President-Elect (Two Candidates)
Candidate: Pamela Woods, RN, ACNS-BC, CEN, TCRN, Trauma Performance Improvement Program ManagerChristiana Care-Wilmington Hospital
Responsibilities: Review trauma data for accuracy, monitor registry for consistency, gather and report data to state and NTDB/TQIP. Direct trauma education for nursing (ATCN/TNCC), assist with policy review/revision/creation.
Past Experience: Emergency Department nurse in a Level 1 Trauma Center, trauma educator, trauma coordinator, trauma performance improvement manager. Also spent 2 years as a trauma coordinator in a military hospital in Germany.
Statement of Intent: I would like to help grow an atmosphere of volunteerism, both nationally and internationally.
Motivation: I strongly believe in the mission/vision of STN and feel my experiences could bring a different outlook on trauma care as we continue to grow in membership, diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as in the needs of the trauma community, both nationally and internationally. I would like to highlight volunteer and humanitarian efforts.
Previous Experience Serving On Governing Boards Or Committees:
Currently a Board member for the Society of Trauma Nurses as the Clinical Director. Also, on the Board for the Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness Mid-Atlantic and actively involved as the Delaware Trauma Registry Chairperson and a long term member of the Delaware Trauma Consortium.
Past and Current Participation Activities With STN:
I was an original member of the TCRN review committee, Regional Director for ATCN, and also involved with multiple ATCN start up locations and faculty courses nationally, I am a TOPIC, ATCN, and TCRN instructor and an active member of the Clinical Committee at STN working on various projects.
Candidate: LeAnne Young, MSN, RN, TCRN, Assistant Clinical Director for Trauma and Injury Prevention
Texas Children's Hospital
Responsibilities: I am the current Assistant Clinical Director of Trauma and Injury Prevention at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, TX. I oversee a Level I (state and ACS) and two Level IV (state) pediatric trauma centers with a tri-campus trauma registry volume of 3700 patient encounters (2500 NTDB eligible). The injury prevention program covers initiatives for southeast Texas and serves as the lead organization for Safe Kids Greater Houston.
Past Experience: I have been a trauma nurse for over 17 years with over 12 years of experience in adult and pediatric trauma program operations. I have led trauma programs at centers committed to advancing trauma care and injury prevention in their communities including Memorial Hospital South Bend (adult Level II) and Elkhart General Hospital (adult Level III) in Indiana; Memorial Regional Hospital (state Level I, ACS adult Level I), Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital (ACS pediatric Level II), and Nicklaus (formerly Miami) Children’s Hospital (state pediatric trauma center; ACS pediatric Level I) in Florida. I have successfully led all those programs through state designations and/or ACS verifications. My leadership experience in adult and pediatric trauma program management has been enhanced by working at these academic, community based, and rural health systems.
In addition to trauma leadership, I have also been actively involved in trauma PI, injury prevention and outreach, education, research, and the trauma registry. I have presented both nationally and internationally on the aftermath of pediatric trauma mortality and pediatric child physical abuse. I have been published twice in the Journal of Trauma Nursing, participated in research published in several other peer-reviewed journals, and I have presented two posters and one podium presentation at STN’s annual TraumaCon. I have been an active member of STN for 12 years and currently serve on seven committees/sub-committees, in addition to being an STN mentor and JTN nurse peer reviewer. I am also an active member of several leading professional trauma organizations including: the Pediatric Trauma Society (PTS) and member of the PTS Nurse Leadership Steering Committee, Trauma Centers Association of America (TCAA) and chair-elect of the TCAA Pediatric Trauma Committee, the American Trauma Society (ATS), the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST), and the American College of Surgeons (ACS).
Statement of Intent: During my first year on the STN board, as Director-at-Large, I was actively involved in strategic planning and served as the Board liaison to the Membership Engagement committee. For the past three years I have served as Treasurer for STN with a focus on financial sustainability and support for ongoing and new STN initiatives. If given the opportunity, as president-elect I will continue to uphold the mission and vision of the organization, support STN’s ongoing diverse growth and development, and ensure the advancement of the STN strategic plan. I believe my ongoing extensive engagement in the organization, beyond my STN board activities, strengthens my ability to help lead and contribute to the overall success of the organization. I also intend to utilize my experiences and accomplishments from leading uniquely different trauma programs to serve the needs of STN members who are at trauma centers of varying levels of designation/verification so they can best serve their diverse communities.
Motivation: When I joined STN in 2010 I was inspired by the collective passion and dedication for the trauma patient population and made a professional commitment to support the organization as we advance trauma care globally. Over the past 12 years I have actively participated in numerous committees and worked on a variety of projects and initiatives, in addition to my role on the STN board.
