing

MSN - Master of Science in Nursing

Varied Career Opportunities for
Anyone Interested in Nursing

Interest in nursing careers continues to grow, with enrollment in entry-level baccalaureate nursing programs increasing by 13 percent from 2004 to 2005 according to a recent survey by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) survey.

That's good news, considering more than one million new nurses will be needed by 2012, the projected demand from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

As nursing students enter school, they are discovering numerous career paths offering a wide range of disciplines and specialties, from hospital environments or hospice care to legislative and medical administrative opportunities. Although most nursing provides direct patient care, these specialties differ in education and skill requirements.

Some of the most common academic degrees include:

Registered Nurses (RN) have three different education routes: 3-year diploma programs, 2-year associate degree programs or 4-year baccalaureate degree programs. Almost a third of all registered nurses have a baccalaureate degree, and nearly ten percent of hospital registered nurses have advanced practice credentials, with either a master's or doctoral degree. Registered Nurses assess patient needs, develop patient care plans, and administer medications and treatments.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) receive 12-18-month training programs that emphasize technical nursing tasks and generally carry out specified nursing duties under the direction of RNs.

Nurse Practitioners (NP) have a master's degree and are often nationally certified by the American Nurses Association or a specialty nursing organization. They work in a variety of settings, including clinics, nursing homes, hospitals, or their own offices, and are qualified to handle a wide range of basic health problems. Most have a specialty, such as adult, family, or pediatric health care. In most states, NPs also have prescribing authority.

Nurses' Aides (NA) are not licensed, but many acquire certified nurse aide or nursing assistant status after proving they have certain skills related to the requirements of particular positions. They typically carry out non-specialized duties and personal care activities.

For more information on nursing education requirements, degrees, certification, licensure and continuing education, please visit http://www.discovernursing.com/.

Promise of Nursing Funds Now Available

Applications are now being accepted for the 2006 FACULTY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM through the Foundation of the National Student Nurses Association.

Registered Nurses enrolled in graduate level, degree-granting colleges and universities in selected regions of the US may be eligible to apply for a Promise of Nursing Regional Faculty Fellowship (PON Fellowship). The fellowships are made possible through funds raised at The Johnson & Johnson Promise of Nursing galas and are designed to assist RN's who are preparing for degrees as nurse educators.

Funding for graduate faculty fellowships is available in the following areas: California, Florida*, Tennessee, Georgia, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Texas* and Washington.

The application deadline has been extended to March 10th, 2006. For more information and to download a copy of the application, visit http://www.nsna.org/foundation/scholarships/.

*only some areas in these regions are eligible - please check application for more details.

Deana M.
RN, PHD, CNS
Spokane, WA

I became a nurse educator after years of experience. My service in hospitals, home health, a hospice, a tribal health clinic and in my own business allowed me to grow in expertise. My interest in distance education and internet technologies for rural practitioners caught the interest of a nursing school. I was tempted to try nursing education, and this move to academics required a return to school. My personal education began as a volunteer, proceeding through nurse aide, diploma, RN to BSN, masters and finally a PhD. Caring for the next generation of nursing educators and nurses is just as rewarding as helping the trauma victim, the ill child, and the dying elder…the rewards are great!

The 2006 Promise of Nursing Galas

To add to nearly $8 million already raised in nursing scholarship funds, The Johnson & Johnson Campaign for Nursing's Future kicked off 2006 with great energy and excitement as nearly 700 nurses gathered in East Brunswick for The Promise of Nursing for New Jersey gala. More than $450,000 was raised to alleviate the State's nursing shortage, contributing to student scholarships, faculty fellowships and nursing school grants. Additional events scheduled for 2006 include:

TENNESSEE (NASHVILLE) - March 9
WASHINGTON (SEATTLE) - March 29
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (LOS ANGELES) - April 27
TEXAS (HOUSTON) - Fall 2006

(Pictured above: Gary Carter, president, NJ Hospital Association; Bessie Frimpong, nursing student, UMDNJ; Dr. Susan Bakewell-Sachs, dean & professor, College of New Jersey School of Nursing; Curt M. Selquist, company group chairman, Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems Inc; Andrea Higham, director, The Johnson & Johnson Campaign for Nursing's Future.)