As I write my last President's Message for Plastic Surgical Nursing, I am forever grateful for the once in a lifetime opportunity to lead such a remarkable organization. My vision was to collaborate with other professional organizations and keep ASPSN in the forefront. At the end of my 2-year term, I see that my vision has become a reality. One of my favorite quotes by Thomas A. Edison is "Vision without execution is hallucination." I was determined to execute this vision and not allow it to become a hallucination!!
In July 2009, I attended the annual ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons) strategic planning meeting in Chicago where the common theme for both organizations was continued collaboration. Again in July 2010, I was invited to audit ASPS Board of Directors meeting in which we discussed educational support through nurse physician courses. We also acknowledged a commitment for promoting personal and professional growth of our members. The main goal for both of us was simple. We viewed our success with other organizations as "contributing not competing." To work jointly exhibits a win-win situation for our members and their patients.
Recently, ASPSN and AORN (Association of periOperative Registered Nurses) completed Stage I of exploring "collaboration" of our members with interests in plastic surgery. In the upcoming year, members of both organizations will have the option of dual membership. We perceive one another not as competitors but as partners for improving patient care and education of the plastic surgery patient.
The Collaboration with the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons continues in promoting the education of the aesthetic plastic surgery nurse, with a combined annual meeting.
Over the last 2 years, I have met with leaders of the Society of Plastic Surgical Skin Care Specialists and discussed how we can both impact patient outcomes and the desire for collaboration.
In my address at the ASPS opening ceremony in Seattle last year, I announced that "collaboration" was my new favorite word: A word dating back to the 1800s yet so fitting for today and for the future.
Finally, I want to thank the previous and present members of ASPSN's Board of Directors who have supported me personally and professionally. My vision would not have become reality without you all. It has been a rewarding 2-year term and I am proud to say that ASPSN has provided me with the best friends a girl could ever want. I challenge you to become active in ASPSN. You will not be disappointed.