President s Report. Volume 26, Fall Inside this issue: Introducing our new CAAPN logo!! President s Report. Provincial Partnership Update

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1 Volume 26, Fall 2008 Canadian Association of Advanced Practice Nurses Volume 26 Fall 2008 President s Report W elcome to Fall! So often the fall feels like the beginning of the New Year as school gets started and vacation time is finished. I hope that all of you were able to engage in some rest and recovery over the summer months and are ready to start the busy fall season. CAAPN executive has been hard at work over the spring and summer with both the Canadian Nurses Association s 100 year anniversary and the International Nurse Practitioner/Advanced Practice Nursing Network 5th Biennial conference co-hosted by CAAPN. Introducing our new CAAPN logo!! Inside this issue: President s Report 1 The CAAPN executive took the opportunity of the CNA conference in Ottawa to gather face-to-face and engage in a strategic planning session with an external facilitator. Five of the CAAPN executive and one of the co-chairs of the CNS council were present for the one day session. Please read (Continued on page 5) Provincial Partnership Update 2 Conference Updates 3 Treasurer s Report 4 APNs from Sea to Sea 6 APNs: Making a difference! 8 Canadian Nurses Association: 100 years 9 Strategic Planning 10 CAAPN President ~ Cynthia Struthers accepting plaque on behalf of CAAPN for commemorating the 100 years of CNA and CAAPN s involvement as an associate member of CNA

2 C a n a d i a n A s s o c i a t i o n o f A d v a n c e d P r a c t i c e N u r s e s Page 2 Treasurer s Report DISCUSSION OF HE 2008 BUDGET Our cash position at year-end (2007) was an overall deficit of $5, (This included the $10, GIC) Revenue for 2008 DISCUSSION OF THE 2008 STATEMENT OF REVENUE AND EXPENSES I am very pleased to report that the 2008 fiscal year is turning out to be much better financially than your Executive had anticipated. Overall, on the Revenue side, CAAPN has had an increased in revenues due to several reasons. An increase in the number of provincial partners The CAAPN 2007 Conference in Banff was a tremendous success and provided CAAPN with much needed revenue ($25,254.00). The revenue budget for 2008 was conservative and we continue to work towards achieving the goals set out in the 2008 budget. We have a projected surplus of $29, for 2008 however with the increased revenues from the CAAPN 2007 Conference in Banff ($25,254.00) and a projected surplus from INPAPNN 2008, the overall surplus maybe a little higher. Membership dollars remain at a similar level to 2007 with approximately $7600 received to date however several of our provincial partner s membership fees are not due until late summer or early fall. This will allow us to reach target and maintain current membership revenues. Our current membership stands at approximately 400 members with five provincial partners and one province in the process of joining CAAPN. CAAPN has a $10, GIC invested at 4.00% (maturity date February 2009) The CAAPN executive has invested an additional $25, in a short term investment for one year at 2.5%. Advertising continues to provide revenues $ Internet Secure Hold Back funds $ (online transactions memberships, conference registrations) (Continued on page 3)

3 C a n a d i a n A s s o c i a t i o n o f A d v a n c e d P r a c t i c e N u r s e s Page 3 Treasurer s Report (continued) Expenditures CAAPN communication continues to be the major expenditure. Teleconferences with Provincial Partners, NPCC and CNS Councils of Canada and monthly Executive meetings ($926.00) CAAPN executive, CNS Council of Canada and NP Council of Canada representatives undertook a strategic planning day which consisted of a face-to-face meeting with a paid facilitator at an estimated cost of $ The International Nurse Practitioner-Advanced Practice Nursing Conference (INPAPNN) in Toronto in September 2008 which CAAPN and CNA are co-hosting may also impact our budget. CAAPN will sponsor a musical session at the opening INPAPNN ceremonies ($800.00) and additional expenses maybe incurred for the President and Executive membership to attend. Internet Secure transaction fees ($524.00). Liability Insurance ($680.00) The future looks very exciting for the CAAPN membership. We need a fiscally sound organization to move forward and meet the needs of all CAAPN members. The Executive continues to manage your funds in a prudent and fiscally responsible manner Biennial Conference Sept 30th Oct 2nd St. John s, NL Details to follow at Call for Abstracts December 2009 Contact: Beverley McIsaac bevmcisaac@nl.rogers.com

