April 2025
Washington DC
Thirty Fourth Annual Conference
April 1-4, 2025
Grand Hyatt, DC
We are pleased to share a summary of the 34th Annual Scientific Conference, held on April 2-4, 2025, in Washington, DC, at the Washington Grand Hyatt. This year’s event was a tremendous success, with diverse, valuable presenters sharing expert knowledge and professional insights applicable to the pediatric surgical care of infants, children, and adolescents across various disciplines. Notably, speakers contributed to up-to-date clinical guidelines and pathways from pharmacological advancements to bedside care while fostering equity and inclusion within our healthcare landscape. These contributions provided our conference attendees with practical tools and fresh perspectives that could apply to their practices.
A total of 74 registrants attended the conference. The conference offered a comprehensive agenda, which included a Colorectal Pre-Conference on April 2, featuring expert presenters who shared their clinical expertise in Hirschsprung’s disease, Anorectal Malformation, and Bowel Management. Following the pre-conference was a Welcome Reception, which provided an opportunity for attendees and exhibitors to network and build connections within the Pediatric Surgery field. The conference, held on April 3-4, featured a comprehensive agenda that included five scientific posters and 31 general session presentations, with a total of 39 distinguished speakers. Attendees participating in the conference were eligible for 19.25 contact hours and 19.25 CME hours, which include 2.5 pharmacy contact hours, and 2.75 Trauma Contact hours. There were multiple standout speakers which included topics on Trauma Informed Care by Dr. Lee Cordell, an excellent presentation on meeting people where they are and how lived experiences could affect our patient care by Dr. Bowen, Pilonidal Care using laser therapy vs surgical approaches by Dr. Minneci, and an outstanding presentation on Surgical NICU emergencies with an in-depth discussion on esophageal atresia by Dr. Middleworth. The sessions all contributed to a robust and engaging conference. There was great feedback regarding the inclusion of subspecialty presenters, including Michael Lamb, who delivered an engaging and impactful presentation on Neurosurgery and NP role development. Additionally, Dr. Hagerty discussed sacral neuromodulation in pediatric urology patients. Trauma SIG Chair Kate Ballard, Chest Wall SIG Chair Kelly Bartkus, and Colorectal SIG Chair Sharon Kluger presented at the conference, representing their respective Special Interest Groups (SIGs). SIG Meetings took place on April 3 during lunch, which proved to have good attendance and provided a networking opportunity. This year’s fundraising event included a fun activity that allowed participants to participate in a raffle for the top prize: a free 2026 Conference Registration. The fun activity included a card for each participant to complete and a water bottle with the APSNA, Inc. logo. There were 15 exhibitors and sponsors who supported APSNA at the conference this year. The Sponsors included: Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Avanos Medical, Inc. Coloplast, Essity, Ferroni Medical Corp, Function Forward LLC-FeedUp Solution, GBR Medical, Gebauer Company, Gus Gear, Inc., Medically USA, NurseAmerica Health, Post University, Pull-thru Network, Inc., Specialty Surgical Products, and Eckart Klobe Vacuum Bell. Donations include Dansko shoes and compression socks from Clove. This year marked the first time we formally recognized our devoted APSNA leadership and members who have passed away. Their legacy and leadership laid the foundation for the organization we are proud to be a part of today. APSNA would like to recognize the award recipients for 2025 for their outstanding contributions and congratulate Jennifer Berkbigler MSN, RN, CPNP-AC, Director of Program 2024-2026 on receiving the prestigious Founders Award and Dr. William Middlesworth on receiving the Champion Award. Feedback from conference evaluations reflected that the 34th Annual Scientific Conference met the attendees' educational needs. Attendees requested additional topics, including preventing nurse burnout, trauma presentations, general surgery and outpatient clinic topics, radiology tips, oncology, nutrition, a hands-on skills lab, roundtable discussions and breakout sessions, more networking opportunities, and a wider variety of exhibitors. The inclusion of Urology as a subspecialty was also well received, and attendees would like to see it continue in the future.Congratulations to the poster winners of the 34th Annual Scientific Conference!