If given the opportunity, as president-elect my goal is to continue my support for STN’s strategic initiatives and financial sustainability while ensuring we advance our national and international footprint as a premiere, diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization for trauma nurses globally. This includes ensuring trauma nurses working in all phases of the trauma care continuum, and in all geographic regions, feel seen and valued for their unique perspectives and contributions to STN and to trauma patient care.
As STN focuses on growing as a diverse organization, my goal is to ensure this growth in our membership also reflects the unique makeup of the populations we serve across the care continue and across the globe. This includes creating avenues of engagement with minority nursing organizations, enhancing opportunities for international engagement and participation, encouraging student nurses to consider trauma nursing for their future career goals, and ensuring that STN is positioned as the leading authority and professional home for all nurses engaged in the care of trauma patients of all ages.
As STN continues to expand educational offerings to trauma nurses it is equally important that we continue to ensure the highest quality of these offerings regardless of how/where these courses are delivered. My time as the ATCN Quality Assurance (QA) sub-committee chair and member of the PTACC Operations committee has strengthened my passion and commitment to this initiative, and my goal is to ensure STN continues to provide consistency in the quality of all our current and future educational offerings.
Previous Experience Serving On Governing Boards Or Committees:
Florida Association of Trauma Coordinators (2009-2011; 2015 - 2019)
Mothers for TBI Hope (2014 - 2015)
Indiana Trauma Network (2019 - 2021)
Indiana District 2 Trauma Regional Advisory Council (2019 - 2021)
Pediatric Trauma Society Nurse Leadership Committee/SIG (2019 - present)
Trauma Centers Association of America Pediatric Trauma Committee (2020 - present); Chair-elect
Southeast Texas Regional Advisory Council (2021 - present)
PTS Nurse Leadership Steering Committee (2021 - present)
Past and Current Participation Activities With STN:
STN Executive Committee - Treasurer (2019 - present)
Finance and Audit Committee Chair (2019 - present)
Director at Large; Board Liaison - Membership and Marketing Committee (2018 - 2019)
Journal of Trauma Nurses peer reviewer (2013 - 2015; 2018 - present)
Pediatric Trauma Steering Committee (2016 - present)
ATCN Committee (2017 - present)
Membership Engagement Committee (2018 - present)
ATCN QA sub-committee Chair (2019 - present)
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Taskforce/Committee (2020 - present)
STN Mentor (2021 - present)
PTACC Inaugural Faculty and Operations Committee (2022 - present)
Treasurer (Two Candidates)
Candidate: Elizabeth Atkins, MSN, RN, TCRN, Executive DirectorGeorgia Trauma Care Network Commission
Responsibilities: In my role as Executive Director for the Georgia Trauma Commission, (GTC) I oversee the flow of funding, accountability mechanisms and system development for the Georgia Trauma System. I am responsible developing our $23M annual budget and executing contracts for over 60 entities providing services for our trauma system. Our budget supports GTC operations; trauma center readiness, registry support, and uncompensated care for the 35 trauma and burn centers in Georgia; physician, nurse and prehospital provider continuing education; the Georgia Trauma Quality improvement Program; trauma system infrastructure and development; and a number of trauma system initiatives.
Past Experience: I have been fortunate to have over 34 years of progressive clinical leadership experience in pediatric and adult trauma, cardiac, critical care, and flight nursing. Prior to my current role, I served as Director for a large urban center overseeing the ACS verified level I trauma center and ABA verified burn center.
Statement of Intent: The Board Treasurer position requires fiscal management skills, forecasting, and strategic planning. STN has had exceptional leadership and management to ensure the health of its fiscal future. STN is well-positioned for growth across the trauma care continuum and expand partnerships to support its strategic priorities. My budgeting, forecasting, and contracting experience and managing the challenges of limited governmental financial resources align well with the Treasurer role.
Motivation: Stepping into my first leadership role after over 20 years at the bedside, I was intimidated by the finance side of healthcare. I wasn’t ready for the challenge of preparing financial justification for every aspect of my program. I had to lean into the process of budgeting and financial planning to meet the needs of my program that was experiencing tremendous growth. My current role is primarily focused on finance and strategic planning which has become my passion. I now approach finance challenges and complexities similar to evaluating a complex clinical case in my former life as a bedside nurse, and I find it as rewarding when decisions can impact an entire population of patients. It would be an honor and privilege for me to use my financial skills to serve as STN Treasurer.
