Bouchard accepted into academic nursing leadership program
Lindsay Bouchard, DNP, PMHNP-BC, RN, an associate clinical professor and interim vice chair and Doctor of Nursing Practice program director at the University of Arizona College of Nursing, has been accepted into the Elevating Leaders in Academic Nursing program offered by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
The highly competitive, yearlong program is designed to enhance the executive leadership skills of senior faculty members who aspire to lead academic nursing programs and are committed to advancing nursing education.
Lindsay Bouchard, DNP, PMHNP-BC, RN
“It is a true honor to be accepted into this national fellowship that supports and develops nursing leaders working in academic settings,” said Bouchard. “I feel extremely grateful and excited to be one of the 50 leaders chosen nationally to participate in this year’s cohort. I’m inspired to see how participation in an immersive, yearlong leadership program will add another dimension to what I am able to offer my colleagues, students and college community.”
Bouchard, who joined the U of A Nursing faculty in 2012, was recommended to the fellowship by Brian Ahn, PhD, dean of the College of Nursing.
“Dr. Bouchard’s participation in the AACN Elevating Leaders in Academic Nursing Program provides her an excellent opportunity to further develop networking and leadership skills, enhance her professional development, and strengthen her abilities in her crucial leadership role at the College of Nursing,” said Ahn.
In his letter of recommendation, Ahn noted that Bouchard provides day-to-day operational leadership for the DNP program, which includes about 45 faculty and 430 students. She also develops and evaluates curriculum in collaboration with faculty and helps lead funding initiatives to support advanced nursing practice students. She also creates and maintains collaborative partnerships with clinical partners across the country to support students’ clinical training.
“Dr. Bouchard encourages education innovation and interdisciplinary partnerships to promote health, equity and inclusion while addressing health care challenges,” said Peggy Jenkins, PhD, RN, associate dean for academic affairs and a clinical professor in the College of Nursing. “The DNP program is ranked 19th nationally out of 389 programs, which is a testament to Dr. Bouchard’s outstanding leadership.”
Bouchard said participating in the leadership program will not only help her develop leadership skills but will also connect her with a national network of nurse leaders, allowing her to share new ideas and perspectives.
“Our DNP program is climbing in the rankings. We’re currently No. 10 among public universities and No. 19 overall, which is a reflection on our incredibly strong faculty, staff and graduates,” said Bouchard. “My goal is to help our program continue to improve, grow and be nationally known as a stellar place for nurses to advance their careers and improve patient care and health care systems.”
Bouchard is involved in three Health Resources and Services Administration-funded grant programs totaling $10.6 million that support sexual assault nurse examiners, family nurse practitioners, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners and nurse midwifery students to train and provide care in rural, border and medically underserved communities. Her research projects address innovative teaching strategies, faculty practice and enhancing nurse resiliency to promote academic and professional performance.
“Since my first day working at the U of A College of Nursing, I have been supported by exceptional mentors, leaders and colleagues,” Bouchard said. “I love working at the U of A because of the faculty and staff’s commitment to innovation, quality improvement and serving our students. It’s been a wonderful place to grow as a nurse, educator and leader.”