25: Geraldine "Polly" Bednash: Champion of Nursing Care and Education

Dr. Geraldine “Polly” Bednash was appointed executive director of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) in December 1989.  In her role as Chief Executive Officer, she oversees the educational, research, governmental affairs, publications, and other programs of the organization that is the national voice for baccalaureate and graduate-degree education programs in nursing – the nation’s largest health care profession. Prior to serving as executive director and CEO, Dr. Bednash headed the association’s legislative and regulatory advocacy programs as director of government affairs.  Before joining AACN, Dr. Bednash was assistant professor at the School of Nursing at George Mason University and a Robert Wood Johnson Nurse Faculty Fellow in Primary Care at the University of Maryland. She has served on multiple boards and commissions including the Advisory Board for the National Center for the Analysis of Health Care Data and on the editorial boards of several leading nursing publications. Her publications and research presentations cover a range of critical issues in nursing education, research, clinical practice, and legislative policy. Her vast experience includes service as an Army Nurse Corps staff nurse in Vung Tau, Vietnam. Dr. Bednash received her Bachelors degree Texas Woman’s University, a master’s degree from The Catholic University of America, and her doctorate from the University of Maryland. Int his interview, Dr. Bednash discusses the ACA and its importance to the future of the health system, team-based practice, anti-competitive laws, and education.