1st place- Reygan Barker, RN, CPN, Nationwide Children’s, Columbus, OH: Creating a “Skills Room” to Improve New Nurse Confidence
2nd place- Alena Fuhrman, Pediatric Surgery Nurse Practitioner, Inova Children’s Hospital, Fairfax, VA: Reducing Emergency Department Visits After Uncomplicated Appendicitis Utilizing Nurse Practitioner Post-Operative Phone Calls
3rd place- Joan Rand, BSN, RN, CPN, PMGT-BC - Perioperative Services, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora CO: We Are All in this Together: The Implementation of a Multi-Modal Bundle for Pediatric Pain Management During Needle Related Procedures
Highlights for the year included:
- Hired Midwest Multistate Division-CEO Jill Kliethermes, MSN, RN, FNP-BC
- 34th Annual Scientific Meeting in Washinton DC, was held April 2nd-4th, 2025 There were 74 conference attendees representing 22 states
- Approval of Founders Award Recipient, Jennifer Berkbigler, MSN, RN, CPNP-AC
- Approval of Champion Award Recipient, Dr. William Middlesworth
- Approval of Vimeo to house Webinars
- Several newly appointed Nomination & Program Committee members
- Spotlight award distributed quarterly
- APSNA policy reviewed and updated
- Bylaws reviewed (no changes in 2024)
- Multiple updates to the Patient and Family Information Sheets (PFIS) catalogue
- Increased membership numbers to pre-covid
Strategic Plan Revised for 2025-2028/Inclusive Strategic Plan Summary Flyer
Theme 1: Nurses should practice to the full extent of their education and training.
Promote the application and integration of the Pediatric Surgery NP & RN Competencies into education, preceptorship, membership, and orientation to the organization and within Pediatric Surgical practices nationally.
Theme 2: Nurses should achieve higher levels of education and training through an improved education system that promotes seamless academic progress.
Maintain robust and diverse educational offerings for Pediatric Surgery Clinicians.
Theme 3: Nurses should be full partners with physicians and other health professionals in redesigning healthcare in the United States.
Identify ways of advanced problem solving among different pediatric surgical multidisciplinary groups, an industry that fosters professional relationships, and discern innovative methods to deliver exceptional ethical patient care.
Theme 4: Effective work force planning and policy making require better data collection and improved information infrastructure.
Increase membership diversity and engagement within APSNA, Inc.
Increase opportunities for professional development
At the end of the 2025 APSNA Annual Business Meeting, Lori Lynch, DNP, APRN, PNP-BC, CBN welcomed in the new APSNA Board of Directors for the 2025-2026 term.
Welcome to the 2024-2025 Board of Directors:
- President – Mary Ellen Sheridan
- Past President – Lori Lynch
- Treasurer – Marketa Rejtar
- Secretary – Rachael Reif
- Director of Development – Emily Ellis
- Director of Practice and Quality – Cherie Rothaupt
- Director of Education – Marissa Terry
- Director of Program – Jennifer Berkbigler
May 2024
Las Vegas, Nevada
Thirty Third Annual Conference
May 30-31, 2024
Harrah’s Las Vegas, NV
The 33rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Pediatric Surgical Nurses Association, Inc. (APSNA) was hosted in Las Vegas, NV. This was the first in-person conference since 2019, and the first time a mobile app, created by Eventpedia, was used during the conference. The App provided a place for the agenda, attendee check-in, and the ability to complete Surveys. The conference was a great chance to network, share learning experiences, and learn about the latest trends from experts in Pediatric Surgery. Day 1, there was a focus on Trauma with a Keynote speaker that discussed reducing violence among pediatric patients and emerging adults. Poster presenters were allotted time at the end of day 1 to discuss their poster and to allow questions from the attendees. Day 2 of conference started strong with a Fun Walk to raise funds for APSNAs Scholarship funds. APSNA attendees had a wonderful opportunity to hear Dr. David Powell, Clinical Professor of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery at Standford University as well as President of APSA. Dr. David Powell discussed Teaching vs Telling, and how a nurse may precept or teach will impact the recipient of the lesson. His message was impactful to all nurses as we all know Nurses are teachers. Dr. Vincent Duron, Director of Fetal Surgery of Columbia University Irving Medical Center, gave an enlightening update on fetal surgery by describing the amazing advancement in fetal surgery. The prestigious Founder's Award was awarded to Monique Jenkins at the end of the Business Meeting. The award was presented by Lori Lynch, APSNA Inc., President, and Maryellen Sheridan, President-Elect and 2020 Founders Award Winner. Letters of support for Monique were read by Lori Lynch, Mary Ellen Sheridan, and Jennifer Berkbigler, Secretary. The 33rd Annual Conference closed at the end of day on the May 31st after hearing experts on G-tube care as well as Colorectal Surgery updates.
