NGNA news☆
Article Outline
- NGNA: What's it all about?
- A few words about the 2004 convention
- 20th anniversary convention in 2005
- 2005 call for poster abstracts
- 2005 opportunities for leadership— a call for nominations
- NGNA recognition and scholarship opportunities—a call for nominations
NGNA: What's it all about?
The mission of the National Gerontological Nursing Association (NGNA) is to promote gerontological nursing in order to influence the clinical care of older adults.
The goals of NGNA are to:
Then NGNA Board of Directors, in conjunction with its committees, task forces, appointed representatives, and NGNA Fellows, are dedicated to carrying out the mission and goals of the Association. Members are encouraged to participate through committee and task-force activities, running for a position of leadership at the local chapter or national level, and recruiting new members to NGNA.
Some highlights of 2004 NGNA activities include the following:
A few words about the 2004 convention
Kudos to the NGNA Planning Committee for the work that contributed to the very successful 2004 Convention, Gerontological Nursing: Aging Is a Work of Art, at the Stardust Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Examples of comments from convention participants include the following:
“I learned a lot, but most importantly there was great networking. I always knew special people took care of our seniors.”
“So inspiring! Excellent topics/speakers, valuable to my practice.”
“This was one of the best conferences that I have attended. It was so very well organized. Staff was extremely helpful and pleasant—very professional. The food was superb! Thank you! Presenters were outstanding! Information was current and accurate. I am so proud to be a gerontological nurse!”
“The speakers were all dynamic and interesting. The Planning Committee did a fantastic job.”
“The convention was outstanding in every aspect! Great quality of presentations, quality of the hotel, and quality of the food.”
“Poster presentations were some of the best I have ever seen! Excellent!”
“Excellent conference. My first one!”
“I'm looking forward to next year in Myrtle Beach.”
“Gala outstanding!”
20th anniversary convention in 2005
The 2005 Planning Committee is hard at work preparing for the 20th Anniversary NGNA Convention, October 21–23, 2005, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The theme is Gerontological Nursing: Looking Toward the Horizon! Mark your calendars and make plans to join your peers in the anniversary celebration of NGNA's dedication to the clinical care of older adults across diverse care settings. For more information, visit the NGNA Web site at www.ngna.org.
2005 call for poster abstracts
The Call for Posters for the 2005 NGNA Annual Convention, October 20–23, 2005, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is available on the NGNA Web site (www.ngna.org) or by contacting the NGNA National Office at (800) 723-0560. Abstracts selected for presentation at the annual meeting will be featured in the 2006 January/February issue of GN.
2005 opportunities for leadership— a call for nominations
The NGNA Nominating Committee is seeking candidates for the office of vice president, secretary, directors-at-large, and Nominating Committee members (2). The National Office must receive nominations no later than April 30, 2005, for consideration by the Nominating Committee. All current members of NGNA are eligible to be nominated. Self-nominations are also encouraged. Nomination does not guarantee that a person's name will appear on the final slate. Complete instructions and nominations can be obtained from the National Office at (800) 723-0560 or by visiting the NGNA web page at www.ngna.org.
NGNA recognition and scholarship opportunities—a call for nominations
Excellence in Gerontological Nursing Awards
The Excellence in Gerontological Nursing Awards were established to recognize excellence in individuals who provide direct care to older adults. Four awards honor a recipient in each of the following categories: registered nurse, advanced practice nurse, licensed practical nurse, and a certified nursing assistant; the honorees will have consistently provided outstanding care to older adults and been inspirational role models and mentors to other health care workers.
Mary Opal Wolanin scholarship program
NGNA currently offers 2 scholarships in memory of Mary Opal Wolanin. The Board of Directors recently removed the requirement that applicants must be members of NGNA; a 1-year membership in NGNA will now be given along with the award.
