President’s Message
Special Awards –Special Talents
Having now attended my sixth National Conference (NC), I have made several observations.
Being with so many talented women and men is an honor. This was never more evident than
during the Certification Breakfast. Hundreds of us shared some special time together. We laughed
at ourselves. We celebrated our achievements and recognized those who made a difference.
MASPAN received its second Shining Star Award. This award is given to components that
promote and foster an environment that values and recognizes professional nursing certification.
Thank you to all MASPAN CPAN and CAPA nurses who helped to make this award possible.
Everyone has their own special talents. Take a moment to reflect on the individuals around you,
and what they bring to you and especially to their patients. Using our special talents or gifts, we
make a difference everyday. Learn to appreciate the gifts and talents of your colleagues, but also
learn to foster and recognize your own. This can empower you to do great things.
Embrace Your Day
Embrace your day and make the most of it. During NC this can be exhausting. Technically, one
could be in lectures, poster presentations, and assorted committee meetings from morning to
night. Some embrace this, others must pace themselves, but in the end, like many other things,
you will get back what you put into it. Set a goal for the day, make it realistic and achievable. When
you have accomplished it, what a great sense of pleasure and satisfaction it creates!
Empower and Challenge
Congratulations to those of you who presented posters and shared your valuable expertise and
experiences. Sharing our successes empowers us professionally and challenges those around us
to perhaps begin this process.
I challenge our membership to think of new and creative ways to bring the importance of specialty
practice to the bedside of our patients, and how to pass this along to our new (younger)
colleagues.
Meet and Greet at National Conference
Finally, thank you to those of you who came and introduced yourself to me. I was happy to see so
many of my MASPAN colleagues attending NC. There were over sixty MASPAN members present
at NC! Thanks to the many of you who stopped by for the MASPAN “Meet and Greet” at the
National Pastime Sports Bar. It was a great success, I had fun meeting and talking with everyone.
Please feel free to contact me at any time if you have comments or ideas to help strengthen and
improve our component. Get involved! As nurses we know that if we work together anything is
possible.
Ann Marie McLaughlin, BSN, RN, CPAN, CAPA
MASPAN President
Having now attended my sixth National Conference (NC), I have made several observations.
Being with so many talented women and men is an honor. This was never more evident than
during the Certification Breakfast. Hundreds of us shared some special time together. We laughed
at ourselves. We celebrated our achievements and recognized those who made a difference.
MASPAN received its second Shining Star Award. This award is given to components that
promote and foster an environment that values and recognizes professional nursing certification.
Thank you to all MASPAN CPAN and CAPA nurses who helped to make this award possible.
Everyone has their own special talents. Take a moment to reflect on the individuals around you,
and what they bring to you and especially to their patients. Using our special talents or gifts, we
make a difference everyday. Learn to appreciate the gifts and talents of your colleagues, but also
learn to foster and recognize your own. This can empower you to do great things.
Embrace Your Day
Embrace your day and make the most of it. During NC this can be exhausting. Technically, one
could be in lectures, poster presentations, and assorted committee meetings from morning to
night. Some embrace this, others must pace themselves, but in the end, like many other things,
you will get back what you put into it. Set a goal for the day, make it realistic and achievable. When
you have accomplished it, what a great sense of pleasure and satisfaction it creates!
Empower and Challenge
Congratulations to those of you who presented posters and shared your valuable expertise and
experiences. Sharing our successes empowers us professionally and challenges those around us
to perhaps begin this process.
I challenge our membership to think of new and creative ways to bring the importance of specialty
practice to the bedside of our patients, and how to pass this along to our new (younger)
colleagues.
Meet and Greet at National Conference
Finally, thank you to those of you who came and introduced yourself to me. I was happy to see so
many of my MASPAN colleagues attending NC. There were over sixty MASPAN members present
at NC! Thanks to the many of you who stopped by for the MASPAN “Meet and Greet” at the
National Pastime Sports Bar. It was a great success, I had fun meeting and talking with everyone.
Please feel free to contact me at any time if you have comments or ideas to help strengthen and
improve our component. Get involved! As nurses we know that if we work together anything is
possible.
Ann Marie McLaughlin, BSN, RN, CPAN, CAPA
MASPAN President
Previous Presidential Messages
Spring 2009 Mayflower Volume 20 Issue 2
My Farewell Message
Anne Halliday, BSN, RN, CPAN
My Last Message
As I write this, I am aware that this is my last message as MASPAN President. MASPAN membership has grown
from 386 to 486 in the past two years. It’s encouraging to see so many perianesthesia nurses in
Massachusetts taking an interest in their profession beyond the comfort zone of their workplaces.
Convenient Locations
Recognizing that conference locations should be varied, the MASPAN Board of Directors held well-attended
conferences at Mt. Auburn Hospital in Cambridge (spring 2008) and South Shore Hospital in Weymouth (fall
2007). These venues were made available by Sue Hoban, a Past President of MASPAN and an Ostomy
Clinician at Mt. Auburn and Lisa Murphy, Perioperative Services Manager at South Shore Hospital.
My Honor to Represent You
I was honored to represent members as MASPAN President at the ASPAN National in Anaheim, California
(2007) and Dallas, Texas (2008), as well as at Component Leadership Institutes in Albuquerque (2007) and
Salt Lake City (2008). It’s wonderful to recognize other ASPAN leaders and to network with them about what
works in their components. I have learned so much…
My favorite event from my two years as President has to be the free conference MASPAN held at Lahey Clinic
in September 2008. It was great learning about the Humor Project and after enjoying his cartoons, finally
hearing John McPherson speak. Attendees gave favorable reviews of all the speakers that day and provided
the MASPAN Board of Directors a long list of topics for future conferences.
