35 Years of Excellence: The SPN Story in Pediatric Nursing 
Building the Foundation for Future Generations 
By: Lynn D Mohr, PhD, APRN, PCNS-BC, CPN, FCNS 
SPN Past President (2008-2010) 

As the Society of Pediatric Nursing celebrates its 35th anniversary, I reflect on a remarkable journey that parallels the entire evolution of modern pediatric nursing — from its earlier foundations to today's evidence-based, family-centered care practice. As a new pediatric nurse, I was drawn to learning everything I could about the care of children and their families. In attending my first SPN conference, I went alone, not knowing anyone, only knowing that I needed to learn more. To truly appreciate where we are today, we must first understand the remarkable journey that brought us here. 

SPN President, Jennifer Baird, PhD, MPH, MSW, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, CPN, and President-Elect, Michaela Lewis, DNP, ARNP, CPNP-AC/PC, CPN, CPEN, CNE, CNE-cl, PMHS, VA-BC, CCRN, speak on current events impacting the nursing profession, SPN membership updates, and more!

 

Society of Pediatric Nurses: Resources for Professional Excellence 
Lynn D. Mohr, PhD, APRN, PCNS-BC, CPN, FCNS 
Past president (2008-2010) 
Celebrating 35 Years of Advancing Pediatric Nursing 

 For 35 years, the Society of Pediatric Nurses (SPN) has been the cornerstone of professional excellence in pediatric nursing. What began as a vision to advance pediatric nursing practice has grown into a thriving community of over 3,500 members nationwide, united by their commitment to delivering exceptional care to pediatric patients and their families.

Protecting Children from Lead Exposure: The Importance of Lead Screening 
By: SPN’s Healthcare Policy and Advocacy Committee (HPAC)

Introduction 
There is no safe level of lead in the blood (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], n.d.-a). Lead poisoning remains a serious public health concern, with long-term developmental and neurological consequences, particularly for young children. 

SPN President, Jennifer Baird, PhD, MPH, MSW, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, CPN, and President-Elect, Michaela Lewis, DNP, ARNP, CPNP-AC/PC, CPN, CPEN, CNE, CNE-cl, PMHS, VA-BC, CCRN, speak on current events impacting the nursing profession, SPN membership updates, and more!

Drowning Prevention and Water Safety: Key Facts for Children and Teens

By Nicole Lucas, MSN, RN, NE-BC

Call for Nominations for Elected Positions 

By: Kathy Van Allen, MSN, RN, CPN 

The Research Mission of SPN: History and Future

By: Shirley Wiggins, PhD, RN
Nurse Scientist 
Children’s Nebraska 
Past President SPN (2014-2016) 

SPN President, Jennifer Baird, PhD, MPH, MSW, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, CPN, and President-Elect, Michaela Lewis, DNP, ARNP, CPNP-AC/PC, CPN, CPEN, CNE, CNE-cl, PMHS, VA-BC, CCRN, speak on current events impacting the nursing profession, SPN membership updates, and more!

SPN President, Jennifer Baird, PhD, MPH, MSW, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, CPN, and President-Elect, Michaela Lewis, DNP, ARNP, CPNP-AC/PC, CPN, CPEN, CNE, CNE-cl, PMHS, VA-BC, CCRN, speak on the Pediatric Bill of Rights, SPN membership updates, and more!

 

SPN’s Pediatric Health Care Advocacy Over The Years 

By: Kathy Van Allen, MSN, RN, CPN 

Watch this video of SPN President, Jennifer Baird, PhD, MPH, MSW, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, CPN, and President-Elect, Michaela Lewis, DNP, ARNP, CPNP-AC/PC, CPN, CPEN, CNE, CNE-cl, PMHS, VA-BC, CCRN, speak at the SPN 35th Annual Conference!

By: Michele Habich, DNP, APRN/CNS, CPN

In the dynamic and ever-evolving field of pediatric nursing, professional organizations play a crucial role in supporting nurses' growth, development, and practice. While specialty-pediatric nursing organizations cater to specific areas within pediatrics, the Society of Pediatric Nurses (SPN) stands out as a comprehensive organization dedicated to all pediatric nurses.

SPN Nurse Safety Spotlight Award

SPN is launching a new award this quarter! The Nurse Safety Spotlight Award (powered by Baxter) looks to showcase pediatric nurses that demonstrate commitment to pediatric patient safety through professional activities, and/or interactions with patients and their families within their organization. Read more about the award criteria, questions, and prizes below. This award will be offered on a quarterly basis: the deadline for submissions this quarter is June 13, 2025.

apply NOW

 

The Society of Pediatric Nurses (SPN) is proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of pediatric nursing units that exemplify excellence in patient care. Using the Pediatric Nursing Excellence Model as a framework, these units have demonstrated their commitment to engagement, values, principles, care delivery, and continuous improvement.

Help us celebrate the inaugural recipients of this prestigious recognition!

Reflecting on Our Journey

In 1990, pediatric nurses sought a dedicated space for connection, support, and professional advancement. SPN was created to fill that need. Following our founding, SPN hosted the first Annual Conference in March of 1991 in Washington DC titled “Nursing Care of the Hospitalized Child.” Over the past three and a half decades, SPN has accomplished many important milestones including partnering with the Journal of Pediatric Nursing as the official publication of SPN in 2001, releasing the Pediatric Nursing Certification Review in 2006, becoming an American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) provider unit in 2015, and launching the Transition to Practice Fellowship in 2018. 

Reaching these milestones has allowed us to grow into the premier organization for pediatric nurses, offering educational resources, professional growth opportunities, and a network that strengthens our community. 

The Magic Behind the Scenes 

By: Tina Spagnola MSN, RN, NPD-BC, NE-BC 

Hello SPN Members,