The name, Joyce Black, is familiar to many American Society of Plastic Surgical Nurses (ASPSN) members (see Figure 1). Joyce, one of the founding members of the ASPSN, has held numerous positions within the society and was the founding editor of the Plastic Surgical Journal. Joyce continued as editor of the journal for nearly 25 years until she resigned in 2004. Joyce is also a passionate advocate for the advancement of care related to prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers. Her influence in the specialty of wound care is impressive. She is a member of many organizations that represent issues related to wounds, which include the American Society of Plastic Surgical Nurses, The Wound Ostomy and Continence Society, The Wound Healing Society, and the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP). Joyce has been appointed to the office of president for the NPUAP and began her term in January 2006.
The NPUAP is an independent not-for-profit professional organization dedicated to the prevention and management of pressure ulcers. Formed in 1987, the NPUAP "http://npuap.org/npuapbod.html" is composed of leading experts from different healthcare disciplines that share a commitment to the prevention and management of pressure ulcers. The NPUAP serves as a resource to healthcare professionals, government, the public, and healthcare agencies; and welcomes and encourages the participation of those interested in pressure ulcer issues through utilization of NPUAP educational materials, participation at national conferences, and support of NPUAP efforts in education, public policy, and research. The goal of the NPUAP is to assist healthcare professionals in reducing the incidence and prevalence of pressure ulcers.
Joyce is the epitome of a nurse. She is an advocate for patients and empowers those around her to do the same. Joyce earned her doctorate in nursing at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing. She is a medical surgical nurse by specialty, but wears many, many hats. Her current position at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Nursing, as a nursing instructor allows her to remain at the bedside with patients and students. She is also a researcher, international presenter, and accomplished writer. These attributes are freely shared with colleagues, patients, and the public at large.
The Wound Care Department would like to congratulate Joyce on her recent appointment as President of the NPUAP. Her contributions will, no doubt, be far reaching and mind provoking.
For more information on the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, http://visitnpuap.org.
Section Description
This department is dedicated to information pertaining to wound care. The care of wounds is an important component of the overall care of a patient, regardless of the type of surgical practice. The Wound Care Department Editor, Susan Mendez-Eastman, welcomes comments and suggestions concerning specific topics, patient situations, and wound care in general. Susan can be contacted at [email protected].