I am looking forward to the 2009 MASPAN Spring Conference at UMass Medical School in Worcester, another
new venue. That day, I will “turn over the reins” to Ann Marie McLaughlin, who I know will do a great job as
President. She already has the Fall Conference planning well underway and is also planning a special
conference in the fall for those preparing to take the CPAN/CAPA exam. Board meetings will continue to
follow agendas with the MASPAN Strategic Goals as their guide.
Finally, in April it’s off Washington, D.C. for ASPAN National 2009. I hope to see many MASPAN members at
the spring MASPAN conference and at National. Feel free to contact me anytime with your thoughts for
improving MASPAN.
Anne Halliday
Winter 2009 Mayflower Volume 20 Issue 1
A Weekend to Remember
Anne Halliday, BSN, RN, CPAN
In October of 2007, I initially began considering the New York Perianesthesia Nurses’ Association (NYSPANA)
state conference in Buffalo, New York. When Katrina Bickerstaff asked me to attend as her Ambassador, I
agreed that I would go. An added bonus was the opportunity to see my family in a nearby town and to attend
some family events.
Falling for Perianesthesia Nursing
The NYSPANA conference was entitled “Falling for Perianesthesia Nursing.” I was excited to see nurses I’ve
known through ASPAN from New York City, Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo and to meet other nurses from
those cities as well as Watertown, Jamestown and Saratoga Springs. It was a pleasure meeting Dr. Patrick
Jones, who is the new President of ABPANC (the certification arm of ASPAN) and to hear him speak about
what’s new on the certification front. The most notable news is that the CPAN and CAPA exams will be
available on-line starting in April 2009. The exam will be held over a six-week period from April 6—May 16,
2009. Registration starts on January 26th, go to www.cpancapa.org for details.
Nancy Strzyzewski, who is nationally known, was the featured speaker for Saturday. Her topics included
“Dealing with Horizontal Violence,” “The Basics of Capnography,” “Exploring the Challenge of Adolescents,”
“Laparoscopic Surgery-Perianesthesia Concerns” and “Getting to Know You: Perianesthesia Assessment.”
Nancy has a comfortable speaking style and many stories to share while conveying a huge amount of
material. I especially enjoyed when she said she is occasionally “techno-Amish” (i.e. technologically
challenged).
Sunday morning, two physicians spoke. The first topic was “What’s New in Neuromuscular Blockade.” It was
fascinating to hear how a drug is tested before winning FDA approval. In one study about a reversal agent,
subjects had the paralyzing agent Vecuronium running in one arm with the reversal agent running in the
other arm WHILE the subjects were walking around!!! The second physician spoke about “Updates in Breast
Cancer Treatment” where he highlighted the new five-day radiation treatment. The catheter that is used for
this was passed around to attendees. Breast cancer gene testing was also discussed.
Combining Business with Pleasure
In addition to this wonderful conference, I attended some significant family events. Relatives from Seattle,
Florida, Ohio, and Salt Lake City had also travelled to the area to celebrate a first birthday, baby shower, 50th
birthday and 19th birthday. I don’t remember having so much CAKE in any other weekend!! Some
experiences are so wonderful that they are truly memorable.
Finally, if you are unable to attend a MASPAN conference because of a conflict, check the MASPAN web site
for other conferences in Region IV. You will not be disappointed and might be able to make it a weekend
away.
Anne
Fall 2008 Mayflower Volume 19 Issue 4
Looking to the Future
Anne Halliday, BSN, RN, CPAN
As I write this, Labor Day is fast approaching and the “back to school” fever is upon us. I’m not going to
school this fall but I am attending the ASPAN Component Development Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah
September 5-7. This will be the third CDI I’ve attended and I always learn new things about ASPAN,
interpersonal relations and other topics that I can bring back to MASPAN as well as to my work and personal
life.
MASPAN’s 25th Anniversary
When this edition of the Mayflower is published, the MASPAN Fall Conference, celebrating MASPAN’s 25th
anniversary, will have passed. My hope is that the 100 members who are able to attend the conference will
have laughed, learned some clinical tidbits and enjoyed some holistic relaxation at the end of the day. I am
excited about our keynote speaker John McPherson, who is a syndicated cartoonist. If you would like to enjoy
his cartoons in color daily, sign up at www.gocomics.com and choose “Close To Home.”
Plans are underway for the Spring 2009 MASPAN conference which is to be held at UMass Medical School in
Worcester. If you missed the Fall conference, make sure to come to the Spring conference.
Exercise YOUR Right to Vote
My final thoughts of this message involve voting in the November elections. We Americans are so fortunate
to have this right and are able to exercise it without fear for our personal safety. In Zimbabwe, where my
parents lived from 1983-1986, voters were threatened with bodily harm if they didn’t vote for a particular
candidate and the losing candidate was also in great danger after the election. Things have only gotten worse
in the last 25 years in that sad country.
While the Presidential race is the focus this year, remember that Tip O’Neil said that:”All politics is local.”
Those town council, school board and state senate/representative races are extremely important too. Meet
the candidates, read their statements and VOTE!
Be well in the lovely New England fall season!
