Highlights: 30th CONFERENCE ANNIVERSARY

AAACN Viewpoint, May/Jun 2005

Charting the Course for Ambulatory Care Nursing

American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing

April 7-11, 2005 * San Diego, CA

Westin Horton Plaza Hotel

The 30th Anniversary Conference kicked off with the introduction of the 18 Past Presidents of AAACN. President Kathleen P. Krone, MS, RN, officially opened the conference to the tunes of a Mariachi Band. Few presidents have the opportunity of presiding over two AAACN conferences. Phoenix conference (2004) participants will remember President Krone filled in for 2003-2004 President Catherine Futch who was unable to attend the conference due to a work-related leadership event.

During her opening address, Kathy recapped her year as president, outlining the many accomplishments that were made by a team of dedicated and talented volunteers and staff. President Krone, a seasoned volunteer leader herself, successfully led the implementation of AAACN's new strategic plan and championed progress toward a knowledge-based model of governance. She will continue on the AAACN Board of Directors for an additional year as immediate past president. Kathy invited everyone to join her delegation to China in October 2005; she will be the first AAACN president to lead a group of ambulatory care nurses on a professional and cultural journey.

AAACN thanks President Krone for the numerous contributions she has made to AAACN during her three-year term as president-elect, president, and immediate past president.

Above and Beyond Award

Candia Laughlin, MS, RN,C, was awarded the AAACN Above and Beyond Award for her volunteer role as AAACN's pioneer Web site editor. President Krone stated, "Candy has made our home page come alive. She has refreshed the Web site monthly, with stories and news items of interest." This prestigious award is granted at the discretion of the President.

AAACN Members Honored with Awards

AAACN supports the advancement of ambulatory nurses and nursing practice by providing a scholarship or research award to qualified applicants. A portion of the proceeds of the Silent Auction and other contributions are granted annually.

Catherine Futch, MN, RN, CNAA, CHE, CHC, AAACN immediate past-past president and chair of the Nominating Committee, recognized AAACN members with awards at the opening of the 2005 Annual Conference.

Research Scholarship

M. Elizabeth Greenberg, PhD(c), RN, C, was awarded $550 to assist with her research study "The Process of Care Delivery in Telephone Nursing Practice." Little is known about the process of telephone nursing practice (TNP) used by the nurse to identify and meet the needs of the caller. The purpose of this research is to construct a description and develop a preliminary theory of the process used by TNP nurses. Dr. Greenberg will author an article in a future issue of AAACN Viewpoint to present the results of the study and the professional benefits derived from this award.

Education Scholarship

Cheryl Esposito, RN, was awarded $500 to assist with expenses related to completion of her Bachelor of Science degree. Ms. Esposito has worked in many areas, having helped cancer patients and chemically addicted individuals maintain sobriety. She is now a nursing supervisor at the Henry J. Austin Health Center, a Federally qualified health center. Having renewed her dedication to her profession, Ms. Esposito has opted to continue her education to obtain her BSN, which she hopes to accomplish by the Fall of 2006. This scholarship will allow her to achieve her goal of completing her education.

Founder's Scholarship Created

In honor of AAACN's 30th anniversary, the Past Presidents instituted the Founders Scholarship Fund. The fund was created in honor of 30 years of excellence in ambulatory leadership and education. New members and first-time conference attendees were asked to write in 100 words or less how the conference inspires them and why they would recommend AAACN to their colleagues. Congratulations to Judith Alien-Jewel, MSN, RN, from Pensacola, FL who wrote the paragraph below and received a free registration to attend the 2006 conference in Atlanta, GA, for her entry.

"For the first time in all my years of nursing (26 as RN), I have met and networked with a very special group of people. The conference has given me ideas to improve production in my Call Center - improving both employee and client satisfaction and outcomes. I am overall impressed with the sound knowledge base of SIG (Telehealth) members and highly recommend to my staff to join AAACN to promote and enhance personal and professional growth."

Entertainment by "Mister B"

Special thanks are extended to member Cathy Buddemeyer and her husband "Mister B" for providing the talented entertainment during the Silent Auction. If you would like to purchase a CD or find out more about Mr. B, go to www.misterbmusic.com

Excellence Awards

Two AAACN Excellence Awards were presented and were generously sponsored by AAACN's Association Management firm, Anthony J. Jannetti, Inc. (AJJ). Cynthia Nowicki, AJJ Vice President, Nursing Education, represented AJJ in presenting the excellence statuettes and cash awards to the two recipients.