President's Message
The 2010 NACNS National Conference was uplifting with its palpable energy and noteworthy speakers offering challenges, hope, and sage insights. More than 300 NACNS members engaged in active, meaningful dialogues exploring issues of real importance-truly, the energy was electrifying. Just as important was the camaraderie. Many conference attendees approached me with a story to share or a perspective that they wanted validated. It was gratifying to see several CNS resources, books, and tool kits, published by NACNS members and endorsed by the NACNS organization. We need our voice heard, and we have valuable expertise that should be shared. I encourage each of you to consider putting pen to paper (or fingers to keys) and write a manuscript, author a book, craft a script, or create a brochure. An NACNS endorsement is recognition of the contribution of your efforts and the consistency with which you have crafted your product within the context of CNS practice conceptualization. I encourage you to seriously consider this opportunity to serve.
The Oregon CNSs were outstanding stewards as they provided conference supports and entertainment (the opening act was terrific!) and extended offers of information regarding local attractions. Many students were in attendance, and I found it gratifying to see the mentoring and friendliness clearly manifested within student-teacher relationships.
Vendors and sponsors contributed to the positive energy. One of my favorite conference activities is the opening poster session. It is such a pleasure to walk through posters, displays, and wares while conversing with vendors, exhibitors, and members. Light refreshments and the chatter of people reconnecting make for a very enjoyable evening. I generally learn new things from the exhibitors and, typically, come home with lighter pockets as I purchase 1 or 2 items from local vendors. Many conference attendees went home with new jewelry or beautiful hand-loomed apparel.
The jacket that I purchased accompanied me to the rope line as I represented NACNS at the recent health care speech given by President Obama at Arcadia University in Glenside, Pennsylvania. There was no opportunity to speak with the President, but I was fortunate to shake his hand. My NACNS President's pin was securely fastened on my lapel, and I did converse with several people about CNS practice and the imperative need for health care reform. It is easy to adopt a rather jaded perspective on politics and national processes, but I must say that this was a very exciting day. The crowd was passionate and enthusiastic. The President's speech was fiery, and his delivery was impressive. Nurses have been consistently advocating for the uninsured and underinsured, and it was validating to hear the stories and pleas of individuals who were discussing their experiences as we waited for the President's arrival. Certainly, as CNSs, we recognize the ripple effect of the lack of preventive services on morbidity, mortality, costs, and suffering. I am privileged to have experienced this encounter and thank you for permitting me to represent our organization. I promised Ginger Pierson, a Californian CNS, that I would share information about this experience with NACNS members. It was a good suggestion.
Next year's conference is scheduled for Baltimore, Maryland, from March 10 to 12, 2011. If you have not visited Baltimore's waterfront, you simply must attend. The inner harbor area is beautiful, and there is so much to do. Some of you may find that the dates coincide with spring school breaks, and certainly, this is a wonderful destination for families. Washington, District of Columbia, is a short train ride for those of you interested in adding a day or two to your stay. The conference planning committee is considering a variety of new ideas while keeping highly rated conference components. Please keep an eye on the NACNS Web site as the Call for Abstracts will provide you with critical information. The Baltimore location is convenient, and public transportation makes it quite accessible. If you are able and willing to volunteer to assist with the conference, please know that your efforts will be appreciated.
I strongly encourage you to consider ways to connect your mentees and students to the annual conference. I have been responsible for CNS education for the past 14 years and have had many opportunities to assist students with crafting poster abstracts while learning about CNS practice and education. For many students, attending a conference with me was the first time that they had traveled to a national conference. Some have had posters accepted, and the thrill of validation as a soon-to-be CNS through a blind-review process with subsequent abstract publication simply cannot be matched in the classroom. Many students move from their initial success to offering podium presentations or continued poster contributions. At different times, I have had students "assigned" to look up the speakers on the conference brochure and to explore the work that these individuals have contributed to CNS efforts. This activity has enriched the conference experience for many of my students. Posting the summaries of what has been found through simple Web-based or database searches assists students in feeling a larger connection to the CNS community.
