|
A few visionary PeriAnesthesia nurses formed the Nursing Specialty Interest Group "MAPAN" in the early 1980's. The main objectives at that time were very similar to those we follow today:
1. To study, discuss and exchange knowledge, experience and ideas in the field of PeriAnesthesia nursing.
2. To develop and promote standards for high quality patient care in the PeriAnesthesia period.
3. To promote continuing education to support our standards of PeriAnesthesia nursing practice.
4. Personal and professional development.
5. To provide representation for perianesthesia nursing at the Provincial and National levels.
6. To foster cooperation and liaise with all groups involved in or impacting the objectives of MAPAN at the Provincial, National and International levels.
As a fledgling organization, MAPAN looked to ASPAN as a resource early in our development. ASPAN welcomed our interest, and in 1989 Manitoba accepted an invitation to the ASPAN's Board of Directors. Manitoba's members officially became ASPAN's Charter Members. Jan Borlase (one of MAPAN's founding members) participated on the Board of Directors for four years. A committee of Winnipeg and Selkirk nurses realized the importance of "Peri-Anesthesia Nurses Standards for Care". These nurses collaborated to develop the first in Canada "PACU Standards and Guidelines for Nursing Care" in 1991.
In 1996, MAPAN voted to relinquish the ASPAN Charter and place all our resources into forming a Canadian National Association. By the next year, Manitoba and Ontario conducted a Canadian national survey to document interest in the formation of a National Organization and the pursuit of Certification. In the fall of 1998, interested PeriAnesthesia Nurses from across Canada united in Winnipeg to lay the framework for development of the Steering Committee to form our national association.
MAPAN's mission is to foster education. MAPAN focuses on research and evidence based best practice in PeriAnesthesia nursing by hosting bi-monthly education sessions, weekend workshops and conferences. With the support of the profits earned during fundraising events, MAPAN has maintained an "Education Fund". Since 1993, the fund has financially supported many members. This fund was created to promote continuing education in the field of perianesthesia nursing. To date, members have been able to attend National and International conference and Board of Directors meetings related to Canadian activities. Individual learning opportunities to benefit the MAPAN organization such as budget and computer courses have also been supported. MAPAN is very proud to present an Annual Recognition Award to a deserving member. This award recognizes a member's outstanding contribution to the MAPAN organization or to the specialty of perianesthesia nursing.
MAPAN was honoured to host the 7th Annual National Conference in 2008 in Winnipeg. What a success! The MAPAN Code Blue Dance Troupe were featured at the last two NAPANc conferences. Come to Toronto in May (23, 24), 2009 to see if they reprise their talents.
We have been very fortunate to have Melanie Connors (Co-Chair of the NAPANc Standards Committee since 2004) hosting our new Journal Club meetings.
MAPAN consists of 75 strong members. Our goal this year is to increase our Rural membership and attendance to our many functions throughout the year. In the future, MAPAN will be conducting a review and revision of our Constitution and Bylaws.
Our Annual General Meeting is scheduled for early May. Elections will be held to fill vacant positions on our Executive Committee for the 2009-2010 business year.
The current MAPAN Executive Committee is:
President: Alice Kotelko (on a leave of absence until April, 2009)
Interim President: Colleen Weppler (until April, 2009)
Past-President: Colleen Weppler
Secretary: Christine Richardson
Treasurer: Nadine Scholl
Education Committee: Joyce Maksymetz and Janice Giasson
If you are interested in becoming a MAPAN member, please complete this MAPAN Membership Application Form and mail it to the address indicated on the form. We welcome any questions about MAPAN and invite you to contact Colleen Weppler at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
|