Anne Halliday
Summer 2008 Mayflower Volume 19 Issue 3
Taking Care of Ourselves
Anne Halliday, BSN, RN, CPAN
Constantly Moving
After presenting “The History, Joys and Challenges of Perianesthesia Nursing” at the MASPAN spring
conference in April, I kept thinking of all the activities in the personal and professional lives of perianesthesia
nurses. We are very involved in the tasks of everyday living in our families and communities. At work, we are
constantly moving and attending to the needs of patients, families and colleagues.
Fatigue is Inevitable
Fatigue is inevitable….how we respond to it is a choice we must consider carefully. The ASPAN Staffing
Strategic Work Team lists some risk factors for fatigue: Shifts greater than 12.5 hours, working more than
days scheduled, working over forty hours per week, lack of breaks during the work day, the high pace of
perianesthesia nursing, sleeping less than 6 to 7 hours and being ON CALL. A Position Statement for On
Call/Work Schedule is being developed for the ASPAN Standards as well as a Fatigue Checklist.
In her recent JoPAN article about ‘Fatigue,’ Jacqueline Ross discusses sleep hygiene in detail. Among her
suggestions: sleeping 7 to 8 hours per night, having a quiet bedtime routine and a cool, quiet room for sleep.
Energize and Relaxation
I also think that we perianesthesia nurses must choose some energizing AND relaxing things for our health
and for the relief of the stressors in our work. Exercise, even a short walk each day, can help. I had a very
exhausting shift recently and was so happy that I had scheduled a pedicure for the next day…..what a gift it
was to sit in the vibrating chair with my sore feet in the warm, bubbling water. I don’t treat myself to
pedicures often, but they are a reward for my poor feet!
I chose to begin a weekly Sunday evening Svaroopa yoga class almost eight years ago and find this relaxing
and also a way to keep my back in the best shape possible for my work. This is a very gentle style of yoga with
lots of props to support the body in the poses. To check on classes near you, search www.masteryoga.com.
Be Kind To Yourself
Summer is coming and we work harder to cover those colleagues on vacation. Even if you don’t have a long
vacation coming right now, you can plan a relaxing hour or two at a garden. Even when my sons were small, I
enjoyed going to Audubon sanctuaries to walk and picnic with them.
Connecting with neighbors or friends for a cup of coffee or lunch can also be a stress-reliever. My neighbor
is a psychiatric nurse and we love to chat over a local Indian buffet lunch several times a year.
So, my message is to: Be Kind To Yourself and plan some R&R. You will be refreshed and ready to do all those
things you do for others if you reward yourself!
Reference:
Ross, J. (2008). Fatigue: Do You Understand the Risks to Safety? Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing, 25(1),
57-59.
Spring 2008 Mayflower Volume 19 Issue 2
2008: An Exciting Year!
Anne Halliday, BSN, RN, CPAN
Thinking of YOU Brightens Day
As I write this it’s a gray, overcast day, but my spirit is bright thinking of the exciting year ahead for MASPAN.
At the Board of Director’s meeting on January 12, 2008, we discussed you, our growing membership, and
your needs. We really do refer to the survey from each conference, as well as the ASPAN President’s theme
for the year, when planning educational offerings, web site content and newsletter topics. Please remember
that you can contact any board member with suggestions for educational offerings, including topics,
speakers and locations.
25 Years for MASPAN
Two years ago, ASPAN celebrated its 25th Anniversary and now MASPAN will observe its 25th Anniversary in
2008. An exciting Fall Conference (free to members) is being planned. I am so looking forward to hearing the
great speakers that day. Watch for details in the Mayflower and on the web site and circle September 20th on
your appointment calendar!
Exercise Your Right to Vote
This is also a Presidential election year for our nation. Make sure to cast your vote in November. In the
meantime, ASPAN elections are in progress NOW. Make sure to check www.aspan.org to select your choice
for VP/President-elect, Secretary, Region II Director, Region IV Director, Director for Clinical Practice,
Director for Development and 5 choices for Nominating Committee. Four of the candidates are MASPAN
members!!
I hope to see you on April 5th at MASPAN’s Spring Conference at Mt. Auburn Hospital in Cambridge MA.
Anne Halliday
Winter 2008 Mayflower Volume 19 Issue 1
Networking at the Component Development Institute & North East Component Leadership
Meeting
Anne Halliday, BSN, RN, CPAN
CDI in Albuquerque
This busy fall began September 6 when I flew to Albuquerque, New Mexico for the ASPAN Component
Development Institute (CDI). CDI is an annual opportunity for networking with ASPAN and other component
leaders. A hot air balloon theme was chosen because a very large balloon festival is held each fall in
Albuquerque.
Advocacy Theme
ASPAN President Sue Fossum’s theme is advocacy and this was reflected throughout the conference. ASPAN
has an Advocacy Strategic Work Team (SWT) this year. Their vision is that “All ASPAN members will use
their voices to advocate for their patients, their practice and their profession.”
Down to Business
The CDI began with a fun personality exercise. Then down to business as attendees learned about
strengthening our components, succession planning, governmental affairs, and advocacy hot topics. The
new American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) operational requirements for continuing education (no
longer called CEUs, they are called Contact Hours) came under a lot of discussion.
The Leadership Perspective
The topic I keep mulling over is Nursing Advocates Leadership Perspective presented by Sue Benner and
Maureen Iacono. In addition to discussing the virtually untapped grassroots political power of nursing, these
speakers focused on the nitty gritty of daily perianesthesia practice: the good…the bad…and the ugly of unit
politics. To paraphrase Sue and Maureen, despite personality conflicts, divisive behavior and other negatives,
perianesthesia nurses do interact very closely with physicians, know how to multitask, provide high level
care and human touch and have critical care know how. We need to keep in mind the good things about our
work while having a code of ethics that keeps all those negative things in check.