As the incoming president, I spoke for a few moments to the membership. The critical point that I emphasized with conference attendees that I would like to leave with you is to avoid being daunted in your quest to connect with your CNS organization. We have tremendous leaders, impressive experts, and noteworthy "movers and shakers" within the ranks of NACNS membership. Your input is critical for the organization's success. Debate and discussion are encouraged. Good ideas are required. The NACNS needs your bold voice in its advocacy efforts for patients/clients, nurses, organizations, and systems. Offer a little or offer a lot. Anything you are able to contribute will be valued. Come to Baltimore and introduce yourself. Join the listserv. Encourage a colleague to become a member. Speak with your vendors and "talk up" the benefits of sponsoring NACNS. Increase your involvement in the national health care debate. In some way, contribute to CNS efforts.
NACNS is counting on you.
NACNS Updates
Conference News
The 2010 NACNS conference "CNS as Internal Consultant: Influencing Local to Global Systems" was a tremendous success! Held for the first time in beautiful Portland, Oregon, attendees were treated to an opening keynote address by Beverly Malone, PhD, RN, FAAN, chief executive officer of the National League for Nursing, entitled "CNS: Internal Consultant Touching the World." Linda Burnes Bolton, DrPH, RN, FAAN, vice president and chief nursing officer Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, delivered a thought-provoking general session. The conference ended with an inspiring keynote address delivered by Angela Barron McBride, PhD, RN, FAAN, distinguished professor-university dean emerita, Indiana University School of Nursing, Indianapolis, Indiana.
The NACNS and the Board of Directors sincerely thank the St Louis area CNSs for their support and numerous volunteer hours spent making conference participants feel welcome and for helping to make this conference such a success. The NACNS and the Board of Directors also want to gratefully acknowledge and thank the following 2010 conference sponsors, exhibitors, and contributors for their gracious support.
Sponsors
Major Sponsors
Nurses Service Organization
KCI-Kinetic Concepts, Inc
Sponsors
Massachusetts General Hospital
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Jones and Bartlett Publishing
Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego
Exhibitors
Access Medical Solutions
Allina Hospital & Clinics
American Nurses Credentialing Center
Asante Health System
Aspen Medical Products
Barnes-Jewish Hospital
Baylor Health Care System
Calmoseptine, Inc
Carroll Hospital Group
Cottage Health System
Dale Medical Products
EBSCO Publishing
EHOB, Inc
Exempla Saint Joseph Hospital
Indiana Center for Evidence-Based Nursing Practice: A Joanna Briggs Collaborating Centre
Infant Adoption Training Initiative
Joerns Healthcare, Inc
Jones & Bartlett Publishers
Kinetic Concepts, Inc (KCI)
Legacy Health System-Good Samaritan Hospital and Medical Center
Massachusetts General Hospital
NASCO
National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists
Nurses Service Organization
Rauland-Borg
Sage Products, Inc
Shuttle Creek Weaving
Silpada Designs
Smith and Nephew Wound Management
Spectrum Health
Springer Publishing Company
The Gideons International
University of Wisconsin Hospitals & Clinics
US Army Medical Recruiting Team
Valley Health System
Wolf Tory Medical
Wolters Kluwer Health-Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Board Member Farewells and Introductions
Our spring conference signals the annual change in leadership of the NACNS Board of Directors.
Patti Zuzelo, EdD, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, professor of nursing, LaSalle University School of Nursing & Health Sciences, takes over the reigns as our new president.
Melanie Duffy, MSN, RN, CCRN, CCNS, now becomes the immediate past president. Melanie has served NACNS with integrity and grace.
Stephen Patten, MSN, RN,CNS, Operative Care Division VA Medical Center, Portland, Oregon, was elected president-elect. Stephen just completed a 2-year term of office as a member-at-large on the Board of Directors.
Rachel Moody, MS, RN, CNS, also served as a member on the Board of Directors and is the Board-appointed vice president, filling a 1-year term vacancy.
Carol Manchester, MSN, APRN, BC-ADM, CDE, is treasurer, also having served as a member on the Board of Directors.
Sharon Horner, PhD, RN, FAAN, professor of Nursing University of Texas, Austin, was elected to the position of secretary.
The following members are joining the NACNS Board of Directors as Members at Large: Suzanne Purvis, MSN, CNS, from Middleton, Wisconsin. Suzanne has served for several years on the Practice Committee.
Ann Muller, MSN, RN, BC-CNS, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Les Rodriquez, MSN, MPH, RN, ACNS-BC, CPAN, from Fort Worth, Texas.
Leaving the Board this year after several years of service are Sue Sendelbach, Pat Ebright, Susan Dresser, Pat Foster, and Ann Mayo. We are grateful for these talented members who have volunteered countless hours of their time to the mission of the organization.
