The American Society of Plastic Surgical Nurses (ASPSN) family is deeply saddened by the untimely loss of a colleague, friend, mentor; a highly respected and loving nurse who always put her patients first. On September 27, 2014, Stefanie Dinman lost her battle with stage four lung cancer.
Stefanie was a long time member of ASPSN. She served as the president of ASPSN in 1998 and also devoted her time to serve on the editorial board, contributed multiple articles to the Plastic Surgery Nursing Journal, and wrote flaps and grafts for reconstruction for the second edition of the Core Curriculum.
Her presidential convention was held in the lovely city of Boston. Diversity-Versatility: Converging Towards Unity was the title she chose as her theme of the convention.
This theme was composed by Stefanie for our annual meeting. Stefanie surely displayed true meaning of these terms. She "marched to her own tune," being diversified in many ways. Versatility-having many aptitudes-one would ask Stef a medical/nursing question and she always had a knowledgeable response! Converging towards Unity-She demonstrated her leadership to ASPSN members, focusing us on a "unity" to provide quality nursing outcomes to our patients. Stefanie left her mark and achievements within the history of this organization. - Pat McKaige, Past President 1999
Accomplishments during her term on the executive board were many. Some of the highlights included initialing the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical Nurses (ASPRSN) collaboration with American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASPRS) by appointing a representative from our organization join the ASPRS Convention Planning Committee, and having ASPRSN become a member of the Council of Related Organizations to promote communications and collaboration among the ASPRS and other related groups.
The days after learning of the severity of Stefanie's condition, and then of her passing, I tried to keep the past presidents appraised of the situation as well as others that I knew had connections with Stefanie. I felt that writing my Letter from the President of ASPSN was the perfect opportunity to honor Stefanie, both personally and professionally. I contacted friends from ASPSN who perhaps knew Stefanie better than I and asked if they would be willing to share a paragraph or two about how she impacted ASPSN; here is what they had to say:
Her support of the ASPSN was unwavering both as 1998 President as well as numerous contributions to the Plastic Surgical Nursing journal. That being said; aside from our conversations regarding moving ASPSN forward, the majority of our conversations related to challenging patient situations and the importance of quality care. As we all know, Stef was extremely well-educated and committed to a holistic approach for her patients ... and physicians. To me, she was also a walking/talking version of the PDR. Jeanne Prinn Wyatt (ASPSN Past President 1994)
When I think of Stefanie, I immediately smile because she had a wonderful sense of humor.
I have many fond memories working with Stefanie for several years in the ASPRSN National Board and committees. She provided a refreshing outlook and perspective on any task or discussion during our meetings and never wavered on completing projects. You could always count on Stef to have a wealth of knowledge not only on Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery but on almost any medical/nursing subject. This was incredible and quite a gift! Quality care of the patient was her mode of operation and for that, I am grateful because she exemplified what the core of nursing is to everyone. Stefanie promoted the education of student nurses and continuing education to plastic surgery nurses in the field with enthusiasm. Her patients and their families may not have always known this, but they were fortunate to have had Stefanie as their nurse. I consider it an honor to have known Stef. Jeri Murray (ASPRSN Past President 1995/1996)
Stefi was an inspiration to the Executive Board, excellent mentor, visionary, and promoter of ASPSN. There are those who come and go in our lives and those who leave foot prints on our hearts. Stefi, left foot prints on the heart of ASPSN. Brenda Wilkerson-Hallquist (ASPSN Past President 2001)
As a newbie in the ASPSN association, I was always looking to the past presidents for advice and guidance to make sure that the association continued on the same path that the great leaders before me had created. Stefanie was always approachable and willing to share as much insight as she could. Her words of wisdom and encouragement will always be remembered. I found the quote from the Letter from the President (PSN Journal 1998, Vol. 18, No. 4) and thought I would share it with the membership. Tracey Hotta (ASPSN Past President 2006)
DEVELOPING AND NURTURING OUR SPECIALTY
Patient Care today is very different from that which was given in the time of Florence physicians. The heritage of nursing is a rich one, it is an art and a science. Art in the concept is more than a static linear concept; it requires the perception that this art is active, dynamic, fluid and constantly changing-just like human beings. Our profession is, in reality, in its early developmental stages and needs to be nurtured and allowed to grow. What better nurturer than ourselves-nursing assisting in the process of caring. Caring for, caring about-truly that is what is the essence of our very diverse and versatile specialty.
Stefanie Dinman, MSN, CRNP, CPSN, 1998 ASPRSN President
The tributes continued to come in from her friends, family, and colleagues:
* "She left her mark on those she met, and those people are better off than prior to their meeting."
* "Stefanie always put the needs of her patients and families first. She was very dedicated and always brought a smile to the faces of those that crossed her path."
* "The nursing field has lost one of the best nurses there was."
* "She was a fantastic nurse and made a difference in so many of her patient's lives as well as her colleagues and friends."
* "She was a dedicated, loyal, and caring professional; she always put her patients first."
* "Stefanie was a wonderful nurse and always went above and beyond for the patients."
* "Over the years, I have learned much from you and your dedication to your patients will forever be an inspiration to all of us."
* "She taught me everything I needed to know when taking care of plastics patients in the OR, Stefanie was so compassionate and caring in all that she did."
* "Stef was one of a kind, who was a strong patient advocate and an excellent clinician."
Stefanie was a leader, compassionate about her responsibilities as a nurse and well respected by all! Talk about passion for her profession; her passion ran deep and to the core. As you can see, everyone's words of remembrances have the same theme! Please take a few moments to reflect; as members of ASPSN, we have much to be thankful for, our leaders invested time, energy, love, and passion for the profession into moving the ASPSN forward. Thank you Stefanie for your leadership and friendship, rest in peace, you have inspired many! You will forever be in our hearts.