Some Time for Fun
My roommate Katrina Bickerstaff, a former MASPAN President, and I did squeeze in a quick side trip to Taos,
New Mexico. The tour of the Taos Pueblo was well worth the trip. It’s a place I hope to return to in the future.
Back to Regional Business
On October 13, MASPAN Board members Kathi Saball and Katrina Bickerstaff and I attended another
leadership event, the North East Component Leadership Meeting. Although the NECLM had formerly been
held in Westborough Massachusetts (a short trip from my home in Marlborough!), this year it was held in
Albany, New York. This is a more central location for the leaders from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New
York. We discussed what each of our components is doing and the networking was wonderful. We MASPAN
Board members came away with ideas that can improve our own component.
I’ve learned a lot in my eight months as MASPAN President. I have been honored to represent you, the
MASPAN members, at these events as well as the Vermont/New Hampshire and MASPAN conferences.
Here’s to a happy, healthy 2008 for each of you.
Anne
Fall 2007 Mayflower Volume 18 Issue 4
Why I Stay…….
Anne Halliday, BSN, RN, CPAN
Anniversary and Reflection
As I write this, I have just celebrated my thirtieth anniversary working at Caritas St. Elizabeth’s Medical
Center. I arrived on August 7, 1977; sometimes that seems like yesterday and sometimes it seems like “before
the last ice age.” In those days, the OR and PACU were in a new building and the open heart patients were
kept in the PACU and taken care of by the SICU nurses, while the rest of the SICU was two buildings away.
Within a month of starting in the SICU, I admitted my first open heart patient. The unit was so busy that I
admitted him with the attending cardiac surgeon!
Changes and Constants
After working in the SICU and as a per diem float, I came to the PACU nineteen years ago. Perianesthesia
nursing has changed in many ways since my first days in PACU. Laparoscopic surgery, various new methods
of pain control, lighter general anesthesia and other advances were unimaginable. Many patients, who used
to stay in the hospital, are going home the day of their procedures. However, many things that I love about
this specialty have remained constant, such as the patients and the variety of procedures they undergo every
day and the fulfillment of addressing and meeting the needs of each patient. We continue the careful hand-
off of care to another nurse or to a family member if the patient goes home. Most impressive is the special
skill we perianesthesia nurses have for observation. An article in JoPAN once described this observation
talent as “watchful waiting.” It’s true that we can tell, by nonverbal cues, that a patient isn’t comfortable or is
nauseated. We are tuned into what the monitor is revealing about vital signs but we are still very careful to
look at the patient and not just the machines.
Drawbacks but Satisfactions
Of course, there are drawbacks to working in the “fishbowl,” as I like to refer to PACU. Someone once
described PACU as “the ICU on speed” because we do things in 5-15 minute blocks. We have to work as a
team because there generally aren’t any walls in the PACU. Working with the families of patients can be a
mixed blessing depending on how they are coping with the patient’s situation. But I have to say that my most
satisfying moments as a perianesthesia nurse have come from my patient and family interactions.
Guided by the MASPAN Vision
MASPAN’s vision statement guides the MASPAN Board of Directors as we work to “provide exceptional
professional development.” ASPAN/MASPAN conferences, both before and as I became involved as a board
member, have helped me to learn new clinical and interpersonal skills and have helped me stay at work in
perianesthesia nursing.
Why do YOU stay?
Why do YOU stay? Please feel to write your thoughts as a letter to the Mayflower editor or as an article in this
newsletter.
Anne Halliday
Summer 2007 Mayflower Volume 18 Issue 3
An Interesting Journey
Anne Halliday, BSN, RN, CPAN
Who Am I?
Some MASPAN members may ask, “Who is Anne Halliday and how did she come to be President of MASPAN?”
I thought I might write my first President’s column about this topic.
Like many MASPAN members, I am a staff nurse in a Level I PACU. Prior to starting in PACU at Caritas St.
Elizabeth’s Medical Center, I had been a SICU nurse and a per diem float at the same facility and several
others. I had achieved and maintained my CCRN for ten years.
A Turning Point
When my first son left for college, I felt I was at a turning point in my life. I had been a PACU nurse for nine
years and been a MASPAN/ASPAN member for several years when I decided to take the CPAN exam with a
colleague from work. We both passed the exam and even wrote an article about the experience entitled “A
Tale of Two CPANs” for the Mayflower.
After certifying, I continued to attend the twice yearly MASPAN conferences. In 2001, I attended my first
ASPAN National Conference, mainly because it was in Boston. I enjoyed the sessions I attended, traveling into
the city each day, and meeting PACU nurses from around the country.
The Road to the Presidency
In the fall of 2002, Libby Murphy-Zielinski, MASPAN President and my former colleague at St. Elizabeth’s,
invited me to a MASPAN Board of Directors’ meeting. By the spring of 2003, I had become MASPAN secretary
and was off to my second ASPAN National Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Since 2003, I have attended every ASPAN National Conference and have been privileged to be one of two
MASPAN members on the Representative Assembly (RA). Every year the RA votes on changes to the ASPAN
By-Laws and Standards and holds the election for ASPAN offices. Being an RA member is a great way to see
the inner workings of ASPAN.