Awards and Scholarships
Each year, the CNS Foundation recognizes and awards 2 outstanding CNSs who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and service to the organization. These awards are presented at the conference during the annual awards ceremony and luncheon. We would like to congratulate and recognize this year's recipients:
Brenda Lyon Award
Dr Kelly Goudreau served as the voice for CNSs over the past several years as NACNS's representative in the APRN consensus work group and the Joint Dialogue group responsible for designing the new model for future regulation of APRN practice. She commanded the respect of her peers and other nursing organizations because of her ability to remain focused on the issues of critical importance to CNSs and on attainment of an optimal future for CNSs. Kelly remains undaunted in the face of controversy, listens to all points of view, and speaks without hesitation as an advocate for the CNS community. A visionary leader, she recognized the need for and developed "A Vision for the Future of Clinical Nurse Specialists" released by NACNS in 2007.
Her contributions to NACNS are numerous. In addition to serving as Board member (2003-2004), secretary (2005-2006), and president (2006-2007), she has been a member of the NACNS Education Committee and the chair of the Oregon Council of CNSs. She has served on the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Commission on Certification and is a program evaluator for the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Along with past Lyon Award winners Brenda Lyon and Janet Fulton, she coedited the newest CNS textbook, Foundations of Clinical Nurse Specialist Practice.
Sue B. Davidson Award
Kathleen M. Baldwin, PhD, RN, ACNS, ANP, GNP, CEN, is this year's recipient of the Sue B. Davidson award. Dr Baldwin's many years of excellent service to NACNS include 5 years in elected offices (2000-2005), followed by 5 years of volunteer service in many roles that have benefited our organization and individual members. Kathy is known by NACNS colleagues and the NACNS Board members as someone who will gladly take on any task, large or small, for NACNS. Kathy has been instrumental in our success in promoting the widespread use of the NACNS core CNS competencies. She took on the laborious task of entering and analyzing the data collected in our 2006 competency validation survey. She wrote the detailed report required by ANCC to verify that our competency validation process met nationally required standards. She was lead author for 2 articles, one about the development of the CNS competencies that was published in Clinical Nurse Specialist and one about the validation of the competencies published in The Journal of Nursing Scholarship. Kathy also authored the Annotated Bibliography of Research Studies and Articles About CNS Practice and Outcomes that is published in the NACNS Statement on CNS Practice and Education. Kathy was co-principal investigator, with Dr Angela Clark, for the first Nurse Competence in Aging grant that NACNS received in 2003 from the Jew York University Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing. Also with Dr Ann Mayo, she developed exemplars of CNS competence for the John A. Hartford Institute's nursing education materials that resulted in a grant to NACNS to continue this work.
Committee Information
The activities of the committees are driven by the organization's strategic plan under the direction of the Board of Directors. We would like to thank each of our 2009-2010 committee members for their time and talents they have volunteered:
Affiliate Advisory Committee
* Kathleen Dunn, chair
* Candace Becker
* Chiquita Denney
* Cynthia Japp
* Margaret Talley
* Debra Polster
Communications & Marketing Committee
* Anne Williams, chair
* Beverly Raye Bell
* Kimerly Bishop
* Sandra Gandee
* Patricia Tuite
* Cindy Wetzel
Education Committee
* Kathleen Baldwin
* Dawn Doutrich
* Stephanie R. Moore
* Camille Payne
* Demetrius Porche
* Debra Siela
* Elaine Steinke
Legislative Regulatory Committee
* Nancy Bickel
* Jennifer Geitgey
* Timothy Heyse
* Sharon Horner
* Jeffrey Schwab Jones
* Lynne Pompetti
Membership Committee
* Howard Blanchard, chair
* Maureen McLaughlin
* Denise O'Brien
* Catherine Ryan
* Dawn Seeley
* Christine Frazer
* Beth McCraw
* Kristin Reid
Research Committee
* Kathleen Ellstrom, cochair
* Kathryn Sapnas, cochair
* Nancy Albert
* Cheryl Westlake Canary
* Jan Foster
* Jan Powers
* Karen Rice
* Mary Waldo
Practice Committee
* Margueritte Barksdale, cochair
* Marcia Bixby, cochair
* Jean Bandos
* Wanda Borges
* Garrett Chan
* Terri Girt
* Vincent Holly
* Kirk Koyama
* Surzanne Purvis
* Julia Senn-Reeves
* Linda Shin