4 C a n a d i a n A s s o c i a t i o n o f A d v a n c e d P r a c t i c e N u r s e s Page 4 Treasurer s Report (continued) PROVINCE Membership Update We would to also ask that all members to visit the CAAPN website and update your membership information. It is an easy process and important to MEM- BERSHIP *Nova Scotia NPANS 52 *Newfoundland & Labrador NLNPSIG 44 *CNSIG Ontario 210 *BC CNS PPG 25 *Alberta NPAA 46 having an updated database of advanced practice nurses in Canada. There is key information that we would like to have on each member (current role, employer, affiliation with associate groups, education, etc). The CAAPN website has undergone changes in the past year and has new features to better serve the membership. Members are able to renew memberships online, new members can register and pay directly online. There is a message board and an excellent forum for advanced practice issues. Individual Memberships: PEI 1 NWT/NT -2 SASK- 3 NB- 1 Alberta 1 Ontario 8 BC 1 NS 1 Quebec 1 Manitoba To logon, go to and on the left column click membership which will take you to a login page. Your login name is the first letter of your name and last name (e.g.: bmcisaac). For some members your password is your postal code in reverse or the same as your login name. Once you enter the member s only area, you will be prompted to change your password, please do so. If you are unable to access your membership, please me and I will check your login and password and send directly to you or the administrator will forward it on my behalf. My is: bevmcisaac@nl.rogers.com MEMBERSHIP TOTAL: 398 Respectfully submitted, Beverley McIsaac Membership & Treasurer PLEASE.Keep your information on the CAAPN website current!

5 Page 5 C a n a d i a n A s s o c i a t i o n o f A d v a n c e d P r a c t i c e N u r s e s President s Report (Continued) (Continued from page 1) the section on the strategic planning and provide us with feedback. Also at the CNA meeting, CAAPN represented all of you as we revised a resolution brought to the meeting by Nurse Practitioner Association of Ontario. Please see the article on wording of the new resolution passed by CNA representatives. I wish you the best for a successful and healthy fall... In regard to our mandate to grow CAAPN to include new provincial groups, I am pleased to announce that we have signed up two new provincial groups. Welcome Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan! Please see the announcement on the next few pages welcoming these groups. And finally, the INP/APNN conference cohosted by CAAPN and CNA was a huge success. We had 640 delegates from over 31 nations, the largest INP/APNN conference to date. CAAPN showed the world that Canadian Advanced Practice Nurses rock! We continue to work hard on your behalf with much advocacy for roles of Advanced Practice Nurses and contribute to many requests for information about how Advanced Nursing Practice can improve client care and the profession of nursing. It is not too soon to mark your calendars for the upcoming 2009 CAAPN conference to be held in St. John s NL, September 30-October 2, Call for abstracts will be out in December We will be looking for new executive members and resolutions to the CAAPN organization. Please check the website for upcoming details Cynthia Struthers RN, MScN, APN President, CAAPN CAAPN Executive Board Members President: Cynthia Struthers, RN, MScN, APN clstruthers@rogers.com Past-President: Karen Antoni, RN, MHSc, APN antoni@uniserve.com President-Elect: Barbara Waters, RN, NP, MN Treasurer/Membership Coordinator: Beverley McIsaac, RN, NP, MN (ANP) bevmcisaac@nl.rogers.com Secretary: Lynn Miller, RN, MN, PHC-NP mamagoose@warp.nfld.net Communications Director: Arlene A. Sardo, RN (EC), NP, MS(ACNP), ENC(C), CCN(C) arlenesardo@gmail.com