In the spring of 2005, the MASPAN Board of Directors elected me VP/President-elect. The last two years have
been a wonderful learning process for me because of the open communication from President Maureen
McLaughlin, the strategic planning sessions led by ASPAN’s Immediate Past President Meg Beturne and
finally because of the support of my fellow board members.
Upholding the Mission and the Vision
I am honored to serve as your President from March 2007 through March 2009. As my predecessors have, I
also plan to keep MASPAN mission of advancing nursing practice through education, research and promotion
of ASPAN Standards in mind as the Board plans events during my term. Next year is MASPAN’s 25th
anniversary and I am excited about that! I would invite any MASPAN member to join our friendly board of
directors. All members are encouraged to communicate your thoughts and desires about MASPAN
conferences and events to myself and other members of the board. Our contact information is listed in each
Mayflower and on our web site at www.maspan.org.
Anne
My Farewell Message
Anne Halliday, BSN, RN, CPAN
My Last Message
As I write this, I am aware that this is my last message as MASPAN President. MASPAN membership has grown
from 386 to 486 in the past two years. It’s encouraging to see so many perianesthesia nurses in
Massachusetts taking an interest in their profession beyond the comfort zone of their workplaces.
Convenient Locations
Recognizing that conference locations should be varied, the MASPAN Board of Directors held well-attended
conferences at Mt. Auburn Hospital in Cambridge (spring 2008) and South Shore Hospital in Weymouth (fall
2007). These venues were made available by Sue Hoban, a Past President of MASPAN and an Ostomy
Clinician at Mt. Auburn and Lisa Murphy, Perioperative Services Manager at South Shore Hospital.
My Honor to Represent You
I was honored to represent members as MASPAN President at the ASPAN National in Anaheim, California
(2007) and Dallas, Texas (2008), as well as at Component Leadership Institutes in Albuquerque (2007) and
Salt Lake City (2008). It’s wonderful to recognize other ASPAN leaders and to network with them about what
works in their components. I have learned so much…
My favorite event from my two years as President has to be the free conference MASPAN held at Lahey Clinic
in September 2008. It was great learning about the Humor Project and after enjoying his cartoons, finally
hearing John McPherson speak. Attendees gave favorable reviews of all the speakers that day and provided
the MASPAN Board of Directors a long list of topics for future conferences.
I am looking forward to the 2009 MASPAN Spring Conference at UMass Medical School in Worcester, another
new venue. That day, I will “turn over the reins” to Ann Marie McLaughlin, who I know will do a great job as
President. She already has the Fall Conference planning well underway and is also planning a special
conference in the fall for those preparing to take the CPAN/CAPA exam. Board meetings will continue to
follow agendas with the MASPAN Strategic Goals as their guide.
Finally, in April it’s off Washington, D.C. for ASPAN National 2009. I hope to see many MASPAN members at
the spring MASPAN conference and at National. Feel free to contact me anytime with your thoughts for
improving MASPAN.
Anne Halliday
Winter 2009 Mayflower Volume 20 Issue 1
A Weekend to Remember
Anne Halliday, BSN, RN, CPAN
In October of 2007, I initially began considering the New York Perianesthesia Nurses’ Association (NYSPANA)
state conference in Buffalo, New York. When Katrina Bickerstaff asked me to attend as her Ambassador, I
agreed that I would go. An added bonus was the opportunity to see my family in a nearby town and to attend
some family events.
Falling for Perianesthesia Nursing
The NYSPANA conference was entitled “Falling for Perianesthesia Nursing.” I was excited to see nurses I’ve
known through ASPAN from New York City, Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo and to meet other nurses from
those cities as well as Watertown, Jamestown and Saratoga Springs. It was a pleasure meeting Dr. Patrick
Jones, who is the new President of ABPANC (the certification arm of ASPAN) and to hear him speak about
what’s new on the certification front. The most notable news is that the CPAN and CAPA exams will be
available on-line starting in April 2009. The exam will be held over a six-week period from April 6—May 16,
2009. Registration starts on January 26th, go to www.cpancapa.org for details.
Nancy Strzyzewski, who is nationally known, was the featured speaker for Saturday. Her topics included
“Dealing with Horizontal Violence,” “The Basics of Capnography,” “Exploring the Challenge of Adolescents,”
“Laparoscopic Surgery-Perianesthesia Concerns” and “Getting to Know You: Perianesthesia Assessment.”
Nancy has a comfortable speaking style and many stories to share while conveying a huge amount of
material. I especially enjoyed when she said she is occasionally “techno-Amish” (i.e. technologically
challenged).
Sunday morning, two physicians spoke. The first topic was “What’s New in Neuromuscular Blockade.” It was
fascinating to hear how a drug is tested before winning FDA approval. In one study about a reversal agent,
subjects had the paralyzing agent Vecuronium running in one arm with the reversal agent running in the
other arm WHILE the subjects were walking around!!! The second physician spoke about “Updates in Breast
Cancer Treatment” where he highlighted the new five-day radiation treatment. The catheter that is used for
this was passed around to attendees. Breast cancer gene testing was also discussed.
Combining Business with Pleasure
In addition to this wonderful conference, I attended some significant family events. Relatives from Seattle,
Florida, Ohio, and Salt Lake City had also travelled to the area to celebrate a first birthday, baby shower, 50th
birthday and 19th birthday. I don’t remember having so much CAKE in any other weekend!! Some
experiences are so wonderful that they are truly memorable.