Congratulations to the winners of the Poster Awards for 2024!
- First Place: Nursing Education of a Water-Soluble Contrast Study to Prevent Recurrent Surgery in Pediatric Surgical Patients with Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction
- Second Place: Same Day Discharge after Laparoscopic Gastrostomy Tube Placement
- Third Place: Multimodal Approach to Onboarding to a New Pediatric Service Line
Highlights for the year included:
- 33rd Annual Scientific Meeting in Las Vegas, NV-1st in person conference since 2019
- Approval of Sage Publishing for JPSN
- Launched LinkedIn on social media
- Communication enhanced for SIG’s via email
- Utilization of a mobile app for the first time at conference
- Approval of Honorary Lifetime APSNA Member, Ms. Virginia Allen
- Approval of Founders Award Recipient, Dr. Monique Jenkins
- Free Webinar - Interview with Maria Smilios, author of, The Black Angels
- Collaborative Webinar with NACNS: What is a CNS?
- Collaborative Webinar with SPN: There's a Fire in My Muscles: A Practical Discussion about Malignant Hyperthermia
- Several newly appointed Nomination & Program Committee members
- Spotlight award distributed quarterly
- Updates to APSNA policies
- Multiple updates to the Patient and Family Information Sheets (PFIS) catalog
- Increased membership numbers to pre-covid
Strategic Plan Goals 2021-2024
- Theme 1: Nurses should practice to the full extent of their education and training.
- Theme 2: Nurses should achieve higher levels of education and training through an improved education system that promotes seamless academic progress.
- Theme 3: Nurses should be full partners with physicians and other health professionals in redesigning healthcare in the United States.
- Theme 4: Effective work force planning and policy making require better data collection and an improved information infrastructure.
At the end of the 2024 APSNA Annual Business Meeting, Lori Lynch, DNP, APRN, PNP-BC, CBN welcomed in the new APSNA Board of Directors for the 2024-2025 term.
Welcome to the 2024 -2025 Board of Directors:
- President – Lori Lynch
- President Elect – Mary Ellen Sheridan
- Treasurer – Marketa Rejtar
- Secretary – Rachael Reif
- Director of Development – Debra Quackenbush
- Director of Practice and Quality – Cherie Rothaupt
- Director of Education – Sharon Udy-Janczuk
- Director of Program – Jennifer Berkbigler
May 2020
Orlando, FL – CONFERENCE CANCELLED
Orlando, FL
Twenty-Ninth Annual Conference - CANCELLED
May 11 – May 14, 2019
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
The 29th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Pediatric Surgical Nurses Association, Inc. (APSNA) was to host an exceptional panel of experts sharing the latest information for the clinical management of pediatric surgical conditions. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board of Directors made the difficult decision to cancel the conference to ensure the safety of conference presenters and attendees.
The prestigious Founder’s Award was presented during our first ever virtual Business Meeting. Maryellen Sheridan, MSN, RN, CNS was the recipient of the Founder’s Award, presented to her with a moving speech by the Awards Chair, Barbara Bratton, MSN, PNP-BC, which highlighted Maryellen’s dedication to bringing pediatric surgical nursing excellence to the pediatric surgery community. The Champion Award, given to Diana Farmer, MD, was delivered by both Robyn Huey Lao, DNP, MSN, CPNP-AC and Karen Semkiw, RNC, MPA, NEA-BC, CPHQ who nominated Dr. Farmer for her strong voice that shapes the pediatric surgical community globally and advocates for nursing, and the comprehensive care of the pediatric surgical patient.
