As I look back on my years as an APSNA volunteer, many things come to mind. With new APSNA projects and initiatives, the time has gone quickly, and it has been a terrific personal and professional growth experience. In the past 5 years, while serving as Treasurer and President, my professional circle has expanded and my life has been enriched in many ways. I have made new friends from all over the country. I have connected with the larger community of pediatric surgery. I have been exposed to best practices and creative ideas that I applied directly to my work.
As much value as I have received from the contributions of accomplished member professionals, I have learned even more about sharing a vision and listening to my colleagues as well as the importance of highly collaborative teams. APSNA has expanded my world and given me a deep appreciation for the capabilities of surgical nurses who stand together.
HOW DOES VOLUNTEERING HELP APSNA?
APSNA is run by skilled and committed volunteers who have made advancing pediatric surgical nursing their priority. We could not succeed without these many talented individuals. In addition to nominated Board positions, volunteers appointed to APSNA Committees also play a critical role. APSNA Committees ensure that our organization fulfills its mission and strategic plan. They are stewards invested in growing and shaping our organization's future.
Looking at the accomplishments of the APSNA Board and Committees in the last 5 years, I see much to be proud of. Past APSNA leaders have taken necessary steps to put governance systems in place that look after APSNA needs long term. In addition, my Board leadership training has confirmed that APSNA follows recommended nonprofit organization standards and policies that ensure our long-term success and viability.
In addition to the above, we have so much to be proud of: a professionally published scientific journal, updated website, trademarked logo, redesigned Patient and Family Information Sheets with revised content, nurse practitioner competencies, and more. An important and recent change is steady growth in contractual help that supports APSNA activities. Contributions from our talented nurse volunteers have accomplished all of these.
HOW DOES VOLUNTEERING WITH APSNA HELP YOU?
The benefits of volunteering with APSNA are many.
* You will get to know the APSNA organization and leadership.
* You will develop new skills and grow professionally.
* You will have a direct impact on the future of APSNA.
* Your membership will have new significance when you are participating on a committee or the Board of Directors.
* You will help to set the standards for pediatric surgical nursing nationally.
* You will have a voice and make a difference.
* You will give back and support the work of an organization that supports the work you are passionate about.
I hope those reading this will think about saying yes when asked to help APSNA. We will do our best to support each APSNA volunteer so, when their term is done, they feel they have enriched their careers, grown professionally, and made a unique and lasting contribution to pediatric surgical nursing.
We are aware that there are many professional organizations to join, but none is specific to pediatric surgery like APSNA. We know you have a choice and thank you for your membership.