Finally, if you are unable to attend a MASPAN conference because of a conflict, check the MASPAN web site
for other conferences in Region IV. You will not be disappointed and might be able to make it a weekend
away.
Anne
Fall 2008 Mayflower Volume 19 Issue 4
Looking to the Future
Anne Halliday, BSN, RN, CPAN
As I write this, Labor Day is fast approaching and the “back to school” fever is upon us. I’m not going to
school this fall but I am attending the ASPAN Component Development Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah
September 5-7. This will be the third CDI I’ve attended and I always learn new things about ASPAN,
interpersonal relations and other topics that I can bring back to MASPAN as well as to my work and personal
life.
MASPAN’s 25th Anniversary
When this edition of the Mayflower is published, the MASPAN Fall Conference, celebrating MASPAN’s 25th
anniversary, will have passed. My hope is that the 100 members who are able to attend the conference will
have laughed, learned some clinical tidbits and enjoyed some holistic relaxation at the end of the day. I am
excited about our keynote speaker John McPherson, who is a syndicated cartoonist. If you would like to enjoy
his cartoons in color daily, sign up at www.gocomics.com and choose “Close To Home.”
Plans are underway for the Spring 2009 MASPAN conference which is to be held at UMass Medical School in
Worcester. If you missed the Fall conference, make sure to come to the Spring conference.
Exercise YOUR Right to Vote
My final thoughts of this message involve voting in the November elections. We Americans are so fortunate
to have this right and are able to exercise it without fear for our personal safety. In Zimbabwe, where my
parents lived from 1983-1986, voters were threatened with bodily harm if they didn’t vote for a particular
candidate and the losing candidate was also in great danger after the election. Things have only gotten worse
in the last 25 years in that sad country.
While the Presidential race is the focus this year, remember that Tip O’Neil said that:”All politics is local.”
Those town council, school board and state senate/representative races are extremely important too. Meet
the candidates, read their statements and VOTE!
Be well in the lovely New England fall season!
Anne Halliday
Summer 2008 Mayflower Volume 19 Issue 3
Taking Care of Ourselves
Anne Halliday, BSN, RN, CPAN
Constantly Moving
After presenting “The History, Joys and Challenges of Perianesthesia Nursing” at the MASPAN spring
conference in April, I kept thinking of all the activities in the personal and professional lives of perianesthesia
nurses. We are very involved in the tasks of everyday living in our families and communities. At work, we are
constantly moving and attending to the needs of patients, families and colleagues.
Fatigue is Inevitable
Fatigue is inevitable….how we respond to it is a choice we must consider carefully. The ASPAN Staffing
Strategic Work Team lists some risk factors for fatigue: Shifts greater than 12.5 hours, working more than
days scheduled, working over forty hours per week, lack of breaks during the work day, the high pace of
perianesthesia nursing, sleeping less than 6 to 7 hours and being ON CALL. A Position Statement for On
Call/Work Schedule is being developed for the ASPAN Standards as well as a Fatigue Checklist.
In her recent JoPAN article about ‘Fatigue,’ Jacqueline Ross discusses sleep hygiene in detail. Among her
suggestions: sleeping 7 to 8 hours per night, having a quiet bedtime routine and a cool, quiet room for sleep.
Energize and Relaxation
I also think that we perianesthesia nurses must choose some energizing AND relaxing things for our health
and for the relief of the stressors in our work. Exercise, even a short walk each day, can help. I had a very
exhausting shift recently and was so happy that I had scheduled a pedicure for the next day…..what a gift it
was to sit in the vibrating chair with my sore feet in the warm, bubbling water. I don’t treat myself to
pedicures often, but they are a reward for my poor feet!
I chose to begin a weekly Sunday evening Svaroopa yoga class almost eight years ago and find this relaxing
and also a way to keep my back in the best shape possible for my work. This is a very gentle style of yoga with
lots of props to support the body in the poses. To check on classes near you, search www.masteryoga.com.
Be Kind To Yourself
Summer is coming and we work harder to cover those colleagues on vacation. Even if you don’t have a long
vacation coming right now, you can plan a relaxing hour or two at a garden. Even when my sons were small, I
enjoyed going to Audubon sanctuaries to walk and picnic with them.
Connecting with neighbors or friends for a cup of coffee or lunch can also be a stress-reliever. My neighbor
is a psychiatric nurse and we love to chat over a local Indian buffet lunch several times a year.
So, my message is to: Be Kind To Yourself and plan some R&R. You will be refreshed and ready to do all those
things you do for others if you reward yourself!
Reference:
Ross, J. (2008). Fatigue: Do You Understand the Risks to Safety? Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing, 25(1),
57-59.
Spring 2008 Mayflower Volume 19 Issue 2
2008: An Exciting Year!
Anne Halliday, BSN, RN, CPAN
Thinking of YOU Brightens Day
As I write this it’s a gray, overcast day, but my spirit is bright thinking of the exciting year ahead for MASPAN.
At the Board of Director’s meeting on January 12, 2008, we discussed you, our growing membership, and
your needs. We really do refer to the survey from each conference, as well as the ASPAN President’s theme
for the year, when planning educational offerings, web site content and newsletter topics. Please remember
that you can contact any board member with suggestions for educational offerings, including topics,
speakers and locations.
25 Years for MASPAN
Two years ago, ASPAN celebrated its 25th Anniversary and now MASPAN will observe its 25th Anniversary in
2008. An exciting Fall Conference (free to members) is being planned. I am so looking forward to hearing the
great speakers that day. Watch for details in the Mayflower and on the web site and circle September 20th on
your appointment calendar!
