NCAPAN President's Message 3rd Quarter 2025
Posted about 11 hours ago by Kathy Sandel
NCAPAN President's Message 3rd Quarter 2025
Do you smell it? Pumpkin spice, the scent of burning wood, hazelnut candles, and white chicken chili simmering on the stove—these aromas instantly bring back memories of time spent with family and friends, and the joys of fall activities.
This September 20th and 21st, I joined colleagues from across the state at the NCAPAN State Conference in Winston-Salem, hosted by the TAPAN District. The event was fantastic, filled with informative speakers who also brought plenty of humor to their sessions. A special thank you to Shannon Lane and Mandy Crabb for their outstanding coordination and attention to detail, ensuring the conference was a success. They, along with the dedicated TAPAN volunteers, truly made everything run seamlessly. I’m also grateful to Andrew Wyatt-Younger for his behind-the-scenes work with NCNA, which allowed us to offer ten contact hours to all attendees.
We design our presentations based on member feedback and educational needs assessments, so you receive exactly what you need to support critical thinking and evidence-based care. This year’s conference included sessions on pain management innovations, the latest patient safety protocols, and leadership development in perianesthesia nursing. The opportunity to network and witness our members’ enthusiasm always reignites my passion for learning and advancing our specialty.
One of my favorite moments was reconnecting with colleagues. These moments of camaraderie remind me why I cherish being part of this community of professionals. What an honor to call myself a nurse and a perianesthesia nurse at that!
We also took time to honor valuable board members who are retiring at the end of this year: Marche Tucker (Past President), Kathy Sandel (Director of Communications), Robin Davis (Primary Nurse Planner), and Ashley Whittington (Secretary). Each of these dedicated nurses has given years of expertise and passion to the NCAPAN Board and to the advancement of perianesthesia nursing.
On Sunday morning, we presented several awards: Recruiter of the Year to Gwendolyn Newton for recruiting the most nurses to ASPAN in 2024; President’s Awards to Marche Tucker and Jennifer White for their steadfast support and encouragement; and NCAPAN Nurse of the Year to Michelle Moerk, an exemplary resource, team player, and role model for her colleagues at the VA Hospital in Asheville. Please join me in celebrating these outstanding individuals.
At the Board of Directors’ meeting held before the conference, we discussed ASPAN’s future, strategies for increasing participation in both ASPAN and NCAPAN, and ways to enhance member value. Reports from all board areas show that North Carolina is thriving in every aspect of our membership. It is because of all of you that we work hard to be your voice at meetings, conferences, and when meeting with administration.
Thank you all for everything you do each day! Whether you support patients directly or work behind the scenes, your dedication and contributions to their surgical and procedural journeys are truly valued. Together, we make a meaningful difference—your commitment is an honor and a gift to our community.