Previous Experience Serving On Governing Boards Or Committees:
I have served as Chair of the Georgia Committee for Trauma Excellence, Chair-Elect of the TCAA Trauma Systems Committee, Advisory Board member of LifeLink Georgia, and Ex-Officio Board Member for the Georgia Trauma Foundation.
Past and Current Participation Activities With STN:
I currently serve on the STN Board of Directors as Director At Large for Education as a liaison for the majority STN's educational products such as ATCN, TOPIC, Optimal, TACTIC (in development), CEPU, and the TraumaCon planning committee. I have previously served as Editorial Board member for the Journal of Trauma Nursing, Past Chair for Society of Trauma Nurses (STN) Annual Conference Committee, and STN Liaison to the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma Education Pillar.
Candidate: Jonathan Messing, MSN, ACNP-BC, CCRN, TCRN, Program Manager
Inova Health System
Responsibilities: I serve on the STN board of directors as a director-at-large. In this capacity, I liaise with the GAPP committee. This year, I also joined the STN finances committee and the STN executive committee. I am working with another member to resurrect the advanced practitioner special interest group.
My professional responsibilities include working at a level I trauma center in North Virginia. At this facility, I split my time between working in the surgical trauma intensive care unit as a nurse practitioner and serving as the health system’s advanced practice provider transition into practice program manager (essentially, I support the new graduate NPs and PAs). Finally, I’m in my second-to-last semester at Johns Hopkins University, where I am pursuing my DNP and MBA degrees.
Past Experience: I joined the Society of Trauma Nurses in 2012, and have benefited from multiple opportunities and career growth during this time. These activities include co-chairing the advanced practitioner special interest group, serving on the 2016 EAST planning committee, serving on the 2017 STN awards and nominations committee, judging oral abstracts and posters at the 2019 and 2022 STN conferences, serving on the executive committee for advanced trauma care for nurses from 2014-2017, and serving on the EAST & STN advanced practitioner task force from 2015-2020. I have also served as an item writer and exam construction review committee member for the TCRN exam through BCEN. I have presented at multiple STN and EAST conferences, and have functioned as an ATCN course director. In 2017, I received the inaugural STN nurse leadership award in clinical excellence.
Statement of Intent: I am pursuing the position of treasurer for the Society of Trauma Nurses. As a dedicated member who has served in multiple roles within the organization, I believe my experience prepared me well for appreciating the ins and outs of STN. As a nurse who craves personal growth, I decided to expand my understanding of business and finance by enrolling in the Johns Hopkins University DNP and MBA programs. I believe the leadership and project management skills provided from the DNP, and the business and financial skills through the MBA, have positioned me to effectively serve as STN’s treasurer. I plan to carry forth sound decision-making and prudent financial management from my predecessors into the future directions of the organization. In observation of the significant responsibility this role demands, I have joined the STN finance committee to better appreciate the organization’s finances and business model. I hope my tenure as an STN member, clinical experience, and education can continue to translate into a strong performance for this organization and its members.
Motivation: STN has benefited from organized and effective treasurers in its past. I want to continue the tradition of responsible financial stewardship by bringing my experience to the position. I want STN members to know their annual dues are secure and applied thoughtfully towards STN’s mission and strategic imperatives. STN is emerging from the pandemic in a stable position that I hope to strengthen by working for the members and in step with its leadership.
Previous Experience Serving On Governing Boards Or Committees:
2019-Present: Direct at large, STN board of directors
2022: Inova Nursing Research & EBP Symposium Planning Committee chair
2021-Present: Inova Health System APP Professional Governance
2020-2021: Inova Health System diversity and inclusion committee
2016-2019: GW University Hospital Medical Executive Committee
2016-2019: GW University Hospital patient safety committee
2015-2020: EAST & STN AP Task Force
2014-2018: BCEN TCRN exam construction review committee
2014-2017: ATCN executive committee member
Past and Current Participation Activities With STN:
2022-Present: Finance committee member
2022-Present: Executive committee member
2019-Present: Direct at large, STN board of directors
2015-Present: Advanced Practitioner Special Interest Group
2013-Present: ATCN Instructor
2022: Conference oral abstract judge
2022: Conference poster judge
3/2020: Panelist representing NPs in Washington, DC for STN COVID-19 Town Hall Webinar
2015-2020: EAST & STN AP Task Force
2019: Conference oral abstract judge
2019: Conference poster judge
3/2018: Panelist representing EAST on updates from the trauma world at TraumaCon
2014-2017: ATCN executive committee member
4/2017: Presentation on chest wall trauma at TraumaCon
2017: Awards and nomination committee member
3/2016: Presentation on leadership during STN advanced practitioner workshop
2016: EAST planning committee member
3/2015: Presentation on blunt cerebrovascular injury during advanced practitioner SIG
Director-at-Large (Six Candidates)
Candidate: Jami Blackwell, RN, BSN, MBA, BS, TCRN, CEN, Director of Orthopedics and Trauma and Acute Care SurgeryCoxHealth
Responsibilities: I oversee the trauma and acute care surgery and orthopedics service line at a busy Level I trauma center.
