Message from President of INACSL

Abstract

It was so good to see old friends and make new ones in San Antonio last summer. I hope you are planning to attend this summer's conference in Philadelphia. Jana Berryman, VP – Programming, is working with Colleen Meakim at Villanova preparing for this summer's conference. Go to our INACSL website (Networking) to link for information. I always come back from such gatherings invigorated, stimulated, and energized with new ideas to try. At the summer conference, the founding Board of Directors for INACSL was recognized for their leadership in establishing this organization and promoting simulation as a specialty in nursing. I thank them for the energy, wisdom, and commitment needed, not for the vision of the organization but for their tenacity that has insured the growth of the organization. Half of the board is replaced each year with new members elected for two-year terms. This year, we will be looking for people to serve as:■President-Elect (for one year, followed by two years as President)■VP – Communications■BSN Representative■At-Large Representative■Membership Chairperson Please consider serving in one of these positions. I would be happy to talk to you about the roles or you could contact Claire Martino Maze, the Nomination Chairperson. Our email addresses are located on the Board of Directors page of the INACSL. Each year INACSL recognizes expertise in our members. This year the following were given plaques for excellence.■Pamela Jeffries, RN, DNS, University of Indiana, Indianapolis was recognized for excellence in the academic setting.■Janis Childs, RN, PhD, University of Southern Maine, Portland, received the award for excellence in research in the field of simulation.■Jana Berryman, ND, CNS, RN, Colorado Center for Nursing Excellence, Denver, was recognized for her service to INACSL.■Linda Haynes, RN, PhD, University of Northern Colorado, received special recognition as the Editor of the Official Journal of INACSL, Clinical Simulation in Nursing Education. Congratulations to each of you for your hard work and commitment to the organization. Congratulations also go out to Pam Jeffries and Debra Spunt who were inducted into the American Academy of Nursing. We are so proud of you, your accomplishments, and the role you have played in having Simulation recognized as a specialty in nursing. INACSL is strongly committed to recognizing the accomplishments of each of its members. If any of you would like to nominate someone to be recognized this summer for their accomplishments and contributions to the organization, we welcome those nominations. A formal call for nomination will be made in the near future. The INACSL committees have been working hard for you and this organization. The website continues to be refined, with more information being added to it. Jana Berryman has led that committee, which has worked tirelessly and effectively. The newly inaugurated journal, Clinical Simulation in Nursing Education, represents the culmination of the efforts of many people, in particular, Pam Jeffries, the guest editor; Linda Haynes, editor; and Debra Spunt and the University of Maryland School of Nursing, production. This summer the journal will focus on the use of simulated learning to increase awareness and disaster preparedness. Next winter the journal theme will focus on the Nuts and Bolts of Developing, Designing, and Operating a Simulation Facility. The Editorial Board welcomes new members, authors, and reviewers. No experience is necessary as current members of the journal team welcome the opportunity to mentor new members and authors. Chris Hooper (finance), Carol Sando (membership), and Jana Berryman (website) have worked together to streamline the process for joining and renewing membership in INACSL. Members are currently being recruited for the membership committee. I feel certain you will find the opportunity to serve satisfying. Last June, we voted to add a new position to the Board of Directors, By-Laws Chairperson. Mary Beth Walker was elected, has a committee, is evaluating our By-Laws and will report at this June's conference. Rocky Drexel, VP-Communications, is exploring ways to publicize INACSL. I have found that I get the most from an organization when I am actively involved as a member of a committee or holding an office. If you are interested in helping with a committee, contact the chairperson (emails are listed on the INACSL website). If you want to run for office, contact Claire. Here's wishing the very best in the year ahead. Think about running for office, joining a committee or task force, or nominating someone for an award. Hope to see you in Philadelphia this summer.INACSL Founding Board: Debra Spunt and Teri Boese, Co-Presidents; Linda Haynes, VP-Programming; Janis Childs, VP-Communication; Reba Moyer-Childress, VP-Finance; Meg Meccariello, ADN Representative and Membership Chair; Chris Lafferty, BSN Representative and Nomination Chair; and Eva Vigo, Member-at-Large.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload (PPT)