6 C a n a d i a n A s s o c i a t i o n o f A d v a n c e d P r a c t i c e N u r s e s Page 6 APNs reporting from... Nurse Practitioner Association of Alberta (NPAA) Fall 2008 Report T he past year has been a year of stabilization and growth for the Nurse Practitioner Association of Alberta. With Raj Seyon s leadership, the organization worked hard to create an infrastructure to follow for years to come. This included work on the redesign of our website, the creation of a paper trail and focusing our goal and objectives. This has helped to stabilize the organization and has increased our membership to over 70 members. In June, we held our AGM in Edmonton. Raj Seyon completed her term as president and passed the reins to Gwen Moncayo. The AGM was followed by a well attended Education Day covering a broad cross section of topics including 3-minute empowerment, casting, McMaster modules and new dementia guidelines. A highlight was our Issues Lunch with Donna Hogg from CARNA. Next year s Education Day is tentatively booked for the same location (Radisson Hotel Edmonton South) on the 5 th & 6 th of June, Our next major activity is our Visioning Day. It is planned for October 18 th in Red Deer. At this meeting we review our goals and objectives and create an action plan for the year. One focus the membership has identified is the marketing of the NP role in Alberta. This meeting is also about networking and support. The future is looking bright for the NPAA. Soon our new website will be up and running. The bursary process will be established within the Alberta Registered Nurses Educational Trust. Finally, we will also continue to discuss practice issues with CARNA. For more information on the NPAA, please feel free to contact Gwen Moncayo NP contactnpaa@gmail.com Clinical Nurse Specialist Interest Group (CNSIG) T of Ontario - News he Clinical Nurse Specialist Interest Group (CNSIG) of Ontario supports the role of advanced nursing practice in Ontario through the provision of professional networking opportunities and educational development activities for its members. Among the goals of CNSIG is the clarification and promotion of the role of the clinical nurse specialist as an advanced practice nurse within the nursing profession and among other health care professionals, health care employers, consumers and policy makers. CNSIG held its annual general meeting on Saturday, April 12, 2008 in Markham, Ontario. Our current membership is 228 members. Presently, CNSIG is in the process of reviewing and updat-

7 C a n a d i a n A s s o c i a t i o n o f A d v a n c e d P r a c t i c e N u r s e s Page 7 (Continued from page 6) ing its website. CNSIG & the Nursing Research Interest Group (NRIG) of RNAO jointly held an educational activity during their respective AGM. Denise Bryant- Lukosius, Assistant Professor with the School of Nursing at McMaster University and senior researcher for the CHSRF/CIHR Chair in Advanced Practice Nursing (APN). Her presentation focused on : Developing a program of research in APN. CNSIG is hosting an educational activity entitled : Clinical Nurse Specialist: Role Clarification on Thursday September 25, 2008 from 7:00pm- 9:00pm at the Ursaki Auditorium, located in the Norman-Appleton Building, 160 Sherway; this building is located in the back of the Trillium Health Centre West Toronto Site. Admission is free. Please Mitzi Mitchell (CNSIG Director o f Membership & Education) a t mitzi.mitchell@rogers.com to confirm your attendance. All CNS s are welcome! The goals of this activity are to generate ideas regarding CNS role clarity and to network with other members and the executive. Newfoundland-Labrador Nurse Practitioner Special T Interest Group (NLNPSIG) he NLNPSIG held another successful provincial conference in June During the annual AGM, the NLNPSIG members elected a new executive which includes: Sueann Kean, President, Denise Cahill, Vice President, Michelle Whittle, Secretary and Antoinette Cabot as Treasurer. Karen Oldford has completed her 2 year term as president and is now providing support to the new executive as the past president. The new executive held their first meeting in July and with the help of their members identified 2 priorities for the upcoming year. Firstly, NLNPSIG would like to increase their membership to include most practicing NPs in NL. Secondly, they would like to further market and promote the role of NP's in NL. While NPs have been active in NL since 1998, it is felt that there is still a lack of understanding for the role and hence underutilization of the role. The NLNPSIG is continuing to work with the NL Nurses union and the Association of Registered Nurses of NL to develop a marketing plan. Carmen Rodrigue, RN, BScN, MSc, CPMHN(C) President Clinical Nurse Specialist Interest Group of Ontario carmen.marc@sympatico.ca NLNPSIG is also excited to be partnering with CAAPN to plan and host the 2009 CAAPN conference in St. John's!!! So maintain a watch for the call for abstracts in December 2008! If you have any questions, please feel free to me. Sueann Kean NLNPSIG President

