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Dr. Brooke Kistler of Catawba Valley Community College has been recognized for her leadership in nursing education.

Kistler is one of 24 educators, chosen from colleges, universities and health care institutions across America, recently selected by the National League for Nursing (NLN) for its year-long leadership program, kicking off in June in Washington, D.C. and San Antonio. Known simply as “Lead,” the program was founded in 2011 and is under the direction of chief program officer Dr. Janice Brewington. “Lead” is designed for nurses in education and practice who have recently faced a rapid transition into leadership positions; those already in positions of leadership who want formal leadership development; and others who identify as emerging leaders or have leadership aspirations.

Kistler is the head of CVCC’s nursing department. Prior to moving into this position, she was the college’s co-ordinator of programs. She expanded the college’s CNA (certified nursing assistant) program, critically examining course design to support accelerated and hybrid formats to meet the needs of working students while maintaining retention and quality of performance. She prides herself on recruitment and retention efforts that have driven the expansion of health education programs and increased qualified candidates for the nursing work force. Awarded for her excellence in teaching, Kistler has continued to be recognized by her students and peers with annual nominations. Her doctoral research focuses on the challenges students encounter during their learning that has resulted in two published articles and one manuscript currently under review, according to Robin Cornett, CVCC’s dean of health education.

“I am immensely proud of Dr. Kistler’s acceptance into the prestigious ‘Lead’ program,” Cornett said recently. “Her commitment to nursing education is exemplary, and her selection reflects her passion and dedication to advancing our profession.”

This year-long program represents a significant investment in professional leadership development, with participants spending a calendar year engaging in activities to identify personal and professional goals, learning about what makes an effective leader and strategizing how to re-tool skill sets and experiences to achieve individual and institutional benchmarks, according to NLN Chairman Patricia Sharpnack.

“Nurses have been increasingly visible in the transformation of the nation’s health care access and delivery, so it is vital that they have the necessary leadership skills to bring about meaningful, sustainable change,” Sharpnack said. “The National League for Nursing, the leading voice of nursing education, has invested in resources and scholarship to provide this cutting-edge professional development.”

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