Charting the Path Ahead: GAPNA's Vision and Initiatives Under New President
By Ann Kriebel-Gasparro
“Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.” - Eleanor Roosevelt
As I begin my year as President of GAPNA, I am excited about many things GAPNA is involved in planning, and moving forward on. The Pharmacology Conference is coming up in March 21-23, 2024, at the Chicago Hilton. The opportunity to immerse in pharmacology credits for older adults is important.
For those who are taking the Geriatric Specialist Certification (GS-C) exam, the Pharmacology Conference is an excellent way to study and earn additional contact hours to apply for this exam. This conference will be hosted in-person. If you are not able to attend in-person, you will have the option to pre-register to access the On-Demand recordings after the conference ends.
The GS-C exam can be scheduled online and has many different locations for live test taking. The requirements, application, and test sites can be accessed here. Inform your colleagues that GAPNA membership is not required to take the exam and become a GS-C.
Ann Kriebel-Gasparro, DrNP, FNP-BC, GNP-BC, GS-C, FAANP
President
I am immensely grateful to all the leaders and members who serve on committees, SIGs, and chapter boards at the state level. Without you, GAPNA would not maintain its status as the premier organization for older adults. Thank you!
GAPNA achieved significant milestones this past year under Jennifer Kim’s presidency and Natalie Baker's tenure as immediate past president. Their exceptional leadership, wisdom, and mentorship is immeasurable. I would also like to acknowledge the outstanding team we have at AJJ – Michael, Erin, Meghan, and many others.
Additionally, I am excited to welcome George Peraza-Smith as the incoming President Elect. As I've often mentioned, and as many members agree, GAPNA is known for its strong, effective leaders with hearts full of compassion and a passion for teaching. This is what makes GAPNA one of a kind.
The GAPNA Leadership Institute is now in its fifth cohort. Each year, four applicants are chosen to participate in the 18-month program virtually and present a project at the program’s conclusion. Applications for the GAPNA Leadership Institute will open again on April 1, 2024. Learn more about the GAPNA Leadership Institute.
As everyone is aware, climate change has resulted in severe weather across the U.S. this past year. Heatwaves, wildfires, floods, and hurricanes have affected vulnerable older adults, causing not only the loss of habitats but also health effects. GAPNA has joined the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments (ANHE), and as the liaison, I hope to bring you education, engagement opportunities, and environmental news to help improve care for our older adults during these events.
The upcoming year will offer more opportunities and campaigns to increase student member engagement. Numerous chapters, committees, and SIGS exchange ideas during our monthly Chapter Leadership meetings. Please join in and share your great ideas.
The Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Taskforce Committee is established and growing. Over the next year, it aims to make tangible recommendations on how to optimize and sustain efforts to strengthen GAPNA’s culture, ensuring the inclusion and value of all members and the communities they serve.
Your service has firmly positioned GAPNA as the leading organization for gerontological APRNs and healthcare professionals.
As I begin my year as GAPNA President, I want to thank all of you for your commitment, leadership, engagement, and compassion in serving the older adult population.
Ann Kriebel-Gasparro, DrNP, FNP-BC, GNP-BC, GS-C, FAANP
President
Ann.kriebel@gmail.com