Past Experience: During my career, I have held several positions caring for the trauma patient in various stages. I began my career as a critical care nurse working in the Neuro/Trauma ICU and the Pediatric ICU caring for critical trauma patients. I worked as a flight nurse for many years caring for trauma patients in the prehospital setting followed by a long career in the Emergency Department. I became the Trauma Program Manager for our trauma center and have worked in Trauma Services for over 15 years.
Statement of Intent: As a leader of a trauma program, I would like to see participation from all aspects of trauma nurses across the continuum. I would strive to encourage participation on committees and increase awareness and interest in the Society of Trauma Nurses. This would include new trauma nurses as well as the experienced trauma nurse.
Motivation: My motivation for holding the office of Director at Large is to continue to encourage trauma education for trauma nurses across the continnuum. With the current issues in health care, it is important we find innovative ways to continue to educate trauma nurses without causing further hardshiip to health systems. This includes cost of the education while not changing the quality of education.
Previous Experience Serving On Governing Boards Or Committees:
I have served on the STN Board holding the position of Director At Large.
Past and Current Participation Activities With STN:
I have participated in the Leadershipi Institute, DEI Committee, served as board liaison for the Research Committee and most recently liaison for the TATIC committee.
Candidate: Valerie Brockman, MSN, RN, CPHQ, CSTR, Clinical Quality Specialist Lead, Trauma Services
UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central
Responsibilities: My role as a clinical quality specialist for trauma service lead involves regional trauma data quality and performance improvement support. I oversee the trauma registry, analyze data, improve quality abstraction, help manage data report requests, and ensure data upload to national and state agencies. In addition, I help to support and grow the process improvement review portion of the program and support process improvement projects. I work closely with the trauma program manager at a level I trauma center and work regionally to support level III and two-level IV trauma centers. In addition, I participate in research projects and publications.
Past Experience: At a hospital/system level, I currently serve as a clinical quality specialist lead for the trauma services department providing regional support for trauma data and process improvements at a level I, level III, and two-level IV trauma centers and research.
At a state level, I serve as a state trauma nurse reviewer for trauma-level accreditations. At a national/international level, I serve as a digital editor for the Journal of Trauma Nursing (JTN), managing, developing, and publishing updates to various social media platforms.
Previous Roles:
In the past, I have served as a trauma program manager at a level III trauma center. Before serving in this role, I was a trauma quality specialist at a level II trauma center. Before joining trauma service department roles, I served as an intensive care unit (ICU) nurse.
Statement of Intent: I seek your support in my endeavor to serve and represent the members through the board position of Director-at-Large for the Society of Trauma Nurses (STN).
My intent for the position I seek is to serve the members of STN and support international growth and mentoring opportunities throughout STN, including humanitarian mentoring. Through my previous experience, I intend to bring innovation and technology and build on the ongoing representation of all levels of trauma centers. In the past few years, I have served on the Leadership Development committee; we have grown the committee to have international, pediatric, and rural trauma center representation.
In addition, I will build relations with the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and collaborate with other professional organizations in trauma, nursing, and healthcare. If elected, my intent will include bringing more clinical focus to conferences. Through the past few years of change, nurses have voiced their need for more clinical and transformational leadership to inspire, motivate and empower change. I will ensure ongoing transformational innovation change through in-person and virtual offerings.
Trauma can occur anywhere, and we cannot all be there when the unexpected happens. I aim to continue contributing to STN as an organization and growing and mentoring others. Recently, we expanded the STN Leadership Development business writing course to trauma registry professionals with STN member sponsorship. By enhancing the quality and experience of patient care provided in local, national, and international communities, we can ensure we are mentoring others to provide the best care possible when the unexpected happens.
Thank you for your time and support. I look forward to my continued service on STN, whether thru this elected position or on the Leadership Development committee.
Motivation: When I joined the trauma services department in October 2013, I actively looked for ways to learn and grow to better understand and contribute to trauma nursing. The Society of Trauma Nurses (STN) provided resources and experiences to help me develop as a trauma leader. I can not express my gratitude to STN, and the extraordinary opportunities STN has offered to help me grow as a trauma nurse leader and help improve trauma patient care and outcomes at a local, regional, state, national and international level.
