In 2023, ANPD elected its first editorial committee, dedicated to supporting the execution of high-value content for NPD in Motion, the official content hub of ANPD. The Committee will ensure that ANPD is providing content that serves to support the NPD community in their continuing professional development career, while relaying valuable industry insights.
Below, Editorial Committee members share a bit about their professional and personal backgrounds with the ANPD community.
What is your favorite NPD memory?
Joni Dirks, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CCRN-K: My favorite NPD memory was meeting a new NPD at a conference and having her tell me she had attended a class I had taught several years before. She said it had given her the confidence to move to a new clinical area—and inspired her to pursue a role as an NPD.
Percy Ittickathra, MSN, RN, MEDSURG-BC, NPD-BC: My favorite ANPD memory was going to my first ANPD conference in San Antonio. I was fangirling over Cathy Oppermann, Donna Wright, Susan Bindon, and many others! After reading their articles/books, seeing them on conference stages, and implementing their game-changing work in our organization, I was shocked that I could just walk up to them and get to know them.
I remember being nervous about approaching Cathy and introducing myself, so I made my boss come with me. Now, I talk to her often, and she has become my peer, a friend, and a mentor. I think what makes it my favorite memory is the anticipation of meeting someone you have looked up to for so long and realizing they see you as a colleague and peer. It was a huge moment for me to realize that I am a transformational NPD who is making a difference in my sphere of influence, just like so many other NPDs in our organization. I still look up to them, but now I get to stand among them.
Gary Miller, MSEd, BA, BSN, RN, NPD-BC: My favorite NPD memory was providing a training session for unlicensed nurse assistants—then, afterward, having one of the attendees approach me to say ‘thank you,’ and hearing they would like to be in a role like mine.
Pamela Pascarelli, DNP, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CCRN: My favorite ANPD memory will be made this year at the conference. I have taken the manager role in my department and now have the chance to bring some novice NPD practitioners with me to their first conference.
David Woodruff, PhD, APRN, NPD-BC, CNE, CNE-cl, CCRN, FNAP: I taught certification review classes for years. During the pandemic, I ended up on the other side of the bed in a local hospital. My nurse told me she took my certification class years ago and maintained her clinical certification. It was reassuring to know that she maintained her professional knowledge and skills by staying current with her certification.
Stephanie Zidek, PhD, MSN, RN, AGCNS-BC, NEA-BC, NPD-BC: One of my favorite memories was assisting with the most recent ANPD Strategic Plan process. I had the opportunity to conduct individual interviews with various ANPD members last summer to elicit feedback and insights for the future. This information was compiled, along with other key materials, for a full-day strategic planning session last fall with my fellow ANPD Board colleagues, staff, and various members. Collaborating nationwide to shape our vision and craft the 2024-2026 Strategic Plan was an extremely rewarding experience, solidifying our collective commitment to advancing the NPD specialty.
What is your top environmental scanning tip?
Sarah Axness, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CPHQ, CPAN: My top environmental scanning tip is to subscribe to all the lists and follow all the organizations. Watch for trends while reading and listening with curiosity.
Bridget Remel, MSN, APRN, NEA-BC, AGCNS-BC, NPD-BC, CCRN: I find what we call ‘go sees’ at my organization to be incredibly helpful. Essentially, it's leader rounding with an NPD-focused lens. It's even better when I can partner with an NPD who is embedded on the units, since I am in a centralized NPD leadership role.
How did you decide to become an NPD practitioner?
Sarah Axness: I decided to become an NPD practitioner to help nurses know how to do the right thing. I love to clarify, simplify, and help people find the source of truth.
Joni Dirks: I was a critical care CNS and teaching was one component of that role. When my family relocated to another state, the CNS role wasn't available, so I applied for a position in the professional development department. I worked with a talented team of NPDs, and they encouraged me to expand my skills and obtain certification. It was a great fit for me, and I eventually became the manager and then director for the department.
Donna Hedges, PhD, MSN, MBA, CNE: While I'm not an NPD practitioner (future plan), I have been dedicated to educating nursing staff and nurse leaders throughout my 43-year long nursing career. When serving as a vice president of nursing, I conducted book and article studies with my nurse managers and developed an eight-hour charge nurse course. In my current role as assistant dean, I incorporate leadership development sessions with our campus leadership team and with our student leaders.
Pamela Pascarelli: Growing up I always wanted to be a teacher and not a nurse. The job market for teachers was poor when I was preparing for college, so my guidance counselor recommended a program at the hospital across the street to explore health careers. Fast forward a few years and I became a nurse and met an ‘educator.’ She quickly became my mentor and introduced me to NPD as a specialty.
I was able to take my newfound love for nursing and combine it with my passion. Almost 35 years later, it has been a very fulfilling career path.
Bridget Remel: As a new ICU nurse, I began precepting early on. I loved showing students and orientees "the ropes" and challenging them to think critically. When the NPD position on my unit opened, I knew it was meant to be. After a few years, I thought I might pivot to a traditional CNS role, and I went back to school. Ultimately, I found a way to live with a foot in both the NPD and CNS worlds!
Candace Richards, RN, MSN, PCCN, NPD-BC: From very early on in my career, I was asked to precept new colleagues and have nursing students. I always thought I wanted to be an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), but having students was so much fun and rewarding. Seeing ‘the light bulb go off’ in so many made me happy! I waited until I had some more years under my belt before going back to school for my MSN in nursing education and it was the best decision I made.
What is something others may be surprised to learn about you?
Donna Hedges: Others are generally surprised that I have five standard Australian Shepherds—who all are inside dogs—and my personal best bench press is 130 lbs. My dogs and being in the gym are my priority stress management strategies!
Percy Ittickathra: I am an avid board game player! I have an awesome collection and love learning new games, understanding the strategy, and learning the story behind the game. I spend many hours learning and playing board games with friends!
Gary Miller: I was a sports reporter for about a year right out of college (Hope Star, Hope AR). I did NOT play sports, at all, ever. That was a learning curve.
Candace Richards: I am an avid swimmer! I swam in high school and college (though not competitively since the school had no pool). I went to State my senior year in the 200 freestyle. I still swim to this day, and it is a huge stress reliever!
David Woodruff: Others may be surprised to know that prior to my healthcare career I was a drummer in a heavy metal band. Although I still love music, helping people won out as a career option.
Stephanie Zidek: I was the editor of my high school yearbook, which I feel like has carried over to my NPD background—especially regarding educational design and program promotion. I love to channel my creative spirit, utilize my media mindset, and I still can’t resist a candid photo with a great caption!
If you are interested in providing a valuable and informative perspective on an NPD topic for our community, submit an article via the submission form or direct your questions to the ANPD editors.