Susan Fossum, BSN, RN, CPAN
Sue is the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses’ (ASPAN) Immediate Past President, having just served as ASPAN’s 27th President. She is employed by the University of California-Davis Medical Center in Sacramento as the Educator/Staff Developer for the Same Day Surgery Center Operating Room and PACU. Her role includes: training and orientation of all new staff (RNs/Surgical Technicians/Hospital Assistants/Clerks); weekly education programs for ongoing equipment training and staff competencies; Co-Chair of the OR Nursing Standards Committee; and Chair of PACU Policy/Procedure Committee. She has conducted clinical perianaesthesia nursing research and is published in the Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing and the Association of Operating Room Nurses Journal. Sue holds a Diploma and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, and a U.S. based certification in perianaesthesia nursing care. Her nursing advocacy involvement has included both state and national level initiatives.
Joni M. Brady, MSN, RN, CAPA
Joni is the BARNA Committee’s first International Representative. She was born and raised in New York, where she received a nursing diploma. She has earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Sciences, a Master’s Degree in Nursing, and holds a U.S. based certification in ambulatory anaesthesia nursing. Over the past two decades, Joni has lived in Asia, North America, and is currently residing in Germany. She has worked as a perianaesthesia nurse since 1980 with clinical and management experience in all aspects of anaesthetic care delivery, including: preoperative patient screening, education, testing and preparation; conscious sedation administration; and PACU nursing. She has also practiced with a university-based anaesthesia medical group involved in pain treatment research and interventional pain treatment procedures. Joni is the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses’ (ASPAN) Breathline Editor and a member of ASPAN’s Advocacy Strategic Work Team.
Advocacy in Nursing
Abstract:
Nurses are incredible patient advocates. While few nurses shy away from speaking out for patients’ safety, most nurses are hesitant to become actively involved in important professional nursing advocacy issues. This session will explore: the nursing image and perceptions; a definition of advocacy and its importance to nursing; current healthcare challenges, such as the nursing shortage, workplace safety, and nurse fatigue. We will embark upon “The Road to Political Activism” through a discussion on steps to advocacy and some related barriers and myths.
