2021 APNA Secretary’s Report

Dear Colleagues,

As the Secretary for the APNA Board of Directors, I am pleased to provide you with this annual update on our membership and communications over the past year.

The APNA Secretary is responsible for corporate records and taking meeting minutes during official meetings of the APNA Board of Directors. During the past year, the APNA Board of Directors conducted meetings on September 20, 2020, November 10, 2020, December 8, 2020, January 12, 2021, February 24-25, 2021, March 9, 2021, April 13, 2021, May 11, 2021, June 9, 2021, July 13, 2021, August 10, 2021, September 2, 2021, and September 14, 2021.

This year, we hit an exciting milestone of 15,000 members. Renewals have increased by 5.6% and we gain 12 new members each day. APNA’s retention rate is a healthy 85%, with the average member staying with us for over 6 years! The membership is currently 54% RN and 45% APRN.

In August, APNA launched a new website to enhance the visibility of the organization and profession. This updated site will ensure that APNA is easier to find when people search online for information about psychiatric-mental health nursing, as well as easier for members to navigate. APNA also continues to make use of a broad range of communications platforms to disseminate information and raise awareness. New resources now available on the website thanks to the expertise found within our membership include the APNA Nursing Competencies for Treating Tobacco Use Disorders, updated position statements on Electroconvulsive Therapy and Violence Prevention, and a collection of Telemental Health information and resources.

Since its launch in 2011, your resource for online continuing nursing education, the APNA eLearning Center, continues to grow in scope and reach. 375 sessions are available to access online, offering 419.2 total contact hours. Amongst the evidence-based education APNA released this year are an updated APNA Transitions in Practice Certificate Program, fully virtual suicide prevention and facilitator trainings, and five free mini sessions on substance use.

Our online community site Member Bridge offers valuable connection for members, especially during this time. The community offers 117,757 resources and posts by members. This site serves as a dynamic source for the collective wisdom, experiences, and concerns shared by the profession.

I hope that you will join me in celebrating the growth that APNA has seen this past year – it is a collective effort that reflects your dedication and expertise as members of your association of professionals.

Respectfully submitted,

Evelyn Perkins, MS, PMH-BC, NE-BC, RN
APNA Secretary