Summer is in Session
By Jenny Kim
“Summer afternoon—summer afternoon; to me, those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.” - Henry James
Hello GAPNA family! Summer is once again upon us. I hope you are making the most of all that you enjoy about this season. Even though summer is unbearably hot in my neck of the woods (Tennessee), I love the longer days and seeing all the summer-blooming perennials during evening walks in my neighborhood. This is the first summer in three years that our country hasn’t been in a public health emergency, and for that, I am thankful.
Jenny Kim, DNP, GNP-BC, GS-C, FNAP, FAANP
President
jennifer.kim@vanderbilt.edu
2023 has been an excellent year for GAPNA so far. The long-awaited pharmacology conference in Hawaii was all that we had anticipated. There were 595 attendees (471 in-person; 124 virtual). I loved seeing those of you who attended and your friends and families who also made the trip to Honolulu.
I want to extend a big THANK YOU to the pharmacology planning committee for such a fantastic conference. If you could not attend the event, you don’t have to miss out on all the presented content. Go to GAPNA’s Online Library to find Conference Sessions for purchase. All content is now available to view at your leisure.
Many of us found new friends and colleagues at the pharmacology conference. Let’s be sure to stay connected. The GAPNA Exchange is a great way to do that. Use of the Exchange is for GAPNA members only. It’s a great online platform to share information about any related upcoming conferences or to share articles and publications. We have so many experienced APRNs in GAPNA; the Exchange is a great way to seek answers or insight into any clinical questions you have.
Speaking of staying connected, I hope you have been enjoying GAPNA’s “We Are Your People” campaign, which is being shared through social media. I have enjoyed learning more about everyone who has participated. The stories are inspirational and remind me why I love GAPNA so much. Join the campaign! It’s not too late to share your own story.
Mark your calendar
The GAPNA 2023 Annual Conference is September 27-30 in New Orleans, Louisiana. This is the premier conference for gerontological APRNs working in all healthcare settings.
Presentations will include updates on evidence-based management of acute and chronic conditions, gerontological nursing research, and emerging models of care. Aside from the educational content, New Orleans is home to Café Du Monde (beignets!) and some amazing Cajun and Creole cuisine favorites (jambalaya, gumbo, & turtle soup).
Our annual conference always wraps up with an awards ceremony, during which the recipients of the GAPNA Excellence Awards and GAPNA Foundation Awards are announced. It’s not too late to nominate a GAPNA colleague for an award (deadline: June 1, 2023).
Thank you for your continued commitment to this fantastic organization. I look forward to seeing you all in New Orleans.
Jenny Kim, DNP, GNP-BC, GS-C, FNAP, FAANP
President
jennifer.kim@vanderbilt.edu