AAACN grand scan plan, The

The AAACN Board of Directors recently contacted a random sample of members for feedback about AAACN. The reason for the interviews, which were conducted by telephone, was to help the Board identify the issues members feel are most critical. These issues will then be incorporated by the Board into the Association's strategic plan.

Participants were asked the following five questions:

1. What are the three key issues you are dealing with in your ambulatory care work environment?

2. What are your expectations of AAACN as a professional organization? How can AAACN best meet your expectations?

3. What value are you getting for your AAACN membership/dues?

4. How can we make AAACN relevant to your concerns and interests?

5. How would you describe effective participation in a professional organization?

Recent issues of Viewpoint have addressed questions 1-4. Below, the responses for question #5 are described.

Question #5

How would you describe effective participation in a professional organization?

The responses to this question are categorized into six areas:

* Proactive membership with national and international linkage

* Participatory leadership roles

* Knowledge expansion role

* Authorship

* Proactive legislative participation to support, define, and elevate the practice of ambulatory care nursing

* Professional input on the broader "real world" knowledge to the organization

Results

Members recognize the diversity of professional opportunities as a primary benefit of AAACN membership. The "volunteerism" reward is valued and professionally satisfying. Some of the areas in which our volunteer leaders participate are:

* Member of the Nursing Economic$ Editorial Board

* Member of the JCAHO board

* Ambulatory experts in the corporate setting

* Valued representation at multiple national professional conferences

* Partners with the AAACN SIGs on specialty projects

* Diverse ambulatory care clinical experts

* Legislative representatives nationally and statewide on ambulatory nursing practice, research and provider status

* End-of-life care and pain management expertise

* National educators, researchers, and clinicians in the field of ambulatory care

Networking and the leadership pre-conference were valued as great initial exposures to AAACN. Special interest groups further heightened the value within the organization.

We Value Your Feedback

The Board would like to know what you think. Please feel free to contact any Board member and tell us if these responses reflect your own opinions (see back cover for contact information). This is an ongoing environmental scan and we are hoping to hear from every AAACN member. Your feedback is a valued part of our strategic planning.

Nancy Kowal, MS, RN, C, ANP

Nancy Kowal MS, RN, C, ANP Director, AAACN Board kowaln@ummhc.org

Copyright American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing Nov/Dec 2002
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