In Memoriam: Dr. Barbara L. Nichols
(July 19, 1939 – July 21, 2026)
A Visionary Leader Who Strengthened Wisconsin’s Nursing Workforce
The Wisconsin Center for Nursing (WCN) mourns the passing of Dr. Barbara L. Nichols, DL(h), DSc(h), PhD(h), MSN, RN, FAAN, a transformational nurse leader, advocate, mentor, and trailblazer whose life’s work profoundly shaped the nursing profession in Wisconsin, across the nation, and around the world.
The Wisconsin Center for Nursing (WCN) is a 501c3 non-profit organization that was created in 2006 to engage nurse and healthcare organizations, public and private academic programs, government agencies, and related service providers to work together as collaborative partners in an effort to ensure an adequate, competent, and diverse nursing workforce for the people of Wisconsin. Our mission is to critically assess and monitor nursing workforce and education trends and promote nursing career pathways with a focus on under-represented groups and leadership development.
NURSING IN THE NEWS
Celebrating Nurses Making a Difference
Congratulations to WCN Board Vice President, Katie Gillespie [...]
Podcast: Story of Nurse Recovery
Learn More A conversation worth listening to—anytime.We’re proud to [...]
UW-Oshkosh College of Nursing New Name
UW-Oshkosh celebrates naming of Mary Novak-Jandrey College of Nursing, [...]
Marquette Nursing professor concludes successful NCSBN Residency
Dr. Aimee Woda, associate professor at [...]
WCN Welcomes 2026 with a Look Back at 2025
WCN Welcomes the New Year with a Look Back [...]
UW-Oshkosh Nursing Graduate Honors Late Father’s Promise
UW-Oshkosh nursing graduate honors late father’s promise at Commencement [...]
Congratulations to the 2026 Recipients of The Karlene Kerfoot Nursing Leadership in Technology Education Grant! Learn more about this grant and read about how the recipients will be utilizing the granted funds on the Daisy Foundation webpage.
This grant is in partnership with symplr and the American Organization for Nursing Leadership. The 2027 application will open June 1st.
All smiles yesterday afternoon as Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers signs Wisconsin Act 74, which modifies membership on the WI Board of hashtagNursing 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.
Kelly Kruse Nelles Appointed WCN Executive Director
Madison, WI – October 17, 2025 – The Wisconsin Center for Nursing (WCN) proudly announces the appointment of Kelly Kruse Nelles, MS, RN, APRN-BC, as Executive Director.
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!
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
Published 2025 NCLEX Pass Rates
See a Wisconsin nursing school’s recent pass rate.
|
|
Digital Nursing License
A unique, first-of-its-kind offering for Wisconsin license holders. They can now download a digital copy of their license, save it in their Google or Apple Wallet, and easily carry their credentials wherever they go.
Facts about Nurses
1. Nursing is a highly valued profession
2. Nurses are Diverse
3. Nurses are Educators
4. Nursing is a physically demanding profession
5. Nursing has many specialties
6. Nurses are Leaders
7. Nurses are Advocates
8. Nurses are essential in healthcare
9. Registered Nurses outnumber doctors 4 to 1
10. Nurses walk a marathon a week
11. Nursing is the Most Trusted Profession
12. Nurses see their occupation as their true calling
Upcoming Events & Webinars
In-person NCLEX-RN Prep Session offered on Nov 7th at Alverno College in Milwaukee, WI
8 am-noon November 7, 2026
Alverno College
3400 S 43rd St, Milwaukee, WI 53219
Practice Analyses
NCSBN is responsible to its members, the nursing regulatory bodies in the U.S., its territories and Canada (who use the NCLEX-RN for licensure purposes), for the preparation of psychometrically sound and legally defensible licensure examinations. The periodic performance of practice analysis (i.e., job analysis) studies assists NCSBN in evaluating the validity of the test plan that guides content distribution of the licensure examinations. Because the health care industry is rapidly changing, practice analysis studies are traditionally conducted by NCSBN on a three-year cycle. Both the registered nurse (RN) and licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/VN) practice analyses for 2024 are now available.
Education + Research
Do you want to learn more about nursing and health care innovation? We’re working to compile content to support your innovation growth. Some of the best ideas come from collaboration, breaking down silos, and by sharing knowledge. See the innovation courses, research, and resources below.
Workplace Violence Prevention Leadership Symposium
This Leadership Symposium consisted of three facilitated virtual panel discussions about workplace violence prevention efforts. The program will bring together health leaders from national organizations including the AONL, Institute for Health Improvement, American Nurses Association, International Association of Healthcare Security and Safety and others for a dialogue about one of the most important issues facing nurse leaders today.
Nurses.Org Names Wisconsin Top Ten Nursing Schools
- UW-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI
- Viterbo University, LaCrosse, WI
- Edgewood College, Madison, WI
- UW-Madison, Madison, WI
- Concordia University, Mequon, WI
- Marquette, University, Milwaukee, WI
- UW-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI
- UW-Oshkosh, Oshkosh, WI
- Carrol University, Waukesha, WI
- Milwaukee School of Engineering, Milwaukee, WI
Nursing Continuing Professional Development
