Reflecting Trent University’s high status in the nursing community, Dr. Kirsten Woodend, dean of the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing, has been installed as president of the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN), the national voice for more than 90 institutions that offer baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs and the accrediting body for nursing schools in Canada.

“It’s another indication of the high level of engagement that Trent has with nursing educators across Canada,” Dr. Woodend said, pointing out that her predecessor as dean, Dr. Wendy Fucile, was president of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario.

Dr. Woodend, who was previously president-elect of the organization, officially assumed her new duties on November 19, 2014. During her two-year term she will preside over a board of directors who represent regions across Canada and who are responsible for CASN’s ongoing strategic plan. She will also chair a Council comprised of all member schools.

“It’s an exciting time to be president of CASN because there is so much happening in nursing,” said Dr. Woodend. “I’ll be working with an incredible group who are leaders in nursing education, research and scholarship.”

Dr. Woodend foresees the main challenges during her term will arise from the adoption, in January 2015, of the American NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) entry-to-practice exam for nursing school graduates.

“We may have to help schools cope with potentially lower pass rates and the ensuing political and human resource ramifications,” Dr. Woodend said. “In the long term, we want to ensure that NCLEX doesn’t negatively impact nursing in Canada to the detriment of patients for whom we provide care.”

Dr. Woodend has been dean of the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing since July 2011. During her career she has held numerous teaching, research, and administrative positions in the field of nursing.

Posted on Thursday, November 27, 2014.