Financial help with Conferences, Certification, Advanced Degrees and More

Hello Members,

In keeping with NCAPAN mission of uniting registered nurses in all phases of perianesthesia/peri-procedural care through education, research, and 
standards of practice to promote quality care for patients, families, and the community, the Board of Directors wants to invite you to consider apply for our Memorial Scholarship. We would love to provide financial help to those who are considering attending this year's State Conference or for those thinking about certification or those who are going back to school for advanced degrees and a host of many other opportunities.

Not convinced yet? Hear from one of the recent recipients of the Memorial Scholarship.

Reflections on ASPAN’s 44th National Conference

This year, I had the privilege of attending my ninth ASPAN National Conference—an experience that continues to inspire and energize my professional journey. My first conference was the 29th Annual Meeting in New Orleans in 2010. I vividly remember returning home brimming with enthusiasm, eager to share the wealth of knowledge and innovative ideas I had encountered. Looking back, I now realize how much I’ve grown in understanding how to truly maximize the value of these conferences. With each subsequent event, I’ve gained deeper insight into the many layers of professional development, collaboration, and advocacy that these gatherings offer.

The week begins with the Representative Assembly (RA) on Sunday, a foundational component of the conference. This assembly is where perianesthesia nursing standards, practice recommendations, and interpretive statements are reviewed and voted on by delegates from each component. North Carolina, for example, is represented by two delegates. This year, one of the key topics of discussion was a proposed practice statement regarding waste anesthetic gases (WAG) in the post-anesthesia care unit. The topic sparked robust debate, with compelling arguments presented on both sides. While a final resolution was not reached, the issue will be revisited later this year after further data and insights are collected.

Networking is another invaluable aspect of the conference. ASPAN provides a user-friendly app called Whova, which facilitates connections among attendees with shared interests. I had the opportunity to meet with fellow PreAdmission Testing Managers during an informal evening meetup. Despite being from different states, five of us gathered to discuss common challenges and exchange strategies for improving patient care and team efficiency. Since returning home, we’ve continued our dialogue via email, collaborating on solutions and sharing resources—demonstrating the lasting impact of these professional relationships.

Attending educational sessions is essential. I make it a priority to participate in as many presentations as possible and to engage with medical vendors to stay informed about emerging technologies and best practices. The conference also offers access to recorded sessions, allowing attendees to revisit content or catch up on topics they may have missed. When faced with overlapping sessions, I typically choose the one where I anticipate having questions for the speaker and plan to watch the other later. This approach ensures I stay engaged and make the most of the learning opportunities available.

Finally—and perhaps most importantly—it is vital to bring the knowledge and enthusiasm gained at the conference back to your workplace. Sharing insights with colleagues not only reinforces your own learning but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement and professional excellence. Whether through formal presentations, informal discussions, or collaborative projects, disseminating this information helps elevate the standard of care across your department. Moreover, by championing the value of professional organizations like ASPAN, you encourage others to become active participants in shaping the future of perianesthesia nursing. Your voice matters—use it to advocate for evidence-based practice, patient safety, and the ongoing advancement of our specialty.

If you are interested in applying for a Memorial scholarship, please click here: NCAPAN Memorial Scholarship Application