Through my roles with STN, I have had the honor of serving as the STN Leadership Development Extern, STN Leadership Development Chair, monthly mentoring of 2020, 2021, and 2022 STN Leadership Development Externs, being on the conference planning committee, reviewing abstracts at STNs annual TraumaCon and serving as Digital Editor of the Journal of Trauma Nursing (JTN). I have thoroughly enjoyed facilitating member events and contributing to STN’s strategic goals and support for members. My motivation for running for the Director-at-Large position is to build on my contributions to STN’s goals and continue to give back to STN members, trauma professionals, and leadership.
Previous Experience Serving On Governing Boards Or Committees:
My previous experience on committees at local, regional, and national levels includes the following:
Local: Data Management and Trauma Registry Chair (2019-Present)
State: Colorado Trauma Network (CTN) Vice-President (2018-2019)
National: STN Leadership Development Co-Chair, Chair, Immediate Past Chair (2020, 2021, 2022)
Past and Current Participation Activities With STN:
During my time as a member of the Society of Trauma Nurses (STN), I have participated and actively participated in the following:
STN Leadership Development Extern, 2019
STN Conference Planning Committee, 2020
STN Leadership Development Committee Member 2019-Present and serving as Co-Chair (2020), Chair (2021), and Immediate Past Chair (2022)
STN Spotlight on Leadership Recipient, 2022
STN Scholarship Recipient for Masters in Nursing (MSN), 2022
Candidate: Kenyatta Hazlewood, MPH, BSN, BSHS, RN, NE-BC, Director, Trauma Services; Lead an ACS Verified Level 1 Trauma Center
Howard University Hospital
Responsibilities: I am currently serving as the Trauma Services Director at a Level 1, Academic Trauma Center, in the heart of Washington, DC. I am responsible for developing, organizing, implementing, coordinating and evaluating functions of the interdisciplinary Trauma Service. In addition to clinical services, I am the liaison to the Executive leadership and Trauma services. I direct distinct teams, Trauma registry, Injury Prevention and Outreach, Trauma Social Work, Trauma Education and grant coordination. I am also responsible for the organization of services and systems necessary for the multidisciplinary approach to trauma care of the hospital. I maintain trauma certifications and am certified to direct national curriculums for trauma nurses and physicians. I am the Director the Trauma and Violence Center of Excellence and Project Change Grants. I am the STN liaison to the ACS –COT committee, the Chair the District of Columbia Violence Fatality Review Committee, an Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) - Coordinator and Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) - Course Director.
Past Experience: I love the intersection of nursing and public health. In nursing, I’ve worked throughout the Trauma spectrum at two level 1 and one level 2 trauma center. In my early career I was an Emergency and Trauma bedside nurse. I was then hired as an Injury Prevention and Outreach Coordinator (the first at that hospital). I've worked as a Trauma Educator, Trauma Program Manager and now Trauma Services Director. In terms of my Public Health career I've worked with the District of Columbia Department of Health on HIV and Children's Vaccine initiatives.
Statement of Intent: I believe the 2-year appointment will allow me to contribute to the board and the membership, in a meaningful way as it pertains to the advancement of Trauma Nurses. I am motivated by the idea of increasing our footprint on critical care nursing and continue our legacy of training and supporting trauma nurses.
Motivation: My motivation for running is to be joined to the Society in different capacity. I’ve been a member, co-chair of a sig, liaison and “cheerleader” for STN and I would like to affect change at the Board of Director’s level. As a member for over 10 years, I notice many of the same nurses and participants at the conferences each year and my goal would be to make an effort to rejuvenate them and create a space for new nurses and participants to join
Previous Experience Serving On Governing Boards Or Committees:
I’ve had experience serving on several local, regional and national boards.
- Washington D.C.’s Trauma Injury Prevention Coordinators Collaborative (TIPCC)
- Research Advisory Board of – American Foundation for Firearm Injury Reduction in Medicine (AFFIRM),
- Co-Chair of the Washington D.C. - Violence Fatality Review Committee, of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
- STN Liaison, American College of Surgeon, Committee on Trauma-Injury Prevention Committee,
- Chair- STN –Injury Prevention Committee, Special Interest Group (SIG)
- Washington D.C., Office on Aging
- Member, Scholarship Chair - Chi Eta Phi Sorority Inc. – Professional Nursing organization.
- Member, Sigma Thea Tau Inc.
