Attention Students: Last Call to Participate in NLN Student Excellence Competition

Duke University School of Nursing has been designated by the National League for Nursing (NLN) as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education. We are one of a small handful of schools that hold this designation in two of the three categories. Those categories are: Creating Environments that Enhance Student Learning and Professional Development, a designation we hold through 2019, and Creating Environments that Promote the Pedagogical Expertise of Faculty, a designation we hold through 2017.

All schools that hold this designation are eligible to submit an entry to the NLN’s Student Excellence Paper Competition. Submit an essay for consideration as DUSON’s entry to the national competition.

Here's what you need to know:

• The Student Excellence Paper Competition provides students enrolled in NLN Center of Excellence schools the opportunity to reflect on and share their thinking about excellence in nursing education, what fosters excellence, and what it means to them to be part of a Center of Excellence school.
• Each school may submit only one entry for the national competition and may use whatever process they choose to select that entry.  Here at DUSON, its open to all students (ABSN, MSN, DNP and PhD).
• All essays for the 2016 competition must be submitted to Dr. Terry Valiga – at terry.valiga@duke.edu no later than 5:00 p.m. on March 21, 2016.
• All essays received by this deadline will be reviewed by at least two members of DUSON’s Institute for Educational Excellence Advisory Board, using the criteria outlined by the NLN:

1. The paper clearly focuses on excellence in nursing education, what fosters excellence, and what it means to be part of a Center of Excellence school.
2. The paper conveys a powerful story about excellence from a student's point of view.
3. Specific examples from the student's educational environment are included.
4. The quality of writing is at a level of excellence.
5. All format guidelines are followed:

• Students may use whatever format they select to tell their story. For example, student may write a “typical” paper, or you may compose a poem, short story or dialogue/conversation with an imaginary individual who is considering applying to DUSON.
• All submissions must be in written format. Videotapes, DVDs, or other formats cannot be accepted.
• Papers may not exceed three (3) typed, double-spaced pages, using APA format and 12 font.
• References are not required.

For more information, contact Terry Valiga at 919-684-9433 or terry.valiga@duke.edu.