8 C a n a d i a n A s s o c i a t i o n o f A d v a n c e d P r a c t i c e N u r s e s Page 8 Advanced Spotlight on Practices an APN in Action! Nurses: Making a Difference! Submitted by Bev McIsaac 2008 marks the Centennial Celebration of the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA). To mark this historic event, CNA created a onetime award to celebrate 100 exceptional registered nurses whose personal and professional contributions have made an outstanding and significant impact on the nursing profession. The Canadian Association of Advanced Practice Nurses (CAAPN) nominated Madge Applin, Vice President, Community Services, Alberta Health Services - Northern Lights Health. On November 26, 2008 the presentation and closing celebrations will take place in Ottawa. Madge Applin, Vice President, Community Services, Alberta Health Services - Northern Lights Health Madge s nursing career began at the age of 21, having graduated from The Grace General Hospital, St. John s. She has worked in advance practice, education, administration and research. Madge has advocated professionally and politically for healthcare reform and the integration and sustainability of the advanced practice nursing role in Canada. Madge has served as President- Elect and President of the Association of Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador, and as Associate Director of The Centre for Nursing Studies, where she developed and implemented the first Primary Healthcare Nurse Practitioner Program in Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2004, Madge was Manager of the Canadian Nurse Practitioner Initiative, Legislation and Regulation Task Force, developing a strategic implementation plan for sustained integration of the nurse practitioner role. As the CNA states on its website, This project has had far reaching deliverables for nurse practitioners, advanced practice nurses and ultimately improved health care for Canadians. Madge s passion and dedication to her profession has been a source of inspiration for countless individuals and groups, portraying not only what nursing is, but rather, what nursing can and should be; her positive outlook, allows her to view the raw potential in a situation, often commenting that anything is doable. This feature will be a new addition to the CAAPN Newsletter, highlighting advanced practice nurses who are making a difference. On behalf all CAAPN Members, we congratulate Madge on being selected as one of the 100 exceptional nurses, receiving The CNA Centennial Award.

9 Page 9 C a n a d i a n A s s o c i a t i o n o f A d v a n c e d P r a c t i c e N u r s e s Canadian Nurses Association: 100 years! Canadian Nurses Association: 100 th year Annual Meeting and Conference June 14-18, 2008, Ottawa, ON A s CAAPN president I attended the CNA conference and annual meeting in Ottawa in June, Attached to this significant 100 th year event is the CNA Associate/Affiliate/Emerging Groups (AAE). There are forty AAE of which CAAPN is one. We have 2 representatives on the CNA Board (one of whom is Sandra Easson- Bruno, former CAAPN president). CNA is very interested in the concerns and issues raised by the AAE s therefore it is important that we actively engage with this group. We meet via teleconference quarterly throughout the year and face-toface every 2 years. This year being the 100 th year of CNA we were honoured with a plaque acknowledging the participation of CAAPN in the Centennial Celebrations. I accepted this token on your behalf. The overall event was filled with celebrating the many milestones for nursing in Canada over the past 100 years. A commemorative stamp issued by Canada Post honouring nursing was released at the conference. CAAPN executive was present at many of the events throughout the 4 days and we brought our best wishes to CNA for this momentous occasion. At the annual meeting I noticed that there was a resolution brought forward from Nurse Practitioners of Ontario (NPAO) by Registered Nurses of Ontario (RNAO). Since this resolution spoke to the federal barriers to practice for Nurse Practitioners, it was important that CAAPN be key in collaborating on this resolution. After some discussion with NPAO, I brought forward an amended the resolution which was unanimously passed by the assembly. The original resolution read: BE IT RESOLVED, That the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario and the Nurse Practitioners Association of Ontario request that the Canadian Nurses Association consult with all jurisdictions to identify federal barriers to NP practice. BE IF FUTHER RESOLVED That the Canadian Nurses Association then lobby the federal government to remove these barriers to practice. The amended resolution read: BE IT Resolved. Request the Canadian Nurses Association in collaboration with the Canadian Association of Advanced Practice Nurses (CAAPN). BE IT FURTHER resolved.that Canadian Nurses Association in collaboration with CAAPN then lobby the federal government This is a great example of lobbying on your behalf regarding Advanced Practice Nursing. Stayed tuned for future developments on this issue.

10 C a n a d i a n A s s o c i a t i o n o f A d v a n c e d P r a c t i c e N u r s e s Strategic Planning: CAAPN Moving forward! Page 10 Strategic Planning Strategic Planning: The CAAPN executive decided we needed to undertake a strategic planning session facilitated by an outside expert to help us set align our direction for the future. In preparation for the strategic planning day the provincial groups and the 2 councils, were asked to contribute 3 key areas of concern for APNs in the future. The CAAPN executive along with a representative from the CNS council and Nurse Practitioner Council met in Ottawa (we capitalized on the fact the CNA biennial conference was in Ottawa and many of the CAAPN executive were attending this conference). On June , the services of Ambire Inc. were retained to support CAAPN in their strategic planning process. This included the facilitation of a one day session that focused on further defining the strategic planning building blocks (vision, mission and values) and identifying key results areas. The CAAPN Executive participated in a SWOT exercise. A SWOT Analysis looks at an organization s internal capacities, competencies and resources (Strengths and Weaknesses) as well as external Opportunities and Threats (originating from outside the organization). Participants were asked to reflect on the past months and respond to the following questions: What has been surprising? What has been energizing? What does the organization need to pay closer attention to? and, What could be detrimental to the organization ( do us in )? We generated a list of items which then led us to the next exercise in the planning process. We worked to answer and organize the following questions: What are the most important challenges facing our Association, during the next 3-5 years, especially over the next 18 months? Each issue was to be described in terms of a question. (For example, -- What can we do about? How will we respond to? How do we? ) The outcome of this exercise led to the identification of 4 critical issues for CAAPN. A SWOT Analysis looks at an organization s internal capacities, competencies and resources (Strengths and Weaknesses) as well as external Opportunities and Threats (originating from outside the organization).

