Hello, SPN Members!

Election 2024 – Nurses Vote!

SPN Research and Evidence-Based Practice Grant Program Call for Letters of Intent by October 17, 2024

Purpose

Hello, SPN members!

Virtual Nursing

Hello SPN Members!

Pediatric Nursing Excellence Award

The SPN Board of Directors and Nominating Committee are looking for the next leaders in SPN. Showcase your leadership competency skills through your commitment to serve.

The Call for Candidates is a critical part of the Nominations and Election process, during which SPN members are encouraged to consider if they have the time and resources to effectively serve in a nominated position. The term of office will begin at the close of the SPN 35th Annual Conference in April 2025.

Serenity Sphere

SELF-Compassion

Tina Spagnola, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, NE-BC

Welcome to the Serenity Sphere. This quarter, we will focus on the concept of self-compassion. It is often observed that we are more critical and less forgiving toward ourselves than we would be towards others. Consider how you respond to your own mistakes—whether it's forgetting an item requested by a patient, failing to follow up with a colleague, or missing a deadline. In such instances, do you engage in self-talk similar to that of a supportive friend or do you adopt the role of a harsh critic?

Research indicates that practicing self-compassion can significantly mitigate anxiety and depression, thereby enhancing overall mental health. Embracing self-compassion fosters resilience and adaptability in challenging situations. Individuals who develop this quality tend to find greater meaning in their work; they fear failure less and thus exhibit increased creativity in problem-solving (Harrison, 2022).

Greetings SPN Members!

I hope everyone’s summer is off to a great start, and that you have plenty of time over the next few months to enjoy all that summer brings: long, warm evenings; ice cream cones and fresh fruits & veggies; and time on the beach, at the lake, or in a pool to escape from the heat!

Greetings SPN Members!

Artificial Intelligence in Pediatric Nursing

The Society of Pediatric Nurses is conducting an educational needs assessment to better understand the knowledge and skills you are seeking. The compiled survey results will provide SPN leadership with beneficial information to directly align our educational offerings and activities based on what you need. This survey should take no longer than 5 minutes to fill out. Submit your feedback by clicking the button below by Wednesday, July 17, 2024.

We recognize that your time is incredibly important, and we truly appreciate your assistance in shaping SPN's future education. 

Serenity Sphere

Mindfulness

Tina Spagnola, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, NE-BC

In this quarter’s edition of the SPN Serenity Sphere, I am pleased to concentrate on the theme of mindfulness. Dr. Nika Gueci, EdD, MA, who serves as the Executive Director at the Center for Mindfulness, Compassion and Resilience at Arizona State University, graciously conducted a pre-conference workshop on this subject at the SPN Annual Conference. It is therefore apt that we extend our focus on mindfulness in this issue.

Mindfulness is defined as the deliberate and conscious awareness of the present moment, characterized by an attentive but non-reactive state. While having its origins in Eastern philosophy and religion, mindfulness is predominantly practiced today to focus on the benefits.

Social Determinants of Health Awareness Campaign Results

Submitted by Heidi McNeely, PhD, RN, PCNS-BC, (HPAC Member)

SPN’s Healthcare Policy and Advocacy Committee (HPAC) recently hosted a social media campaign in March that was on LinkedIn and X (formerly known as Twitter). The campaign was focused on Social Determinants of Health (SDOH). The campaign ran for 5 weeks with a survey question each week and links to additional resources. The HPAC’s goals included solicitation of information specific to pediatric nurses’ awareness of social determinants of health to help identify gaps and to also increase awareness through dialogue and access to existing resources. The committee will be using this data as we consider additional advocacy education around the role of pediatric nurses within SDOH. We appreciate all who participated.

Here is what we heard from respondents.  

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Greetings SPN Members!

Nurses Make the Difference

Happy Nurses Month to all our fantastic Society of Pediatric Nurses members! This year’s theme is “Nurses Make the Difference,” and I can think of so many examples of how nurses I know have made a difference in the lives of patients, families, and colleagues. We are lucky to work in a profession that allows us to have such a profound impact on the lives of others, sometimes in ways we don’t even recognize! I hope each of you has an opportunity to celebrate our profession and your contributions to it with friends and colleagues throughout the month.

Annual Conference

Greetings SPN Members!

BLAZING THE TRAIL TO PEDIATRIC NURSING EXCELLENCE

There are just two more weeks until our 34th Annual Conference in Phoenix, Arizona! Our Program Planning Committee has planned three pre-conference workshops, phenomenal keynote speakers, plenary and concurrent sessions, poster presentations, and networking activities with SPN members and exhibitors. Attendees can also participate in a tour of Phoenix Children’s Hospital. I hope to see you there!

CONTRIBUTING YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE

SPN’s committees and task forces are comprised of dedicated members who contribute and volunteer their time to advance our profession and the work of SPN. This month, SPN will reach out to our membership to request those who are interested in serving SPN on committees, task forces, and educational sessions to respond to the survey and state your interest in volunteering. Let us know your areas of interest and expertise. Often opportunities arise during the year for SPN to participate in work with other organizations on topics relevant to the care of children. It is extremely helpful to know your areas of expertise and willingness to serve. This is an opportunity for you to grow your network and share your expertise. SPN’s committee goals provide insight about the work our committees are doing to help SPN achieve our strategic plan goals. You can find more information on the monthly member newsletter under Membership or on the SPN website.

SPN Serenity Sphere

Practicing Gratitude

Greetings SPN Members!

ACTIVELY ENGAGING TO BUILD YOUR PROFESSIONAL NETWORK

Impact of Fentanyl on Pediatrics

Peggy Zysk, RN, BSN, CPN, member of SPN Healthcare Policy and Advocacy Committee

Greetings SPN Members!

PRIORITIZE YOUR BIG ROCKS!!

Introducing SPN's New Mentorship Exchange Program

Where pediatric nurses nurture and empower each other 

Nominations are now open for the Barbara A. Larson Humanitarian and Innovation Awards! If you know someone who continually goes above and beyond to serve our pediatric population, show them you recognize the work they are doing by nominating them for one of SPN's awards this year.

Barbara a. larson humanitarian award

 The Barbara A. Larson Humanitarian Award is named in memory of a long-time SPN member, officer and pediatric nurse who made a significant impact on the health and well-being of children around the world. This award is given to an individual (preferably a pediatric nurse) who exemplifies the ideals, values, and commitment held by Barbara A. Larson to serve children by working to improve their health, well-being, and/or living conditions (awarded in even years). 

Greetings SPN Members! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

As I review the accomplishments of SPN over the past year, I am in awe of the knowledge and expertise our members bring to their service on the Board of Directors, committees, task forces, as well as our educational programs. I can already sense that 2024 will be another successful year working towards our mission of providing you with excellent resources and education in pediatric nursing!