- Advisor, U-Street Safety Committee
STN member over 12 years, multiple conferences
- STN Injury Prevention - Special Interest Group (SIG) Chair and Co-Chair
- STN Liaison to the ACS –COT committee on Injury Prevention
- STN Trauma Program Manager focus groups for the standardized positon description
- STN Conference Planning Committee
- STN Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Committee
Candidate: Jacob Higgins, PhD, RN, Assistant Professor / Nurse Scientist
University of Kentucky, College of Nursing / UK HealthCare
Responsibilities: I have a joint appointment role that straddles academia and clinical, nursing-led research efforts at a Level I adult and pediatric trauma center. In my academic role, I teach in both our undergraduate and graduate (DNP) programs, mentor and advise students, and have recently developed a Trauma Care Across the Health Care Continuum elective course that will be offered next academic year. In my clinical role, I am work with clinical nurses (and interdisciplinary team members) on the trauma-surgical service line to facilitate clinical inquiry projects, including research, EBP, and QI. In this role, I provide facilitation, mentorship, and guidance for trauma staff to develop, implement, analyze and disseminate projects related to questions/issues they face in every day practice. In both roles, research and evidenced-based practice are major foci and I also maintain an active program of research related to trauma patients and improvements in health-related quality of life during that might be achieved during the acute care phase of injury recover and mitigation of adverse outcomes related to hospitalization.
Past Experience: I started my career as a staff nurse in the Trauma Intensive Care Unit at UK HealthCare. When I entered my PhD program, I transitioned from the bedside to the Department of Trauma and Acute Care General Surgery research office where I functioned as a nurse coordinator for clinical trials focusing on critical care trauma-surgical patients.
Statement of Intent: I am excited to apply for an At-Large Director position on STN's Board. I am passionate about trauma nursing and advancing our specialty. I believe in the mission of STN to advocate for the highest quality of trauma care across the continuum and to ensure optimal trauma care to all people locally, regionally, nationally, and globally. I believe that I can contribute my skills and experience to help STN continue its mission and to reach new heights.
Motivation: I have been an active member of STN for several years, but more recently became involved in my membership. I have worked with various members of the Board and executive leadership team to accomplish goals during my involvement in committees and have enjoyed the working relationships I have built. These experiences have motivated me to increase my involvement and widen my scope of impact within the Society. If elected my goals for my time on the board include: increase cross-collaboration between committees to find opportunities for collaboration; develop partnerships with other nursing organizations for research grant opportunities; and to develop relationships with schools of nursing to increase awareness of trauma nursing as a specialty and encourage student memberships which provide a richer breeding ground for the "next generation" of trauma nurses.
Previous Experience Serving On Governing Boards Or Committees:
Kentucky Board of Nursing - RN Board Member, appointed by Governor Andy Beshear, currently serving a 4 year term (2020 - 2024)
- Practice Committee: 2020 - present
- Education Committee: 2021 - present
- Governance Committee: 2021 - present
Kentucky Board of Nursing representative to the Kentucky State Trauma System Advisory Committee (Kentucky Hospital Association), appointed Sept 2022 (awaiting Governor approval)
Past and Current Participation Activities With STN:
Research Committee: 2019 - present (Chair 2019 - 2021)
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee: 2021 - present (member)
Coalition for National Trauma Research (CNTR) Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee (EDIC): 2021 - present (STN representative)
Government Affairs Committee: 2022 - present (member)
Candidate: Tracy McDonald, RN, MSN, CCRN, NEA-BC, Assistant Vice President Mid America Division Trauma Services
HCA Healthcare
Responsibilities: Provides executive direction for all aspects of trauma care in the MidAmerica Division (currently Kansas, Missouri; formerly had additional responsibility for Louisiana) which included one Level I, four Level II, and one Level III trauma centers.
Past Experience: University of Kansas Health System, Trauma, Acute Care Surgery, Burn, Concussion and EMS Programs Director
University Health-Hospital Hill (Formerly Truman Medical Center), Trauma Services, Director of Trauma Services and Community Health
Truman Medical Center-Hospital Hill, Nursing Administration, Critical Care Educator, Intensive Care Pavilion
Critical Care Certification (CCRN-K)-Adult
Nurse Executive Advanced, Board Certified (NEA-BC)
Quality Management Certificate, LTU Extension
Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN) exam scheduled October 24, 2022
Statement of Intent: I am seeking an appointment to the STN Board of Directors as a Director at Large. I believe that my leadership qualities, international experience and affiliation with the ACS would add to the Board of Directors strengths, and also supports the STN strategic direction.
