ADVOCACY
AWARD
As your Region 4 ABPANC representative, I have been asked to submit an article for your newsletter describing the Advocacy Award.
What is the Advocacy Award?
As described on our website and ABPANC literature, there are certain requirements, one of which is to be certified as a CPAN and/or CAPA nurse. “This nurse exemplifies leadership as a patient advocate. By orchestrating perianesthesia patient care, this certified nurse demonstrates professional knowledge and skills, supplementing them with personal compassion and commitment.”
Close your eyes for a moment and reflect on your career in Perianesthesia nursing. Can you visualize someone you respect who you would like to emulate for their knowledge, skill, caring demeanor, commitment to excellence in perianesthesia nursing and as a true patient advocate?
Patients in our care are most vulnerable and unable to speak for themselves. We are their voice. They are sometimes unable to hear or understand what we have to say. We are their ears and communication process. There are many instances when they cannot communicate their level of pain, when they are too cold, when their blood pressure is too low, when they cannot get enough air, or when they are bleeding. We have ways to determine these events and are the champions that intervene on their behalf. Even though we are champions, there are exceptional people who personify the special qualities of the perianesthesia nurse and stand out in your mind. Now open your eyes and share a story so that we can recognize this special nurse for his/her personal integrity and standard of excellence.
Pat Bouchard, RN, CAPA
ABPANC Board Member
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