The Innovation Award was awarded to Natalie Walker, MSN, CRNP from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The Spotlight Award was awarded to Brigitte Staum, MSN, BC-FNP from Maimonides Medical Center for her work dedicated to the pediatric surgical patients and families that she cares for along with her professionalism and grace as she was deployed to another service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Research grant recipient was Mayra Garcia, DNP, APRN, PCNS-BC from Children’s Health of Dallas Texas. She was presented her award by Kim McHard, MSN, APRN, CPNP-PC and the title of her project is To Determine the Effectiveness of the Use of Probiotics in Patients with a Diagnosis of Complicated Appendicitis on Antibiotic associated Diarrhea (AAD)
Aligning with the past year, APSNA's focus for the 2019-2020 year continued to be the transition of administrative tasks away from board members so that the Board of Directors can focus on governance, as well as working on Strategic Plan initiatives.
Highlights for the year included:
- Definition of Pediatric Surgery Nursing
- Creation and launch of the COVID-19 Resource Page
- Our first ever Facebook Live for COVID-19 Panel Discussions
- Relaunch of the President’s Blog
- Newly appointed EB member for the Journal of Pediatric Surgical Nursing
- First ever Virtual Business Meeting
- Updates to APSNA policies
- Additions to the APSNA Web-based Education Series
- Additions to the Patient and Family Information Sheets (PFIS)
- Continued with SIG Clinical Pearls development for the NYCU newsletter
Strategic Plan Goals
- Theme 1: Apply the current Pediatric Surgery NP Competencies to practice and make recommendations for its integration into education, preceptorship and membership orientation to the organization and specialty. Submission of this to the ANA for endorsement and the possibility of working on developing CNS and RN competencies.
- Theme 2: Continued development of web-based education—total of 11 webinars have been added and are available for purchase
- Theme 3: Conference 2020 would have had first ever Special Interest Group RoundTable Symposium to further increase the comprehensive nursing education delivery to our attendees
- Theme 4: Implemented the revised clinical mentorship program that now includes leadership opportunities; development of additional Patient and Family Information Sheets, with more to be produced in the coming year
Our upcoming conference will be held in Phoenix, Arizona at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Resort and Spa May 17-20, 2021.
The 2020-2021 Board of Directors:
- President – Kimberly Cogley
- President-Elect – Monique Jenkins
- Treasurer – Karen Semkiw
- Secretary – Alissa Bergstresser
- Director of Development – Hillary Lorenco
- Director of Practice and Quality – Kimberly Reblock
- Director of Education – Julie McKee
- Director of Program – Mary Ellen Connolly
May 2021
Historical Virtual Conference
Thirtieth Annual Conference
May 17 – May 18, 2021
Online Platform, vConference
For the first time in APSNA history, our conference was held virtually. The 30th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Pediatric Surgical Nurses Association, Inc. (APSNA) was hosted via an online platform, allowing our organization to still provide exceptional content, despite the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional firsts for this year included concurrent sessions with a Perioperative Track and an Advanced Practice Track and SIG Round Table Sessions.
Rachel Nettle from University of Florida was featured as the recipient of the Spotlight Award for the 4th Quarter of 2020. During the unprecedented time of a global pandemic, she developed a new patient and teaching information sheet for APSNA on abscess diagnosis and management. This contribution highlights Ms. Nettle’s commitment to support APSNA and her fellow members by extending herself during this very busy and demanding time. The desire to be more involved in APSNA work by completing this educational product is warmly acknowledged and truly appreciated.
Congratulations to the winners of the Poster Awards for 2021!
- First Place was awarded to Nanita Lim-Sulit, DNP, CPNP for her poster titled: 'Empowering Bedside and outpatient Clinical Nurses'.
- Second Place was awarded to Erin Shann, RN for her poster titled: 'Hirschsprung-Associated Enterocolitis'.
- Third Place was awarded to Lauren Keffer, BSN, RN for her poster titled: 'Implementation of a Standardized Gastrostomy Tube Bundle for Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit'.