Motivation: As a STN member for over 20 years, I have witnessed the tremendous good that STN has brought to the specialty of trauma care. It is part of my personal mission to contribute professionally to this organization, and have done so primarily through serving as a TOPIC instructor. I would like to be involved on a deeper level. I feel strongly that the skill set that I bring throughout my 30 years of trauma leadership will benefit STN, their mission and members. I have a passion for developing trauma systems, and have demonstrated this skill in the midwestern region. I would like to expand to assist low and middle income countries in developing their trauma systems and have recently begun this work in Ukraine. I think this passion would also complement STNs mission. I would also like to strengthen efforts to engage and mentor tomorrow’s trauma leaders.
Previous Experience Serving On Governing Boards Or Committees:
Former STN Director at Large
Current TOPIC Instructor
Former ATS Trauma Nurse Leadership Council Chair
ACS COT Site Surveyor and Clinical Editor
ACS-COT Advancing Leadership in Trauma Center Management Course Instructor
Society of Trauma Nurses (STN) TOPIC Course Instructor
ACS-COT Advanced Trauma Life Support National Course Educator
ACS-COT Bleeding Control for the Injured Instructor
ACS-COT Advanced Surgical Skills and Exposure in Trauma Course Coordinator
ACS-COT Rural Trauma Team Development Instructor/Course Coordinator
Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) Instructor
ENA TNCC State Faculty, Kansas
ENA TNCC Instructor Course Instructor
ENA TNCC Instructor Course Coordinator
ENA TNCC Provider Course Coordinator
American Trauma Society Trauma Program Manager Course Instructor
Past and Current Participation Activities With STN:
TN liaison to NAEMSP prehospital EBG strategy -2014
JTN Peer Reviewer since 2018
Speaker at the 2013, 2014 conferences
Virtual Survey Webinar 2022
Former Rural SIG
TOPIC Instructor since 2010
Published 2 articles in JTN
TQIP Advisory Council, Co-Chair responsible for leading TQIP quality initiatives for the enterprise in collaboration with council members and COG Trauma. Established a standardized process to review data accuracy.
Candidate: Melissa Smith, MSN, RN, Trauma Program Manager
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Responsibilities: I am currently the Trauma Program manager at an ACS level 1 trauma center in Nashville, TN. I also have roles in clinical activities, education, research, performance improvement, trauma registry management, and acting as a consultant/liaison to outside regional and state agencies. I help develop guidelines based on current literature, best practice, and information from patient care evaluations and ensure that these are kept up to date. I implement and coordinate trauma related performance improvement activities. These activities include outcome and cost analysis, preparing benchmark data reports, hospital trauma registry system reports and Level I Trauma Center specific clinical indicators as recommended by the ACS. I also represent the trauma program on various hospital, community, state, and national committees to enhance and foster optimal trauma care management.
Past Experience: I have spent almost all 20 years of my nursing career in trauma. I started as a bedside nurse and worked my way up to charge nurse of our Trauma ICU. I completed a duel Masters in Nursing program where I received my Family Nurse Practitioner as well as a Masters in Nursing Education. Upon completion of that I then became the Trauma Nurse Educator for 3 years before entering my role as the Trauma Program Manager, where I have been for the last 11 years.
Statement of Intent: It is my intent to serve the STN as a director at large for the upcoming term, my focus would be on continuing to coach and mentor bedside nurses, new trauma program managers and emerging leaders and to leverage my passion for trauma care.
Motivation: What motivates me to run for office is STN's mission. As stated, "whose mission is to ensure optimal trauma care to all people locally, regionally, nationally and globally through initiatives focused on trauma nurses related to prevention, education and collaboration with other healthcare disciplines. The Society of Trauma Nurses advocates for the highest level of quality trauma care across the continuum." There are no other words to say other than STN is a home for trauma providers and I want to be a part of the past, present and future to help grow the organization and offer up my experiences to the next generation of trauma leaders.
Previous Experience Serving On Governing Boards Or Committees:
For the state of TN I sit on the Trauma Care Advisory Committee and TN Trauma System Development Committee.
State of Tennessee site reviewer
I am a current American College of Surgeons Site Reviewer
I also sit on the TCAA Membership Services Committee
Active Board member for the West Nashville Sports League
Past and Current Participation Activities With STN:
I have been a member with STN since July 2012
I have attended all STNs conferences since my time with STN
I have served on the STNs Membership/Marketing Committee since 2018.
I sat on the Society of Trauma Nurses Executive Committee from April 2020-April 2022
I was a past STN Director-at-Large and served March 2019-April 2022
Reviewer for Journal of Trauma Nursing
Director-at-Large, Clinical (Two Candidates)
Candidate: Maria Durand, MSN, RN, FNP-C, PNP, Nurse PractitionerChildren’s Hospital Los Angeles
Responsibilities:
Nurse practitioner role- Managing the pediatric trauma patients on our trauma service from presentation, resuscitation, throughout hospital course until discharge. Collaborating with the multispecialty team in promoting excellent trauma care to the patient. Participating in education opportunities for the nurses on various trauma topics.