—A nursing student with a major in gerontology or geriatric nursing enrolled in a nationally accredited nursing program and carrying a minimum of 6 credits. Applicants must submit proof of U.S. citizenship. A $1,500 scholarship will be awarded at the annual convention.
—Eligible applicants include full-time or part-time nursing students in a nationally accredited U.S. school of nursing. Applicants must have an intent to work in a gerontology or geriatric setting after graduation. A $1,500 scholarship will be awarded at the annual convention.
Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award, established in 1999 by the NGNA Board of Directors, is presented to a NGNA member in recognition of outstanding leadership, participation, and contributions toward achieving NGNA goals.
Cindy Shemansky travel scholarship
The National Gerontological Nursing Association Travel Scholarship was established to provide assistance to NGNA members who wish to attend the annual convention but who need financial assistance with travel expenses. Each Scholarship is a $1,000 cash award that can be used for registration fees, lodging, and other travel costs. Individuals who have been members of NGNA for at least 1 year are eligible for the Scholarship. Members of the Board of Directors are not eligible for the Scholarship.
NGNA photo contest
Each year NGNA holds a photo contest to identify pictures that promote and highlight positive aspects the older adult population. The NGNA photo contest is open to NGNA members and NGNA Chapters. The contest winner receives a complimentary registration to NGNA's 2005 convention.
2004-2005 board of directors
The members of the Board of Directors for 2004-2005 are as follows:
President: Cindy Shemansky, MEd, RN, C, LNHA, FNGNA
Vice President: Neva L. Crogan, PhD, APRN, BC, FNGNA
President Elect: Robin E. Remsburg, PhD, APRN, BC, FNGNA
Secretary: Victoria Schirm, PhD, RN, CS
Treasurer: Amy Cotton, MS, CS, FNP
Director: Barbara McCabe, PhD, APRN, BC, FNGNA
Director: Anita Siccardi, EdD, APRN, BC
Director: JaNellyn Hannah, BSN, RN, BC, PHN, CDE
Director: Martha Sparks, PhD, RN, GCNS
The NGNA Board of Directors would like to extend thanks to outgoing Board members Shirley Travis and Kay Cresci for their hard work and dedication to the organization. Kay and Shirley were presented plaques in recognition of their service at the 2004 NGNA convention.
News from the chapters
Three new Chapters were chartered in 2004: the Southwest Texas Chapter, Atlanta Area Chapter, and North Carolina Piedmont Regional Chapter. The NGNA Chapter Committee is available to assist NGNA members start a chapter. If you are interested in starting an NGNA chapter, contact Barbara Broxson at the National Office, (800) 723-0560.
Call for NGNA section manuscripts
Calling all NGNA members! We are seeking manuscripts for the NGNA section of Geriatric Nursing. We would like to showcase NGNA members' research studies, clinical projects, and innovative clinical practices. In particular, we are interested in evidenced-based care, translating research into practice, use of new technologies or new applications for established technologies, end-of-life care, effective ways to reduce nursing errors, cost-effective care, innovative staffing strategies, and new care models. Manuscripts that address health care issues for older adults in any setting where gerontological nurses practice (e.g., long-term, acute, ambulatory, and home care) are highly desired. Manuscripts may focus on administration, education, research, clinical practice, community service, or health policy implications.
The NGNA section provides members an opportunity to share their expertise and experience with fellow gerontology nurses. Query letters are welcome (but not necessary). For instructions on manuscript preparation see “Author Guidelines” at www.mosby.com/gerinurs. Send all correspondence and manuscripts to the National Office: NGNA, 7794 Grow Drive, Pensacola, FL 32514; fax: (850) 484-8762; e-mail: ngna@puetzamc.com.
☆ Official section of the National Gerontological Nursing AssociationRobin E. Remsburg, PhD, APRN, BC, FNGNA, and Neva L. Crogan, PhD, APRN, BC, FNGNA, Section Editors
PII: S0197-4572(05)00026-1
doi:10.1016/j.gerinurse.2005.01.008