Exercise Your Right to Vote
This is also a Presidential election year for our nation. Make sure to cast your vote in November. In the
meantime, ASPAN elections are in progress NOW. Make sure to check www.aspan.org to select your choice
for VP/President-elect, Secretary, Region II Director, Region IV Director, Director for Clinical Practice,
Director for Development and 5 choices for Nominating Committee. Four of the candidates are MASPAN
members!!
I hope to see you on April 5th at MASPAN’s Spring Conference at Mt. Auburn Hospital in Cambridge MA.
Anne Halliday
Winter 2008 Mayflower Volume 19 Issue 1
Networking at the Component Development Institute & North East Component Leadership
Meeting
Anne Halliday, BSN, RN, CPAN
CDI in Albuquerque
This busy fall began September 6 when I flew to Albuquerque, New Mexico for the ASPAN Component
Development Institute (CDI). CDI is an annual opportunity for networking with ASPAN and other component
leaders. A hot air balloon theme was chosen because a very large balloon festival is held each fall in
Albuquerque.
Advocacy Theme
ASPAN President Sue Fossum’s theme is advocacy and this was reflected throughout the conference. ASPAN
has an Advocacy Strategic Work Team (SWT) this year. Their vision is that “All ASPAN members will use
their voices to advocate for their patients, their practice and their profession.”
Down to Business
The CDI began with a fun personality exercise. Then down to business as attendees learned about
strengthening our components, succession planning, governmental affairs, and advocacy hot topics. The
new American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) operational requirements for continuing education (no
longer called CEUs, they are called Contact Hours) came under a lot of discussion.
The Leadership Perspective
The topic I keep mulling over is Nursing Advocates Leadership Perspective presented by Sue Benner and
Maureen Iacono. In addition to discussing the virtually untapped grassroots political power of nursing, these
speakers focused on the nitty gritty of daily perianesthesia practice: the good…the bad…and the ugly of unit
politics. To paraphrase Sue and Maureen, despite personality conflicts, divisive behavior and other negatives,
perianesthesia nurses do interact very closely with physicians, know how to multitask, provide high level
care and human touch and have critical care know how. We need to keep in mind the good things about our
work while having a code of ethics that keeps all those negative things in check.
Some Time for Fun
My roommate Katrina Bickerstaff, a former MASPAN President, and I did squeeze in a quick side trip to Taos,
New Mexico. The tour of the Taos Pueblo was well worth the trip. It’s a place I hope to return to in the future.
Back to Regional Business
On October 13, MASPAN Board members Kathi Saball and Katrina Bickerstaff and I attended another
leadership event, the North East Component Leadership Meeting. Although the NECLM had formerly been
held in Westborough Massachusetts (a short trip from my home in Marlborough!), this year it was held in
Albany, New York. This is a more central location for the leaders from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New
York. We discussed what each of our components is doing and the networking was wonderful. We MASPAN
Board members came away with ideas that can improve our own component.
I’ve learned a lot in my eight months as MASPAN President. I have been honored to represent you, the
MASPAN members, at these events as well as the Vermont/New Hampshire and MASPAN conferences.
Here’s to a happy, healthy 2008 for each of you.
Anne
Fall 2007 Mayflower Volume 18 Issue 4
Why I Stay…….
Anne Halliday, BSN, RN, CPAN
Anniversary and Reflection
As I write this, I have just celebrated my thirtieth anniversary working at Caritas St. Elizabeth’s Medical
Center. I arrived on August 7, 1977; sometimes that seems like yesterday and sometimes it seems like “before
the last ice age.” In those days, the OR and PACU were in a new building and the open heart patients were
kept in the PACU and taken care of by the SICU nurses, while the rest of the SICU was two buildings away.
Within a month of starting in the SICU, I admitted my first open heart patient. The unit was so busy that I
admitted him with the attending cardiac surgeon!
Changes and Constants
After working in the SICU and as a per diem float, I came to the PACU nineteen years ago. Perianesthesia
nursing has changed in many ways since my first days in PACU. Laparoscopic surgery, various new methods
of pain control, lighter general anesthesia and other advances were unimaginable. Many patients, who used
to stay in the hospital, are going home the day of their procedures. However, many things that I love about
this specialty have remained constant, such as the patients and the variety of procedures they undergo every
day and the fulfillment of addressing and meeting the needs of each patient. We continue the careful hand-
off of care to another nurse or to a family member if the patient goes home. Most impressive is the special
skill we perianesthesia nurses have for observation. An article in JoPAN once described this observation
talent as “watchful waiting.” It’s true that we can tell, by nonverbal cues, that a patient isn’t comfortable or is
nauseated. We are tuned into what the monitor is revealing about vital signs but we are still very careful to
look at the patient and not just the machines.
Drawbacks but Satisfactions
Of course, there are drawbacks to working in the “fishbowl,” as I like to refer to PACU. Someone once
described PACU as “the ICU on speed” because we do things in 5-15 minute blocks. We have to work as a
team because there generally aren’t any walls in the PACU. Working with the families of patients can be a
mixed blessing depending on how they are coping with the patient’s situation. But I have to say that my most
satisfying moments as a perianesthesia nurse have come from my patient and family interactions.
Guided by the MASPAN Vision
MASPAN’s vision statement guides the MASPAN Board of Directors as we work to “provide exceptional
professional development.” ASPAN/MASPAN conferences, both before and as I became involved as a board
member, have helped me to learn new clinical and interpersonal skills and have helped me stay at work in
perianesthesia nursing.
