Transition...

            This one word speaks volumes.  When we think of transition, we realize that life as we know it, expect it, will be different.  Transition doesn’t always mean negative things; transition can mean hope…new beginnings…a better way of doing things.  Transitions are occurring all around us in our organization, our economy, our workplace and our lives.

            As you have heard, ASPAN is embarking on the “Going Green” journey, developing ways to protect and enhance our environment, and reduce our energy and natural resource consumption.  What does this mean for you?  One of the first changes is the transition to electronic editions of Breathline; for members who do not have access to a computer at home or at work, contact the National Office (1-877-737-9696 toll free) to obtain a hard copy.  The ASPAN website has undergone a transition…the redesigned site provides each member with his/her unique access after a brief registration process.  Component leaders have access to policies, procedures and resources to help them carry out their duties; committee members have access to forms, projects, etc. that have been emailed to the committee in the past – no need to remember where you saved it; and Specialty Practice Group members have access to current and archived newsletters, resources and their own SPG forum. Changes will also be seen at ASPAN seminars and at National Conference – attendees will receive a link to download presentation handouts.  For those nurses that like to have hard copies in their hands, they may print out the information to bring with them.  For those who have more paper than they know what to do with, they can view the presentations on their laptops. 

            Another transition that will affect all of us in one way or another is the current economic situation.  Headlines are filled with the failures of major companies and the layoffs of thousands of people.  Hospitals are struggling to balance the impact of the economy on operating costs with providing care for our patients.  People do not stop getting sick or needing surgery just because they are no longer working or insured.  I’m sure each one of you has heard of or has experienced changes in your workplace that are being made to cut costs but preserve staff.  Our coworkers have been asked to submit ideas to decrease costs across the institution and have come up with many different ideas.  One perk we had provided us with insulated mugs and free beverages when we used those mugs.  The impact of this practice was over $500,000.  We may still use the mugs but we must now pay for our drinks but at a reduced rate.  This savings will keep 8 – 10 nurses at the bedside.  But what if your facility has to make more difficult choices and eliminate nursing staff?  How can we protect the patient?  In his farewell address as he was leaving the presidency, Jimmy Carter spoke of living in a time of transition...“During the period we may be tempted to abandon some of the time-honored principles and commitments which have been proven during the difficult times of past generations…Our American values are not luxuries, but necessities - not the salt in our bread, but the bread itself.”  We cannot abandon our time-honored standards of perianesthesia nursing practice. They are “not luxuries but necessities” to provide safe, quality patient care.  We cannot abandon our commitment to our patients as they place their trust in us to provide safe, quality patient care.  Your membership in ASPAN and your regional component provides you with the tools you need to meet the challenges during this economic transition.  Take advantage of all your membership has to offer you to maximize your professional potential as a perianesthesia nurse advocate.

            One last transition is a personal transition.  This is my last message as your Regional Director.  It has been my honor to work with component leadership over the last four years to provide educational opportunities and support to the membership in Region 3 and be their voice at the ASPAN table.  I look forward to supporting my successor as she transitions into her new role.  I have grown personally and professionally because of my involvement with all of you and ASPAN and am proud of the commitment you have made to your profession!   

Carry on…

Kim Kraft BSN RN CPAN

Region 3 Director