Highlights for the year included:
- Endorsement of Nurse Practitioner Competencies by ANA, available for purchase
- Several newly appointed EB member for the Journal of Pediatric Surgical Nursing, including increased international representation
- Updates to APSNA policies
- Additions to the Patient and Family Information Sheets (PFIS)
- SIG Clinical Pearls featured in News You Can Use
- Director of Education oversaw the accreditation process for educational credit for conference for the first time
- Increased frequency of Finance Committee meetings from annually to quarterly
Strategic Plan Goals
- Theme 1: Promote the application and integration of NP Competencies, now endorsed by ANA, into education, preceptorship, membership, and orientation to the organization and within Pediatric Surgical practices nationally
- Theme 2: Maintain a robust web-based educational offering for Pediatric Surgery clinicians
- Theme 3: Conference 2021 included first ever first ever Special Interest Group RoundTable Symposium to further increase the comprehensive nursing education delivery to our attendees
- Theme 4: Increase membership engagement and participation within APSNA with particular attention to mentorship program and increased diversity and inclusivity.
At the end of the virtual 2021 APSNA Annual Business Meeting, Kimberly Cogley passed the Golden Hegar to Monique Jenkins, who welcomed her new board.
Welcome to the 2021-2022 Board of Directors:
- President – Monique Jenkins
- Immediate Past President – Kimberly Cogley
- Treasurer – Teresa Gonzalez
- Secretary – Alissa Bergstresser
- Director of Development – Irene Austria-Ramos
- Director of Practice and Quality – Kimberly Reblock
- Director of Education – Julie McKee
- Director of Program – Mary Ellen Connolly
The 2022 conference will be held in San Diego, CA.
May 2022
Historical Virtual Conference
Thirty First Annual Conference
May 16 – May 17, 2022
Online Platform, GTR
For the second time in APSNA history, our conference was held virtually. The 31st Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Pediatric Surgical Nurses Association, Inc. (APSNA) was hosted via an online platform, allowing our organization to still provide exceptional content, despite the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional firsts for this year included concurrent sessions with a Perioperative Track and an Advanced Practice Track and also SIG Round Table Sessions.
Raquel Pasarón DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CWOCN was featured as the recipient of the Foster Wound, Ostomy and Continence (WOCN) Grant for the year. This grant is provided to assist members of the American Pediatric Surgical Nurses Association, Inc (APSNA) to further their professional education and expertise in the area of wound and ostomy care.
Congratulations to the winners of the Poster Awards for 2022!
First Place was awarded to Linda Camacho, RN, MSN, CNS, CPNP-PC for her poster titled: 'Multidisciplinary Outpatient Clinic: Nasogastric Tube Feeding at Home Program'.
Second Place was awarded to Kathleen Hoff, PA-C for her poster titled: 'Quality Improvement Initiative in NICU Screening for Patients with AnoRectal Malformations'.
Third Place was awarded to Erin Delfosse, PNP for her poster titled: 'Complex Neonatal Cervicofacial Lymphatic Malformation (CFLM) with Modified Treatment Approach'.
Highlights for the year included:
- Addition of a Retired Member membership type
- Initiation of the Member Referral Program
- Opening of the APSNA Virtual Store for purchase of APSNA logo merchandise
- Several newly appointed EB member for the Journal of Pediatric Surgical Nursing, including increased international representation
- Updates to APSNA policies
- Multiple additions to the Patient and Family Information Sheets (PFIS) catalog
- Multiple additions to the APSNA Webinar catalog including content from the 2021 Annual Scientific Conference
- SIG Clinical Pearls featured in News You Can Use
- Director of Education oversaw the revision of the Use of Terms Such as Mid-Level Provider and Physician Extender Position Statement
- Addition of one-page Educational posts for social media platforms
Strategic Plan Goals
- Theme 1: Promote the application and integration of NP Competencies, now endorsed by ANA, into education, preceptorship, membership, and orientation to the organization and within Pediatric Surgical practices nationally
- Theme 2: Maintain a robust web-based educational offering for Pediatric Surgery clinicians
- Theme 3: Conference 2021 included first ever first ever Special Interest Group RoundTable Symposium to further increase the comprehensive nursing education delivery to our attendees
- Theme 4: Increase membership engagement and participation within APSNA with particular attention to mentorship program and increased diversity and inclusivity.