Mentoring nurse practitioner students for a trauma rotation. Introduction to trauma care for the pediatric patient. Students have the opportunity to attend daily trauma rounds, experience responding to trauma activations and caring for various trauma patients.
Adjunct faculty for Azusa Pacific University School of Nursing
Past Experience:
Nurse practitioner role- outpatient pediatric orthopaedic clinic
Bedside nurse- acute surgical floor, Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
Statement of Intent:
My intent in fulfilling the Clinical Director at Large Role for the STN organization is to have the opportunity to share the STN mission and continue to promote optimal trauma nursing care to all people globally, and to promote the STN strategic plan of providing exceptional education and resources for our trauma professionals.
Motivation:
My motivation for running for office is my passion for caring for the injured patient. My nursing career began 27 years ago on an orthopaedic unit. This sparked an interest in trauma nursing and passion that has continued throughout my nursing career. Currently, I am the trauma nurse practitioner at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. I enjoy collaborating with my fellow nurses to improve the care of the injured patient through education, case discussions, and special projects that promote performance improvement.
My goals if elected, are to continue to promote the STN mission and strategic plan by being a liaison for the members and providing oversight to the STN committees, being an advocate for the committees to the STN board, serving as a resource for the STN member, and collaborative efforts externally with trauma professional organizations and within the STN organization.
Previous Experience Serving On Governing Boards Or Committees:
Children's Hospital Los Angeles Advanced Practice Provider Recruitment & Retention Committee- Member
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Nurse Practitioner Mentorship committee- Member
Children's Hospital Los Angeles Trauma Nurses Committee- Lead
Society of Trauma Nurses Pediatric Trauma Committee- Chair, Co- Chair
Pediatric Trauma Across the Care Continuum (PTACC) Operations Committee- Member
Past and Current Participation Activities With STN:
Society of Trauma Nurses Pediatric Trauma Committee- Chair, Co- Chair
Pediatric Trauma Across the Care Continuum (PTACC)- content development, reviewer, inaugural faculty
Pediatric Trauma Across the Care Continuum (PTACC) Operations Committee- Member
Candidate: Stephanie Urban, DNP, AGACNP-BC, Trauma Surgery Nurse Practitioner
Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center-Oregon Surgical Specialists
Responsibilities: Trauma Surgery Nurse Practitioner - Involved in all trauma care from admission to discharge. Trains all new surgical PA in trauma care including monthly education meetings that last between 2-4 hours. Draft and discuss all evidence based guidelines regarding trauma care. Chair of trauma quality committee. Participates with all trauma chart review and PI processes. Develops all trauma education for hospital and works with ICU/IMCU/floor leadership to fill, educate, and follow up on care gaps with bedside providers. Obtaining RNFA to fulfil first assist duties on trauma patients within the facility. Participation in Area Trauma Advisory Board.
Past Experience: Experience includes bedside nursing, preceptorship, Assistant Nurse Manager and Interim Nursing Operations Manager at a Level I trauma and burn unit. Current APRN at a Level II trauma facility. Have experience with mass causality situation.
Statement of Intent: I am interested in the Director-at Large position as it aligns best with my experiences in trauma care over the past 9 years. I have held in multiple roles including bedside, leadership, and advanced practice and feel that working with STN as a Director-at-Large would be a great opportunity to advance my dedication to trauma practice and care beyond its current boundaries. I currently lead our facility in the drafting of trauma policy and procedures aligning with the organization’s by-laws and current evidence-based practice.
Motivation: My motivation of interest in the Director-at-large position is multifactorial, with the most important motivation for me, giving back to the trauma community on a larger scale. In turn, this position would help to support the current community in which I serve by expanding my knowledge base by interacting with trauma providers across the United States. Policy and procedure in trauma care is something that I hold near and dear to my heart, and being able to contribute on a national level is something that I desire greatly!
Previous Experience Serving On Governing Boards Or Committees:
All experience has been organization based (single facility). Chair of trauma quality committee. Additional involvement includes State and Area Trauma Advisory Boards, Asante's care for the caregiver, blood conservation and transfusion committee, bereavement committee, Beacon writing committee for trauma and cardiothoracic ICUs.
Past and Current Participation Activities With STN:
APRN SA group, publication of article Factors Affecting Urinary Retention in the Critically Ill Trauma Patient Journal of Trauma Nursing 2018 Nov/Dec;25 (6) 356-359 Fowler, S., Urban, S., Taggart, Holly
Attendance at STN Traumacon