Greetings SPN Members!

BLAZING THE TRAIL TO PEDIATRIC NURSING EXCELLENCE

There are just two more weeks until our 34th Annual Conference in Phoenix, Arizona! Our Program Planning Committee has planned three pre-conference workshops, phenomenal keynote speakers, plenary and concurrent sessions, poster presentations, and networking activities with SPN members and exhibitors. Attendees can also participate in a tour of Phoenix Children’s Hospital. I hope to see you there!

CONTRIBUTING YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE

SPN’s committees and task forces are comprised of dedicated members who contribute and volunteer their time to advance our profession and the work of SPN. This month, SPN will reach out to our membership to request those who are interested in serving SPN on committees, task forces, and educational sessions to respond to the survey and state your interest in volunteering. Let us know your areas of interest and expertise. Often opportunities arise during the year for SPN to participate in work with other organizations on topics relevant to the care of children. It is extremely helpful to know your areas of expertise and willingness to serve. This is an opportunity for you to grow your network and share your expertise. SPN’s committee goals provide insight about the work our committees are doing to help SPN achieve our strategic plan goals. You can find more information on the monthly member newsletter under Membership or on the SPN website.

UPDATED SAFE STAFFING POSITION STATEMENT

The Board of Directors recently reviewed and updated the Safe Staffing Position Statement. We realize the impact of appropriate staffing on care delivery, patient safety, and caregiver well-being. As your professional nursing organization, the updated position statement lists comprehensive actions required to advocate for appropriate nurse staffing in the care of children. In response to multiple requests from our membership and after closely reviewing the American Nurses Association (ANA) Principles of Nurse Staffing (2020), the American Association of Critical Care Nurses and ANA Staffing Task Force (2023), the SPN Board of Directors unanimously voted to include verbiage for minimum RN staffing in the newly revised position statement. Jenni Baird, President-Elect, and I will be sharing the new recommendations during a plenary session at the Annual Conference. The updated position statement will be released in May.

GRATEFUL TO HAVE SERVED AS PRESIDENT

My two-year term as President will conclude at the close of our upcoming Annual Conference. It has been an honor to serve as SPN President these past two years and I hope the work that I have been able to accomplish during my presidency and the connections made with other professional organizations have positioned SPN for future success. I am grateful to the Board of Directors, committees, and task force members who have supported me and SPN’s initiatives during my term. This has been an amazing experience and I know SPN will continue to thrive and advance pediatric nursing.

Kathy Van Allen, MSN, RN, CPN

SPN President