11 Page 11 Ca a n a dii a n A s s o c i a tti io n n oof f AAd vd av na cn ecd e Pd rpa cr ta i cte i cn e u rn sue s r s e s Strategic Planning (Continued) Page 11 (Continued from Page 10) Strategic Issues #1: An organization that is well designed and well structured; (infrastructure, resources, processes) Partner with other emerging advance practice areas on related issues e.g. Nurse Anesthesia, Peri-operative Nursing Group Get front and centre on CNA-led advanced practice nursing issues Work more closely with CNA and align with their goals Identify the key players we need to engage with at the national, provincial and territorial levels Address resource issues as an executive committee Strategic Issue #2: An organization that communicates clearly and works well together Synergize our efforts to focus on clarifying the role and scope of the advanced practice nurse rather than focus on the differences between the various roles such as NP or CNS Contribute to the definition of advance practice nursing role (role clarity) Ensure that the words nurse specialist is not utilized by non-nurse specialists Ensure that CNSs are present and visible and improving heath care outcomes as part of the health care team Address emerging roles that are part of the changing landscape of the health care team (physician assistant, nurse anesthetist, other advanced practice roles in allied health) Support the CNS role in the health care system, at national tables and with the public Strategic Issue #3: An organization that is responsive to its membership Identify strategies on how we can engage our membership Address the relationship challenges between NP and CNS Promote CAAPN nationally to increase membership and gain recognition Identify strategies that we can use to have our members feel they have real value - that CAAPN membership is a need to do not a nice to do Engage APNs as equal partners Engage with the provincial partners on meaningful provincial and national APN and nursing issues Ensure that our members provide accurate, honest feedback about the value they are receiving from CAAPN (Continued on page 12)

12 C a n a d i a n A s s o c i a t i o n o f A d v a n c e d P r a c t i c e N u r s e s Strategic Planning (Continued) Page 12 Page 12 (Continued from page 11) Discover what our members expect from their association Better demonstrate to our members that we are representing them and what CAAPN s role truly is Provide evidence to the membership that CAAPN is proactive and action oriented (i.e. that there is movement on the issues that matter to them?) Strategic Issue #4: An organization that is valued as a partner Bring the remaining non-member APNs into CAAPN Continue to increase membership so we have provincial partners from each province and territory Mission An organizational mission statement describes the overall purpose of an organization while answering the question, Why do we exist? CAAPN Mission Statement CAAPN is a formal interest group of the CNA. It exists to support its members and promote/ influence the development/growth and integration of Advanced Practice Nursing in health care systems. Vision A vision statement provides a compelling and inspiring picture of an organization and its clients, at some point in the future. It seeks to answer the questions where are we going and what do we want to achieve? Support the development of CNS and APNs in provinces without a provincial body As we get bigger, create infrastructure to support the work of the organization to meet the mission vision Move forward on the vision or mission Get organized to support the work of our valued partners. Ensure that CAAPN is seen as a valuable partner Since it had been over 3 years since CAAPN executive had looked at its mission and vision, we examined these statements and decided we needed to revise the existing statements. Listed are the revised statements: CAAPN Vision Statement CAAPN is recognized as the national leader for Advanced Nursing Practice. These roles incorporate the domains of clinical practice, research, leadership and consultation/ collaboration. Values Values answer the question, "What are the basic beliefs that we share as an organization? They are beliefs (guiding principles) which the organization's members hold in common and endeavour to put into practice. The following values guide the work of CAAPN and are key to implementing the vision. (Continued on page 13)

