Hello from MSPAN: Remember me?

Hello MSPAN Members and Followers! Does anyone feel like they have just lost 4 months of time, or better yet, that time has stood still? I think I feel a little of both.

The last time we met in February, we had an amazing state conference! Shortly after, the pandemic announcement came and our minds have since become consumed with all things COVID. Continue to pray for those whose health has been negatively affected by this virus, and likewise pray for those making the decisions driving the direction of health care and our society in America as a whole. We live in a great Nation and we will overcome this!

Now, let's catch up! At our state conference we had wonderful attendance, top-notch speakers and some food that was to die for!  We also gave members a financial report and inducted the MSPAN Officers and Board of Directors for 2020-2021.

Officers:

President: Chris Turner, Vice President: Teresa Bhatt, Treasurer: Donna Casey, Secretary, Jenny Kilgore

Board Members:

Sheri Foy, Marsha Loftin, Loretta Pope, Kristina May, and Sharon Thomas

Alternate Board Members: 

Gabriel Watkins

On the National Level, ASPAN's 2020 National Conference in Denver, Colorado was understandably, but tragically cancelled. If you have never attended an ASPAN conference, it is a must! The energy, information, and networking are like no other! Normally during this week, our President, Chris Turner and Vice President, Teresa Bhatt would have served on the ASPAN Representative Assembly held prior to national conference. During this session the following type of things occur: ASPAN business, financial reporting, resolutions, position statements and standards are proposed, discussed, tweaked and then voted on by the representatives from each state component.  Due to the pandemic, Representative Assembly (RA) was held by way of Zoom! It worked incredibly well!

One other very important thing also happens during RA meetings: ASPAN officer and BOD elections! 

Drum roll please!!! .......Our very own Jennifer Kilgore was elected as Vice President/ President Elect! That's right! She will serve as your 2021-2022, ASPAN President! You don't want to miss the Orlando, Florida conference! If you see Jenny, please send her your best! I can't think of a harder working, more dedicated Perianesthesia Nurse. She has served both MSPAN and ASPAN in ways that are impossible to measure. We love you Jenny and you have our full support. 

Lastly, mark your calendars. While we are uncertain what things will look like around Fall Conference time, one thing is sure, we want to continue to provide the opportunity for nurses to earn continued education. We are in the process of planning a virtual conference for Saturday, October 24th, 2020. More information to come! Just think, MSPAN, coffee, all from the privacy of your own home. No this is not what we had hoped for, or even hope to have to do ever again, but isn't it great to have options?  

We have missed you... 

Sincerely,

Chris Turner, RN CAPA

MSPAN President