ASPAN Region 1 update May 2023 by Ronda Dyer ASPAN Region 1 Director

Region 1 update:

Our Region 1 Components are thriving and the enthusiasm is contagious. PANAC has just finished its 2nd Virtual Certification Study Group with over 50 members participating. The word is out, and now we are in the process of planning our first Region 1 Virtual Certification Study Group. The details are still being worked out, but be sure to watch your Component news for more information.

The ASPAN National Conference in Denver was full of energy, excitement and enthusiasm! National Conference Strategic Work Team (SWT) Coordinator Valerie Watkins (RMPANA), RMPANA President Chanda Hassimer, RMPANA leaders and members were incredible hosts and the conference was spectacular. Thank you to the fleet of volunteers led by RMPANA SWT members Sana Zamarripa, Regina Hoefner-Notz and Marcia Keiser who made this possible!

I would like to extend a very special thank you to Marcia Keiser who graciously assisted a group of attendees (including myself) who had been involved in an Uber MVA. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

Region 1 member from PANANM and 2022-2023 ASPAN President Connie Hardy Tabet presided over the opening ceremonies, setting the tone with an inspiring address challenging all of us to become better nurses, co-workers, and leaders.

Regina Hoefner-Notz (RMPANA) could have won The Voice with her rendition of America the Beautiful at the Opening Ceremonies! Thank you for sharing your incredible talent and bringing all of us to tears.

ASPAN’s Development SWT Coordinator Katrina Bickerstaff (AZPANA) and her team planned the annual Development Breakfast with a beautiful tribute to the late Lois Schick. Attendees laughed and cried along with two of Lois’ sisters who were present.

If you were with us in Denver, please share your passion and knowledge with your peers and those in your Components who were unable to attend. Remember, ASPAN and our Components are made up of, for, and by our nurses. We all can contribute in some way. Reach out to your Component leaders to find out how you can help your local Component thrive.

This year, the following Region 1 members were elected to ASPAN leadership positions: 

• Connie Hardy Tabet: Immediate Past President
• Lori Silva: Vice President/President-elect
• Ronda Dyer: Region 1 Director (2nd term)
• Teri Baughman: Treasurer
• Brian Harradine: Nominating Committee

The following members and/or Components received national awards:

• Award for Outstanding Achievement: Lori Erni (WA)
• Gold Leaf Component of the Year Award (PANAC)
• 1-8 page Newsletter Award: PANAC
• People’s Choice Newsletter Award: PANAC
• Recruiter of the Year: Teri Baughman (NM)
• ABPANC Advocacy Award: Valarie Boatwright (PANANM)
• Above and Beyond Awardees from Region 1:
  • Debra Bennett (NevPANA)
  • Lori Erni (NPANA)
  • Brian Harradine (PANAC)
  • Kate Mooney (PANAC)
• Also nominated for Above and Beyond from Region 1
  • Bethany Biardi (AZPANA)
  • Karen Woods (PANAC)
  • Ronda Dyer (PANAC)
  • Catherine Zuniga (NPANA)

An incredible number of Region 1 members (32 by my count) were conference faculty presenting on topics across the spectrum of perianesthesia nursing. Additionally, there were many interesting poster presentations from our members. Thank you all for sharing your knowledge and expertise.