At the end of the virtual 2022 APSNA Annual Business Meeting, Monique Jenkins, PhD, MA, BC-FNP welcomed in the new APSNA Board of Directors for the 2022-2023 term.
Welcome to the 2022 -2023 Board of Directors:
- President – Monique Jenkins
- President Elect – Lori Lynch
- Treasurer – Teresa Gonzalez
- Secretary – Jennifer Berkbigler
- Director of Development – Irene Austria-Ramos
- Director of Practice and Quality – Robyn Huey Lao
- Director of Education – Julie McKee
- Director of Program – Michelle Felix
May 2023
Virtual Conference
Thirty Second Annual Scientific Conference
May 11 – May 12, 2023
Online Platform, EventMobi
For the third time in APSNA history, our conference was held virtually. The 32nd Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Pediatric Surgical Nurses Association, Inc. (APSNA) was hosted via an online platform, allowing our organization to still provide exceptional content, despite the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, on the first day of the conference the sessions were focused on pain management.
Andrea Reich from UC Davis Medical Center was featured as the recipient of the Spotlight Award for the 1st Quarter of 2023. Who constantly goes above and beyond, to care for the patients with a smile. Andi meets the needs of the patients by whatever means necessary, such as getting emergency supplies to families, partnering with primary care and specialty practices to ensure complex patients receive follow up, and finding local hospital records, which can be a needle in a haystack. Andi is fully committed to the practice and is willing to always flex her schedule to provide assistance to her colleagues. Ms. Reich is committed to supporting APSNA and her fellow members by participating in APSNA committees.
Congratulations to the winners of the Poster Awards for 2023!
- First Place was awarded to Meghan Mesa, BSN, RN, CPN for her poster titled: ‘Building a Bridge: The Role of Outpatient Colorectal Nursing in Newly Diagnosed Hirschsprung's Disease Patients in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NiCU) and Their Transition to Discharge Home'.
- Second Place was awarded to Marketa Rejtar, DNP, APRN, CPNP-AC/PC for her poster titled: ‘CAT Study Findings: Catheter-Associated Thrombosis: Incidence, Associated Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes in Pediatric Surgical Patients’.
- Third Place was awarded to Scout Hebinck, RN-C, MSN, for her poster titled: ‘Developing and Implementing a Pediatric Spinal Fusion Surgical Site Infection Prevention Bundle'.
Highlights for the year included:
- Implementation of a new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
- Several newly appointed EB members for the Journal of Pediatric Surgical Nursing, including increased international representation
- New Editor in Chief for the Journal of Pediatric Surgical Nursing
- Updates to APSNA policies
- Multiple additions to the Patient and Family Information Sheets (PFIS) catalog
- Additions to the APSNA Webinar catalog
- SIG Clinical Pearls featured in News You Can Use
- Addition of one-page educational posts for social media platforms
- New organizational partnerships
Strategic Plan Goals
- Theme 1: Began the work to develop an NP Ratio Task Force as well as continued to promote the application and integration of NP Competencies, now endorsed by ANA, into education, preceptorship, membership, and orientation to the organization and within Pediatric Surgical practices nationally
- Theme 2: Continue to maintain a robust web-based educational offering for Pediatric Surgery clinicians
- Theme 3: Conference 2023 included Day 1 focus on Pain Management of the pediatric surgical patient to further increase the comprehensive nursing education delivery provided to our attendees
- Theme 4: Increase membership engagement and participation within APSNA with particular attention to mentorship program and increased diversity and inclusivity.
At the end of the virtual 2023 APSNA Annual Business Meeting, Monique Jenkins, PhD, MA, BC-FNP, FNYAM passed the Golden Hegar to Lori Lynch, DNP, APRN-BC, CBN who welcomed in the new APSNA Board of Directors for the 2023-2024 term.
Welcome to the 2023 -2024 Board of Directors:
- President – Lori Lynch
- Immediate Past President – Monique Jenkins
- Treasurer – Marketa Rejtar
- Secretary – Jennifer Berkbigler
- Director of Development – Andrea Dyer
- Director of Practice and Quality – Robyn Huey Lao
- Director of Education – Sharon Udy-Janczuk
- Director of Program – Michelle Felix