Why do YOU stay?
Why do YOU stay? Please feel to write your thoughts as a letter to the Mayflower editor or as an article in this
newsletter.
Anne Halliday
Summer 2007 Mayflower Volume 18 Issue 3
An Interesting Journey
Anne Halliday, BSN, RN, CPAN
Who Am I?
Some MASPAN members may ask, “Who is Anne Halliday and how did she come to be President of MASPAN?”
I thought I might write my first President’s column about this topic.
Like many MASPAN members, I am a staff nurse in a Level I PACU. Prior to starting in PACU at Caritas St.
Elizabeth’s Medical Center, I had been a SICU nurse and a per diem float at the same facility and several
others. I had achieved and maintained my CCRN for ten years.
A Turning Point
When my first son left for college, I felt I was at a turning point in my life. I had been a PACU nurse for nine
years and been a MASPAN/ASPAN member for several years when I decided to take the CPAN exam with a
colleague from work. We both passed the exam and even wrote an article about the experience entitled “A
Tale of Two CPANs” for the Mayflower.
After certifying, I continued to attend the twice yearly MASPAN conferences. In 2001, I attended my first
ASPAN National Conference, mainly because it was in Boston. I enjoyed the sessions I attended, traveling into
the city each day, and meeting PACU nurses from around the country.
The Road to the Presidency
In the fall of 2002, Libby Murphy-Zielinski, MASPAN President and my former colleague at St. Elizabeth’s,
invited me to a MASPAN Board of Directors’ meeting. By the spring of 2003, I had become MASPAN secretary
and was off to my second ASPAN National Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Since 2003, I have attended every ASPAN National Conference and have been privileged to be one of two
MASPAN members on the Representative Assembly (RA). Every year the RA votes on changes to the ASPAN
By-Laws and Standards and holds the election for ASPAN offices. Being an RA member is a great way to see
the inner workings of ASPAN.
In the spring of 2005, the MASPAN Board of Directors elected me VP/President-elect. The last two years have
been a wonderful learning process for me because of the open communication from President Maureen
McLaughlin, the strategic planning sessions led by ASPAN’s Immediate Past President Meg Beturne and
finally because of the support of my fellow board members.
Upholding the Mission and the Vision
I am honored to serve as your President from March 2007 through March 2009. As my predecessors have, I
also plan to keep MASPAN mission of advancing nursing practice through education, research and promotion
of ASPAN Standards in mind as the Board plans events during my term. Next year is MASPAN’s 25th
anniversary and I am excited about that! I would invite any MASPAN member to join our friendly board of
directors. All members are encouraged to communicate your thoughts and desires about MASPAN
conferences and events to myself and other members of the board. Our contact information is listed in each
Mayflower and on our web site at www.maspan.org.
Anne
Summer 2009 Mayflower Volume 20 Issue 3 Get Involved! Ann Marie McLaughlin, BSN, MA, RN, CPAN |
President's Page
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MASPAN President 2009 - 2011 Ann Marie McLaughlin, BSN, RN, CPAN, CAPA ammclaughlinrn@maspan.org annmarie_mclaughlin@lahey.org |
Ann Marie is a 1977 diploma graduate of St. Elizabeth’s Hospital School
of Nursing. Her early career was spent as a medical surgical nurse at
Waltham Hospital. In 1981, she moved to Lahey Clinic and worked for
19 years in the PACU. During her long career in the PACU, she was the
first nurse to obtain her CPAN.
In addition she obtained her BA in Liberal Arts and a MA in Health Care
Administration from Framingham State College. In 2007, Ann Marie
graduated with her BSN from Emmanuel College in Boston.
After many years as a PACU nurse, Ann Marie moved to Ambulatory
care, initially in the Otolaryngology Clinic and finally to Ambulatory
Surgery. After almost two years as the evening Tertiary Team Leader
she became the Clinical Educator for Ambulatory Surgery and the Pre-
Operative Center, a position she holds today.
She is active on several ASPAN Committees including Education
Approver and Clinical Practice. Ann Marie has been an active member
of the MASPAN Board of Directors, and has enjoyed a successful tenure
as the Chairman of Conference Planning.
of Nursing. Her early career was spent as a medical surgical nurse at
Waltham Hospital. In 1981, she moved to Lahey Clinic and worked for
19 years in the PACU. During her long career in the PACU, she was the
first nurse to obtain her CPAN.
In addition she obtained her BA in Liberal Arts and a MA in Health Care
Administration from Framingham State College. In 2007, Ann Marie
graduated with her BSN from Emmanuel College in Boston.
After many years as a PACU nurse, Ann Marie moved to Ambulatory
care, initially in the Otolaryngology Clinic and finally to Ambulatory
Surgery. After almost two years as the evening Tertiary Team Leader
she became the Clinical Educator for Ambulatory Surgery and the Pre-
Operative Center, a position she holds today.
She is active on several ASPAN Committees including Education
Approver and Clinical Practice. Ann Marie has been an active member
of the MASPAN Board of Directors, and has enjoyed a successful tenure
as the Chairman of Conference Planning.
Archived Presidential Messages - Maureen McLaughlin - Spring 2007-Fall 2006
Archived Presidential Messages - Maureen McLaughlin - Summer 2006-Fall 2005
Archived Presidential Messages - Maureen McLaughlin - Summer 2006-Fall 2005
