I am very pleased with our accomplishments this past year with our collaboration with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
Both societies are dedicated to the same ultimate goal-providing the highest quality of care to plastic surgery patients. Additionally, our organizations are committed to continuing education and promoting the personal and professional growth of our members. It took a lot of energy to formalize this partnership and we will continue to maintain this commitment as we work toward the same goals and issues.
The plastic surgery nurse plays a vital role in developing and maintaining positive relationships with patients. This nurse is also an able and efficient administrator who knows how to help keep a practice running smoothly. We realize that beside every board-certified plastic surgeon, there should be a board-certified plastic surgical nurse. We must continue to emphasize this message in light of the patient safety issues that are in the forefront of our associations.
I am sincerely grateful to Rod Rohich, Allen Van Beek, Carol Lazier, Paul Pomerantz, Barbara Weber, and Jeanne Prin Wyatt for their insights and in knowing that this collaboration is a sound partnership.
As of October 1, 2005, there were 1,483 members in five regions. Currently, we have 13 chapters, but we are always eager to add more. If you are interested in starting a chapter in your area, contact our national office, and we will offer you resources and support. It is through the chapters that we reach the nurses in practice with educational activities, camaraderie, and colleagueship throughout the year. Our Web site is http://www.aspsn.org.
The mission statement for ASPSN is to promote high standards of plastic surgical nursing practice and patient care through education, exchange of information and scientific inquiry.
Our accomplishments in 2005 are in line with our mission. I was happy to host the winter Executive Board Meeting in Toronto in February 2005 and also organize the 2nd Annual Canadian Regional Aesthetic Meeting in Vancouver on September 9, 2005. We are very proud to have more Canadian and international members in the organization this year, and holding meetings in Canada helps to foster those relationships.
This year, we have worked hard to make new relationships with the ASPS and Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation (PSEF). I attended the annual ASPS/PSEF Strategic Planning meeting in Colorado Springs in March 2005 and attended the ASPS Annual Summit meeting in Chicago in June 2005. At the 31st Annual ASPSN convention in Chicago, September 23-27, 2005, I addressed both groups during the opening ceremonies and then participated in the 1st ASPSN/ASPS conjoint lecture, during the ASPS convention, entitled "Patient Safety."
As President, I learned that deadlines just keep coming!! I had many opportunities for publication this year. Aside from the quarterly President's Messages written for Plastic Surgical Nursing, there were President's Messages for the ASPSNews as well. Our year-end review for Plastic Surgery News (ASPS) was written, providing ASPSN the opportunity to keep ASPS informed of the current work of our organization. The doctors and the public need to reminded that the plastic surgery nurses have a special expertise. In addition, Dale Medical sponsored me to write two articles: "The Art of Facial Rejuvenation," and "Abdominoplasty: Preventing Complications;" both articles were published in Perspectives.
I was asked to give a number of lectures this year: the ASPSN Aesthetic Symposium in New Orleans in April 2005, "The Art of Facial Rejuvenation"; at the Canadian Regional Aesthetic Meeting in Vancouver on September 9, 2005; "Understanding the Anatomy When Using Dermal Fillers," and "Artecoll for Treatment of Tear Trough Deformities" for INAMED Aesthetic as a program facilitator for the Nurse Injection Specialist Program on September 10, 2005, in Vancouver, BC; and "Understanding the Anatomy When Using Dermal Fillers" and "Abdominoplasty: Preventing Complications" at the 31st Annual ASPSN Convention on September 24-28, 2005.
I also wore a political hat this year-I testified on behalf of ASPSN at the FDA Silicone Breast Implant Hearing in Washington in April 2005, and testified on behalf of ASPSN at the HPB Silicone Breast Implant hearing in Ottawa on September 29, 2005.
Within our organization:
* We reviewed and updated the ASPSN Strategic Plan which was published in the PSN journal.
* ASPSN was recognized by the American Nurses Association (ANA) as specialty nursing organization and the Standards of Care and Scope of Practice Statements was revised and approved by ANA.
* We maintained relationship with multiyear partners. Inamed Aesthetics is our 12-year "Emerald" corporate partner; the Marena Group is our exclusive "Diamond" 6-year corporate partner; and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons is our exclusive 6-year "Diamond" professional organization partner.
* ASPSN has responded to requests for constituent responses to legislative issues pertinent to nursing and other healthcare issues. (Nurse Reinvestment Act, American for Nursing Shortage Relief, Midwife Reimbursement).
* We secured Puetz and Associates as the ASPSN new management firm.
* We solicited and received an educational grant from Mentor Corporation for the revision of the Core Curriculum.
* We signed a contract with Puetz and Associates to be publisher for the 3rd edition of the Core Curriculum.
* We contracted Blue Sky Productions and assisted in the development of the CPSN exam review on CD-Rom.
* We contracted Blue Sky Productions to develop a CD-Rom of selected convention sessions at the 31st Annual Convention in Chicago.
You probably noticed changes in the exhibits this year at the convention. We held our second annual "Life Styles Exhibits" at the annual convention. In addition, we collaborated with ASPS convention planning committee to coordinate Nurses Lane in the ASPS exhibit hall.
After a very busy year as President, I still have goals for the organization that extend into 2006 and beyond. Some of these future goals are:
* Send ASPSN representation to the NOA annual meeting in November 2005.
* Ensure a smooth transition to the new management firm of Puetz and Associates.
* Provide representation to the Council on Related Organizations and ASPS program planning session.
* Participate as a guest lecturer for AORN Congress in Washington in March 2006.
* Participate on the Patient Safety Council for ASPS.
* Continue to explore opportunities for closer collaboration with our organizational partner (ASPS), which would include educational offerings to be attended by physician and nurse colleagues.
* Transition new executive board members into their elected positions.
* Continue to develop and provide alternative methods for the membership to attain CE credits.
* Promote membership growth and involvement in ASPSN.
* Select a new slate of ASPSN Executive Board positions due for reappointment in 2006.
* The following elected members will assume executive board roles as of January 1, 2006:
President: Marcy Dienno
President Elect: Pamala Silver
Immediate Past President: Tracey Hotta
Treasurer: Sharon Fritzsche
Secretary: Luann Buccholtz
Regional Director West: Judy Akin
Regional Director Mid-West: Claudette Heddens
Regional Director Southeast: Cathy Coleman
Regional Diretor Northeast: Patti Schultz
Regional Director Canada: Christine Taylor
It has been a rewarding year, and I enjoyed meeting so many of you personally. I have found the following statement to be true:
In the heart of every plastic surgery nurse you will find desire, determination, passion for the profession, and a 110% commitment to our patients and our practice.