Dean Scott was a visionary leader whose dedication to health equity, nursing excellence, and the advancement of the profession made a profound and lasting impact. Under her leadership, UW-Madison’s undergraduate nursing program ranked eighth overall and fifth among public universities by U.S. News & World Report, and the number of tenure-track faculty doubled. Her tenure oversaw the launch and growth of the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, the development of two new Doctor of Nursing Practice tracks in Systems Leadership and Innovation and Population Health and a postdoctoral-to-faculty pathway created to recruit and develop top nursing scientists. “A true nursing workforce champion whose accomplishments supported nursing workforce initiatives both state-wide and nationally” said Kelly Kruse Nelles, WCN Executive Director.  “She demonstrated the important role of academic strength in ensuring a well-prepared and diverse nursing workforce to care for the people of Wisconsin and beyond” Through her nursing leadership as president of the American Academy of Nursing from 2023 to 2025, following a two-year term as president-elect, she advocated for changes that would address nursing shortages, faculty capacity and barriers to advanced education. As a researcher, she pioneered studies on nurse fatigue and sleep deprivation and their impacts on patient safety. 

Dr. Scott will be remembered not only for her extraordinary accomplishments, but for her warmth, mentorship, and deep caring for the nursing community.

A Celebration of Career event for Dr. Scott took place on Friday, December 19. 

• https://nursing.wisc.edu/remembering-linda-d-scott/
• Making a gift to the Linda D. Scott Inspiration Scholarship Fund

All smiles yesterday afternoon as Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers signs Wisconsin Act 74, which modifies membership on the WI Board of hashtag#Nursing by adding a certified/licensed advanced practice registered nurse member and a nurse educator member.
Robert Weinman
Jennifer Jarrett
Wisconsin Nurses Association

The Wisconsin APRN Modernization Act, which allows Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) to practice independently without a collaborative agreement with a physician, was signed into law on August 8, 2025. This legislation, passed by the Wisconsin State Senate and Assembly, grants APRNs the ability to practice within their recognized roles and expertise without such agreements. The act also establishes a separate licensing process for APRNs. 

UW-Oshkosh graduates its first class of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, (PMHNP)

Launched in 2023, the UW-Oshkosh School of Nursing PMHNP program was designed for current, certified Nurse Practitioners who want to expand their practice with a specialty role.

The Psych Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) certificate program provides current, certified Nurse Practitioners (NP) with foundational knowledge and expertise to assume expanded roles as dual certified NP and PMHNP advanced practice nurses. This 19-credit certificate program combines 100%-online coursework with hands-on practicum to develop the clinical acumen and skills necessary to effectively provide mental health care services across the life span of patients.

A seasoned nurse leader, educator, and innovator, Kruse Nelles brings over 30 years of clinical, academic, and administrative experience to the role, reinforcing WCN’s mission to monitor nursing workforce and education trends and promote inclusive leadership pathways across the profession.

Kruse Nelles is a board-certified nurse practitioner with extensive experience spanning medical-surgical acute care, community health, internal medicine, and long-term care—with a notable focus on women’s health and improving access for rural and vulnerable populations. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing with an emphasis in health administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and completed her Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner education at the University of Colorado. Her career has been shaped by a clear vision: closing gaps in healthcare delivery through nurse-led solutions and maximizing the value of nursing across all care settings.

Dr. Barbara Nichols Documentary Fund

WNA is developing a documentary on the storied nursing career of Barbara Nichols MS, DL(h), SDc(h), RN, FAAN, including her many achievements in the profession and her contributions to professional nursing at the international, national, and state level.

The documentary is entitled, ‘Dr. Barbara Nichols: Career and Contributions to Professional Nursing’, and not only will it be a history of Dr. Nichols – the nurse, it will serve as an education tool and resource for nursing students and nurses wanting to learn about nursing leadership. (Free CE available!)

Content will include: video excerpts from ANA Past Presidents and AARP ‘Future of Nursing Campaign’ representatives, comments from leaders of the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS), photos, memorabilia, and remarks from international, national, and state nursing colleagues.

Please contribute to the Barbara Nichols Documentary Fund and help us bestow upon an ANA ‘Living Legend’ this timeless tribute!

Decoding the Code: Provision 1

Discover how to elevate your nursing practice with this in-depth online guide to the Code of Ethics for Nurses Provision 1: The nurse practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person. Dive into essential provisions, key concepts, and reflections to gain practical insights that can help you confidently navigate ethical challenges in your practice! 

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