I just returned home from the 37th Annual ASPSN Annual Convention and am reenergized by all the new information I have learned. We had an amazing lineup of speakers, thanks to the scientific sessions planning committee.
It was great to see so many familiar faces intermixed with new faces. This meeting provides the perfect opportunity to network and learn from our colleagues. This knowledge is information that you can't find in a textbook. Every year I bring back information to share with my physician, from a different prospective. I feel attending these meetings not only helps me earn the required CEUs I need but also helps keep me up on all the new developments in our field of practice. This not only benefits me but benefits my physicians and, most importantly, my patients as well.
We had eight nurses sit for the certification examination during this year's convention. Sheryl Henken was the recipient of the Allergan examination grant. Congratulation, Sheryl! This grant is for all ASPSN members who are taking the CPSN examination for the first time. I encourage all those who are not yet certified to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. To apply, go to the ASPSN Web site, click on certification, and download the application.
The CPSN examination not only is offered during the annual convention but is available throughout the year at several locations. To find out whether there is a site close to you, go to the C-NET Web site: http://www.c-net.com. Remember, nurses preparing for the examination will need to purchase the study guide, The Core Curriculum for Plastic Surgical Nursing. This can be done by calling the National Office or through the ASPSN online store. This is more than a study guide. It is a great resourse book. Every plastic surgery nurse should have one.
I also want to congratulate the Canadians (CSPSN) for writing their exam and offering a review course during their meeting in Calgary.