We are laying the framework for plastic and aesthetic nursing education and promoting continued learning by offering scholarships and grants that will in turn improve patient care and the plastic and aesthetic nursing profession. Your charitable giving will help us achieve new milestones such as creating online continuing education offerings and supporting and celebrating the achievements and dedication of a number of plastic surgical nurses.
With your contribution, we will be able to raise and disseminate funding for educational and research activities related to plastic and aesthetic nursing to further advance the care of our patients. And that is something truly remarkable.
Lana Krupnik RN, CPSN, RNC-MN, CBC

Lana Krupnik RN, CPSN,
RNC-MN, CBC
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I have been a nurse for 16.5 years, and during my career as a medical professional, I have gotten certified as Plastic Surgical nurse. I enjoy taking care of people who are getting ready or have been through surgery and need exceptional care to promote recovery. In addition, I have been a member of ISPAN for several years. This an outstanding organization with amazing leadership that provides an opportunity for learning and professional development. ISPAN provides unity and inclusion not just for the nurses of the United States, but for the plastic aesthetic nurses around the world.
In October 2017 during the 43rd Annual convention I had a pleasure to be a recipient of the Career Development Award from PSNF in the beautiful Orlando, Florida. As a recipient of the award I had an amazing opportunity to be part of ISPSN and to attend plastic surgery conventions. I was able to participate in different activities and the workshops. My favorite was a suture workshop where I was able to learn different styles of the surgical wound closures. In addition, attendance to the conference and different presentations (reconstructive and aesthetic), gave me an opportunity to stay current on with the advances in reconstructive and esthetic surgery fields as well as acquire needed expertise in the field of Plastic surgery nursing. Moreover, during the convention I had a pleasure to meet different nurses with whom I stay in touch and share professional knowledge. As the Career Development Award recipient, I can share my knowledge with my co-workers to provide better, safer, and more effective patient care. I am confident that my workplace continues to benefit from the knowledge and experience I gained by attending Plastic Surgical conferences. Advancement in the procedures and quick changes in the field of plastic/reconstructive and an esthetic nursing requires proper dissemination of the evidence-based information. Therefore, this year I am an active participant at my Work place, Highland Park Hospital, where I collaborate with educators and managers of different units to prepare an educational program for the new and existing nursing staff. During the required skills day on our unit (LDRP women services), I am responsible of educating 48 nurses in two-day period and throughout the year the new staff to our unit. In the future, my organization would like to have the program accredited for continue education (CE) hours for the attended nurses.
In conclusion, the Professional Development Award provided an opportunity by staying current with my certification and as a part of ISPAN I will be able to continue to grow as a person and as a professional plastic surgical nurse. In the future I am planning to continue my education and acquire CANS certification. I believe each person needs to enrich themselves and ensure that their knowledge is benefiting not only patients, but everyone involved in the ISPAN organization and healthcare industry.
I would like to thank the president of ISPAN Georgia Elmassian, MSN, MA, APRN, CPSN, CFLE and the president of the PSNCB Renee Hinojosa, MSN, APRN, CPSN, CANS, and all the staff that make it possible for the career development.
Sincerely,
Lana Krupnik RN, CPSN, RNC-MN, CBC
Michele McCullough RN, CPSN

Michele McCullough RN, CPSN
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I was pleasantly surprised when I received notification that I was receiving one of the 2017 PSNF Career Development Awards. I was honored to be chosen as one of the recipients. I want to express my sincere gratitude for this award. As part of the award, I had the opportunity to attend the Cadaver Workshop: Exploring Facial Muscles and Blood Vessels in Orlando. I was more than thrilled as I had never attended a cadaver workshop. I am not a nurse injector but I do care for patients who receive Botox and fillers. It was so interesting to see the anatomy up close and personal. It was a great experience and I encourage members to sign up early as this will sell out again this year.
Since the conference in Orlando I have been very busy working with ISPAN leadership. I transitioned from committee member to co-chair of the Membership Enhancement Committee (MEH) along with Anne Bechtold. Our committee has put together a membership trifold (look for it on the website), started a membership drive, secured some fabulous prizes and new benefits for our members. More information will be announced later this summer.
I am also a member of the Scientific Sessions Planning Committee for the conference in Chicago this Fall. This is an exciting committee who puts their heart into planning a great conference year after year. I hope everyone has the chance to attend this year's conference. You won’t be disappointed and Chicago is such a great city to explore.
Over the past six months, I have worked with several amazing leaders from ISPAN. Georgia Elmassian has been a great mentor and I love her passion. She has been a great resource for me over these past six months. Georgia is one of a kind and I am so lucky to have this opportunity to work with her. Thank you, Georgia!
Because of my involvement in ISPAN I was recently recognized by my nursing director as a leader in nursing. Since joining ISPAN back in 2013, I became a certified Plastic Surgery Nurse (CPSN), member of the Membership Committee, co-chair of the now Membership Engagement Committee (MEH), member of Scientific Sciences Planning Committee and recipient of PSNF Career Development Award.
This award has done so much more that I could have even imagined. I cannot thank you enough for believing in me and giving me this opportunity.
Sincerely,
Michele McCullough RN, CPSN