As I began my Presidency I wanted to start at the beginning. What is the purpose of ASPSN and are we maintaining it? Our purpose appears in every issue of Plastic Surgical Nursing, in our convention brochure, and on our Web site, but have you read it? The purpose of ASPSN is to promote high standards of plastic surgical nursing practice through education, exchange of information, and scientific inquiry. What an impressive reason to belong to this organization!!
In Chicago, I spoke of my vision for my year as president. I acknowledged that I am the cheerleader for the organization, the voice to other associations cheering on our purpose and campaigning for recognition. I also identified the theme for our Seattle convention, "Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Nursing: Collaborating Through ASPSN." Collaborate has become my "new" favorite word!! It requires effective work among team members who trust and respect one another. To work jointly with others in an intellectual endeavor is evident in collaboration. To maintain our purpose, we need to embrace different aspects that now exist within plastic surgery. We all have our passions within this specialty: aesthetics, reconstruction, operating room, office-based practice, pediatrics, and so forth. I believe we are obligated to reach out to all of your passions and strive for those high standards we say we promote.
Several members of the Board of Directors met with ASPS and ASAPS in Chicago, and the repeating theme was collaborating with one another. We voiced our desire for autonomy, yet joint ventures would definitely benefit all members. This will be evident in May at the Aesthetic Symposium, where ASPSN continues integration in the program with ASAPS. We are maintaining "ASPSN Day" at our annual Scientific Session Program in October with ASPS and have already begun planning expansion in the future. According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, "collaborate" is Latin from the late 1800s. Over one hundred years old and yet my new favorite word.
ASPSN is unique. It offers a place to pursue your passion within our specialty, a place to come together and exchange ideas, and a place to create long-lasting friendships. Join me in collaborating and strengthening our purpose!!
LuAnn Buchholz, RN, CPSN
ASPSN President 2009