Share

AACN News—May 2009—Chapters

AACN News Logo

Back to AACN News Home

Vol. 26, No. 5, MAY 2009

Chapter Listserv Hot Topic: Why Chapter Leaders Volunteer

AACN is fortunate to have more than 235 chapters that serve as its local voice in their communities. The chapters are dedicated to providing our members with the knowledge and resources necessary to provide optimal care to acutely and critically ill patients. Chapter officers, like chapter members, volunteer their time and energy to make their chapters successful. In this day of doing more with less, and having less free time and family time, we were curious to know why chapter leaders volunteer for these roles; we wanted to know “what’s in it for them” and posted that question on the Chapter Listserv.

Following are a few responses. There will be more to come in the June issue.

I enjoy being involved in the chapter and taking a leadership role. It is important for nurses to network and feel they are part of something bigger than their job. I believe that nurses should be part of a professional organization that reflects their specialty practice and stay current on issues affecting our profession. Membership lets me network and keep up to date with other nursing professionals.

Being a leader can be time consuming, and communication can sometimes be a challenge. I have a great team (our board – includes treasurer, secretary and two volunteers) that is a pleasure to work with and makes it easier to stay organized. The teamwork keeps us all going!

Andrea Efre, ARNP, CCRN
President, Greater Tampa Bay Chapter, Fla.

This is a great question for discussion. I have been a member of AACN since 1995 and a member of chapters in three different states. Becoming an officer has provided me with many opportunities to develop my leadership skills and collaborate with critical care nurses who work in many different settings. I would not have had the ability to network without my AACN contacts. I’m the type of person who always wants to be challenged with new situations. I don’t normally get this opportunity in my work environment, and working with my chapter has filled that gap. It is frustrating at times to have poor meeting turnout and non-active members, but I believe they will have that “aha” moment in their professional lives, and AACN will be there for them.

Crystal Logsdon, RN, MSN, CCRN
President, Greater Savannah Area Chapter, Ga.

Many chapters hold their elections during this time each year. We hope these leaders inspire you to take that next step in your personal development journey to step up to the role of chapter officer, become more active in your home chapter or join a chapter if you don’t belong to one yet. Go to www.aacn.org > Chapters > Find a Chapter to locate a chapter in your area.

back to top

Wanted: 2010 NTI Chapter Abstracts

Chapters are encouraged to submit an abstract for presentation at the 37th annual NTI, May 15-20, 2010 in Washington, D.C. The submission deadline is June 1, 2009. If selected, you will be one of a handful of presenters at the Chapter Concurrent Educational Sessions.

For more information or to submit your abstract, go to www.aacn.org > NTI > Educational Program > Speaker Information > NTI 2010 Live Education Call for Abstracts. You can view the Call for Abstracts Policy Guidelines, and Call for Abstracts Procedure Guide.

Take advantage of this opportunity to showcase your chapter management expertise and teach others how to manage their chapters. Submit your abstract today.

Chapter Officer Updates Due by May 15

Chapters must update the “future position/role” for all chapter officers in their chapter database, so they are identified as of July 1, 2009, when the new fiscal year begins. This information is due by May 15. If your chapter’s officers do not change until the fall, you still need to enter the names of current officers in the future position/role so that the information “rolls over” to the new fiscal year. Then, when you have your elections you can go to the database and update those positions. If you have any questions, e-mail chapters@aacn.org or call (800) 394-5995, x365.

back to top

What’s on Tap?


Illinois
The Northwest Chicago Area Chapter will present “Interventional Radiology and Stroke Recovery” May 20 at Northwest Community Hospital, Arlington Heights. For more information, contact Jenny Zaker; (847) 618-7975; jzaker2@nch.org.

The Northwest Chicago Area Chapter will present “Healthy Work Environments: The Essential Step to Reclaiming Our Priorities” June 17 at Northwest Community Hospital, Arlington Heights. For more information, contact Jenny Zaker; (847) 618-7975; jzaker2@nch.org.

New York
The New York City Chapter will present “Challenges in Critical Care Nursing 2009” June 6 at Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York City. For more information, contact Beatrice Davis Fincher; bccrn7@aol.com.

back to top

Your Feedback