13 Page 13 C ac na nd aida in a n AAs s so oc ci i at tii o n o f A d v a n cce ed d PPr ar ca tc itc ie c e N un rus er s e s Strategic Planning (Continued) Page 13 CAAPN Values Respect -- CAAPN s actions are guided by the belief that all individuals should be valued and respected Supportive -- CAAPN is supportive of its members and fosters collaboration and relationship building within a framework of respect and understanding. Shared voice -- CAAPN speaks with one shared voice on advanced practice nursing issues Inclusive -- CAAPN is open to all advanced practice nurses in Canada and values diverse perspectives As an executive, we were energized by the strategic planning session and after a brief rest over the summer months we are eager to tackle the next steps. We hope that CAAPN members will review the goals, mission, vision and values and provide us with feedback on how you see this will the organization meet your needs and advanced practice nursing in Canada. Transparency -- CAAPN values the importance of maintaining trust by being accountable and transparent in its conduct. In addition to the work listed, the strategic planning process engaged the executive in the beginnings of an operational design, i.e. task we need to tackle in order to meet our strategic goals. We received a summary document from the facilitator which will help the executive to focus its work over the coming year and into the future. Members of the INP/APNN Planning Conference Committee flank keynote speaker Stephanie Ferguson and Chief Executive Officer Loucille Aufrey.

14 C a n a d i a n A s s o c i a t i o n o f A d v a n c e d P r a c t i c e N u r s e s Introducing our newest Provincial Partners! Page 14 C AAPN is pleased to welcome the Nurse Practitioner Association of Nova Scotia (NPANS) and the Nurse Practitioner Association of Saskatchewan (NPAS) to the CAAPN Association. Both of these provincial partners are excited to join with their other existing provincial partners bringing CAAPN to 6 provincial partner groups; British Columbia Clinical Nurse Specialist Group, Clinical Nurse Specialist Interest Group of Ontario, Nurse Practitioner Association of Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador Nurse Practitioner Specialist Interest Group. We are pleased to have greater representation across the nation and continue to dialogue with provincial groups who are not block members of CAAPN regarding the benefits of joining CAAPN. Again please join us in welcoming Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan to CAAPN. If you belong to an Advanced Practice Nursing group and would be interested in finding out more about joining CAAPN please see the benefits listed below. Please contact any member of the executive to find out more about the process. We are stronger united together. 5th Biennial ICN INP/APNN Conference, Toronto, ON: Dr. Alba Dicenso moderating the international panel of experts on APN Models of Evaluation including: Dorothy Brooten, USA Denise Bryant-Lukosius, Canada Jessica Corner, UK and Ruth M. Kleinpell, USA.

15 Page 15 C a n a d i a n A s s o c i a t i o n o f A d v a n c e d P r a c t i c e N u r s e s INP/APNN Conference Submitted by Karen Antoni C NA and CAAPN were the proud co-hosts of The 5th International NP/APN Network (INP/ APNN) Conference, which was held in Toronto Sept 17-20th. Conference theme "Maximizing Health, Celebrating Collaboration and Promoting Innovation" set the stage for over 650 registrants from 31 different countries who attended the conference. Scientific program co-chairs Dr. Alba DiCenso and Dr. Denise Bryant- Lukosius organized the pre-conference workshop and also worked with the abstract selection committee to provide an impressive line up of concurrent sessions and poster presentations. Clinical Nurse Specialists and NPs working in Primary Heath Care as well as in specialty practice shared their research and also new and innovative practice strategies with colleagues. Nurses). You could hear a pin drop during Stephen Lewis's closing address as he provided a very articulate global perspective highlighting the magnitude of basic human health needs that are as yet unmet for many people, especially women. Congratulations to the conference co-chair's Sandra Easson-Bruno (CAAPN) and Christine Rieck Buckley (CNA) and their committee for an outstanding event. Keynote speaker Stephanie Ferguson opened with a visionary presentation and challenged us all as advanced practice nurses to use our knowledge, power and commitment to our patients to simplify care delivery and subsequently improve patient outcomes. Leaders in Advanced Practice Nursing such as Ann Hamrick, Dorothy Brooten, Denise Bryant-Lukosius and Ruth Kleinpell raised important issues and offered valuable insight during panel discussions. CNA Chief Executive Officer Loucille Aufrey referred to nurses as a "force for health" (a term borrowed from the International Council of CAAPN President Cynthia Struthers proudly carrying in the Canadian flag during the Opening Ceremonies of the 5th Biennial INP/APNN Conference in Toronto, Ontario. The next Biennial INPAPNN will take place in Brisbane, Australia in September Start thinking about your abstract submission and funding options!