As I write this journal entry, which will be the last I write as President of the International Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses (ISPAN), I feel tremendously proud to be a part of this organization and what it has become in recent years. Change is not always the easiest thing to face head-on, but we have welcomed it with aplomb. The ISPAN's growth, community, momentum, and energy have pointed us to a successful future.
Looking back at our history, when the first "chapter" of our story was written in 1975, there were just 100 members with 13 plastic surgery nursing chapters in total across the country. At that time, our name was the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical Nurses and our focus was primarily on continued education.
In 1980, our Plastic Surgical Nursing (PSN) journal chapter launched and began the first era of communication for our organization.
In the early 1990s, when breast implants were heavily scrutinized, some of our members testified before the FDA and truly represented what it meant to be "the definitive voice of plastic surgery nurses."
At the turn of the new millennium, our society membership grew to 1,700, and we linked arms to overcome some of the toughest financial years the country faced.
Some of the "chapters" I just listed above might not seem so profound. However, these were significant times of growth and refinement for our society. And here we are in 2018: the society that was, now has a whole new face. Over the years, many chapters have been written and much of the ISPAN's story has changed-to say the very least! But here we are-a rejuvenated society and moving forward together.
First and foremost, this is no longer exclusively an "American" society, as we were in the days of disco. Fast-forward and we are global! In 2017, we changed our name to reflect our international scope and membership. Another big change for our society has been to universally include and recognize our aesthetic nurse colleagues in our name-the ISPAN. Throughout this current chapter, we have also welcomed new partnerships and members to our society. The ISPAN joint memberships now include the Society of Plastic Surgery Skin Care Specialists (SPSSCS) and the Canadian Society of Aesthetic Specialty Nurses (CSASN). Both societies are a noteworthy and welcomed addition to this contemporary chapter, and our Canadian members justly reflect our global reach.
Cliche as it may sound, we truly are stronger together. The partnerships we have fostered bring new perspectives, ideas, innovations, and members into our society's vision and mission, as well as help us as plastic (surgical) and aesthetic (nonsurgical) nurses to grow and learn for years to come-both professionally and personally. I sincerely cannot wait to see what the next chapter of progress is for the ISPAN to accomplish!
Although continuing education is a core function of our society, as it was in 1975, our fundamental values reflect something much greater:
Nurture: We believe in advancing professional development.
Unite: We believe in unity and teamwork.
Respect: We believe respect is the cornerstone of our profession.
Support: We believe in mentoring and encouragement.
Educate: We believe in lifelong learning.
Another important chapter that I mentioned above was our first form of communication, the PSN journal-this journal! Back in the days before tweets, snaps, posts, tags, and the ever-evolving social media platforms, a scholarly journal was an exciting expression of educational communication for us. There have been so many changes in technology over the last 30-some years that it is an understandable challenge for any organization to adapt to the digital age-and yet, here we are.
In recent years, the ISPAN has become more engaged on social media platforms and now has Facebook, IM, Twitter, and Instagram to communicate. Newsletters are now digital, communication can happen in real time, and we have the power to learn more-and faster.
Our current ways of communication are a huge accomplishment and represent an exciting change for an organization of Baby Boomers and Gen Xers, and I just love to see us dip our toes in the water of social media! By the way, did you know that you can now watch almost any plastic or aesthetic procedure you want on YouTube? Well, YouTube is definitely out there, as is Instagram, and we are using those platforms as new tools to learn and share best-practices ... incredible!
As we are prudently aware, a couple of ISPAN's past chapters have had to take on a slightly political position. Taking a stand and being political is nothing new for the medical industry-and it is inevitably something we undoubtedly will face again in chapters yet to come. Nevertheless, in just the last year alone, we have brought forth the devastating news coverage of physicians who have abused their innocent, unsuspecting, and trusting patients. As a result of years of cover-up by the so-called medical professionals, institutions, Olympic committees, coaches, and personnel, the government is now taking stronger action to protect patients and "survivors" of abuse. In effect, cultural changes are afoot in the current chapter, and the plastic surgery arena is no different.
As plastic and aesthetic nurses, our cornerstone is optimal patient safety. Therefore, we simply must have our eyes, ears, and hearts on alert constantly to ensure that we appropriately report any behavior that may put our patients at risk. Whether it is a 5-min check-up or a 6-hr surgical procedure, it is our charge and professional obligation to be the patient's advocate. We must clearly know what exactly is always happening with our patients and we must always remember to put their safety and well-being first.
1975 seems like a lifetime ago for many-and generally can seem that way for the ISPAN. The society changes we have experienced over these past 43 years have undoubtedly defined and refined us as an organization. But undeniably, the ISPAN has cultivated a strong, united, and welcoming voice through its many chapters of growth.
With a global membership base, more opportunities to connect with one another, and ample ways to get involved, the ISPAN as we know it today is a community of accomplished and talented nurses who support and empower one another.
Today, and for the ISPAN's next chapters to come, my sincerest hope is that the ISPAN will continue to actively pursue its goal to be the definitive voice for plastic and aesthetic nurses. My hopes are also that we will continue to learn from one another; that we will grow new relationships and partnerships-and strengthen existing ones; that we will innovate and collaborate to stay on the cutting edge of the art and science of nursing; that as technology changes, we change and modernize with it; that we communicate both often and respectfully with one another; that we pursue mentors to learn from and mentees to educate; and mostly that we keep our patients and their safety ahead of everything else. Greatness lies ahead in the ISPAN's next chapter and beyond, and, as it has been since 1975, we are a passionate community of specialty nurses standing together as the definitive voice for plastic and aesthetic nurses!
Thank you, for an incredible 2 years to serve as your President. It was an extreme honor!
Georgia Elmassian, MSN, MA, APRN, CPSN, CFLE
President, ISPAN