Leadership
Ever mindful of trends in nursing, SPAPN President Candice Knight PhD, EdD, APN anticipated changes ahead for psychiatric advanced practice nursing. Without delay, she boldly catalyzed the creation of the first Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program and Post-master’s Family Psychiatric Nurse practitioner Program in NJ. In keeping with Nursing’s overall vision, Dr. Knight facilitated Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialists in obtaining the appropriate course curriculum within a university program to enable them to sit for the Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner exam. Obtaining the nurse practitioner credential is now pivotal, as ANCC recently announced its move to eliminate the CNS credential.
On a national level, Dr. Knight had input into the L.A.C.E. Report regarding curriculum recommendations for the Advanced Psychiatric Nursing Programs and was instrumental in adding psychotherapy back into the CNS/NP curriculums. In true mover and shaker fashion, these accomplishments were achieved posthaste.
For her exemplary vision and willingness to take necessary risks, The Society of Psychiatric APNs awarded her the 2011 Leadership Award. Referring to her own heterodox style, in her acceptance, Dr. Knight quoted Laurel Thatcher Ulrich: “Well behaved women seldom make history”.
Outstanding Service
Above and beyond, Carolyn Pierce Buckelew, APN is the Society’s Gem. She has been the SPAPN Treasurer for over a decade. While she has attempted to retire from the position several times, she has cheerfully stepped back in when her successors surrendered the office after brief tenure. A wise and talented money manager, she handles her position like a Fortune 500 CFO. Ms. Buckelew is often asked “do we have the money for this?” Not only can she report the balance, she offers sage advice as to the prudence of the expenditure. Her investment strategies have defied a down market and have resulted in a financially robust and healthy organization.
A SPAPN member for 15 years, Ms. Buckelew has been steadfastly committed to SPAPN. She has given generously of her time and energy despite bearing chronic illness. She has consistently demonstrated responsibility, organization, flexibility, and openness to change without complaint during the terms of at least three SPAPN presidents. Her pleasant and encouraging style, and wonderful sense of humor add warm layers to her competence and dedication to inspire others to contribute more. In essence, Carolyn’s leadership activities on the Board exemplify her generosity, integrity, and commitment. She was thus presented the 2011 Outstanding Service Award.
