New Jersey Nurse: Society of Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses: Spring 2005 Update

The Society of Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses (SPAPN) of the New Jersey State Nurses Association held its annual meeting at the NJSNA convention March 31, 2005 at the Tropicana Resort and Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

The meeting was well attended by current and prospective members along with honored guests. During the business meeting the SPAPN gave awards in the following areas: Advocacy, Collaboration, Mentorship and Excellence in Advanced Clinical Practice. Member Sandra Austin-Benn, APRN, BC received the Advocacy Award for her long history of active membership and for her service as secretary of SPAPN for the preceding three years. Alice Plummer, MD was honored with the Collaboration Award for her work as collaborating physician for member Sandra Austin-Benn, APRN, BC. Elizabeth Schesler, MD was recognized with the Mentorship Award for her contribution mentoring member Judith Kay, APRN, BC. Member Deanna Johnson, APRN, BC was honored with the Excellence in Advanced Clinical Practice Award from SPAPN and also received the NJSNA C.A.R.E. Award for Excellence in Clinical Practice.

The SPAPN is currently developing two task forces to address two pressing issues in professional practice: 1) the promotion of psychotherapy as an important aspect of the treatment of depression, regardless of whether medication treatment is indicated; 2) the formulation of ethical guidelines for the interaction of APNs with pharmaceutical companies. The society is also working on educating health care workers on the effects of stress on emotional health, and the availability Psychiatric APNs for evaluations and treatment.

The election of new officers will take place this spring and new leadership will be installed at the next SPAPN meeting in June. Specifics on the date, time, and location of the next SPAPN meeting can be found on the NJSNA website www.NJSNA.org (look for the SPAPN link). Current and prospective members are welcome and encouraged to attend.

by Mary Cullen-Drill, APRN, BC, Public Relations Representative Society of Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses of the NJSNA