The Illinois Society for Advanced Practice Nursing is an organization dedicated to the professional development and advocacy of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. By providing educational opportunities, leadership positions and collaboration between fellow APRNs, ISAPN uplifts APRNs in their careers.

By adopting a new mission, vision and core values, ISAPN is painting in black and white what its purpose is for members.

"We’ve been doing it, but now it’s out here for everybody to see that this is truly what we mean and why this organization exists." President-Elect April Odom DNP, APRN, FNP-BC.

Empowering APRNs to Lead, Advocate, and Transform Healthcare

Mission

• ISAPN is dedicated to promoting and supporting advanced practice registered nurses through advocacy, policy, education, and professional development.

Vision

• Harnessing professional unity, driving policy, and transforming healthcare to ensure equitable access and exceptional health outcomes for all.

Core Values of ISAPN

• Advocacy: Advocacy for Health Policy that supports APRNs and patients.
• Leadership: Leadership that promotes excellence and integrity in healthcare.
• Inclusiveness: Inclusiveness represents an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and welcomed, regardless of their background, abilities, age, gender, ethnicity, race, or sexual orientation.
• Excellence: Excellence in the promotion of Advanced Practice Nursing to provide high-quality care in a professional and competent manner.

ISAPN’s new mission statement is a clear declaration of its dedication to promoting and supporting APRNs. The organization is committed to advancing the role of APRNs through robust advocacy, effective policy-making, comprehensive education, and continuous professional development.

President-Elect April Odom described why these new ideals were created. "After 23 years, you sometimes forget what your goals are and are just working and not really understanding the purpose. So having this mission, vision, and core values written down really gives us clarity."

By focusing on leadership and advocacy, ISAPN aims to ensure that APRNs are not only recognized as vital contributors to healthcare but are also empowered to lead and influence the future of nursing and patient care. This mission reflects the organization's long-standing commitment to serving both its members and the broader community by elevating the practice and impact of APRNs across Illinois.

"Having the mission, vision, and core values written down really keeps us laser-focused on the things that we are meant to do for ISAPN." April emphasized.

Process of Developing the New Mission and Core Values

The development of ISAPN’s new mission and core values was a carefully thought-out process, initiated by a task force formed within the organization. This task force was led by Dr. Leta Vega and included key board members such as Hannah Holmes MS, APRN, FNP-BC, Alyssa Smolen DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, and Misty Kirby Nolan DNP, MSN, APRN FPA, CNP, who brought diverse perspectives to the table.

Their approach was highly collaborative, involving thorough discussions and a deep commitment to ensuring that the final statements were both meaningful and actionable. The task force’s work was not just about creating new language but about articulating the essence of what ISAPN has always stood for, now clearly defined for all to see. President of ISAPN, Stephanie Crawford reflected, "When the task force wrote the mission, vision, and core values, they really looked at what we’ve been doing, and they were very purposeful in how they wrote that."

This purposeful approach ensured that the new mission and core values would resonate with all members of ISAPN, guiding the organization into the future. Stephanie went on to say, "It's really just verbalizing and putting out in black and white for everybody what we've been doing. And also, it's a reminder for us as leaders and for our membership."

Impact on ISAPN Members

The new mission and core values of ISAPN are set to provide a clear message to all current and future members – ISAPN is a place for all APRNs. These values are more than just words; they serve as a compass for decision-making, program development, and member engagement. By clearly defining its commitment to advocacy, leadership, inclusiveness, and excellence, ISAPN ensures that every action it takes is aligned with these principles, ultimately benefiting its members.

One of the key impacts of this renewed focus is the enhancement of professional unity among APRNs across Illinois. ISAPN’s inclusive approach involves representing all four APRN specialties—CRNA, CNM, CNP, and CNS—fosters a strong sense of unity and collaboration within the profession. This unity is crucial in addressing the diverse challenges that APRNs face across different regions of the state, from urban centers like Chicago to rural areas in southern Illinois.

April expressed, "I hope that people see these core values and they see themselves in these, where they’re like, 'Okay, this is a place where I belong,' because they are focusing on things that align with my personal mission and goals."

This alignment of personal and professional values with those of ISAPN not only strengthens the bond between the organization and its members but also empowers APRNs to work together more effectively towards common goals.

Advocacy, Leadership, Inclusiveness, and Excellence – ISAPNs New Core Values

With its new mission and core values, ISAPN is poised to enter a future filled with renewed purpose and direction. The organization's commitment to advocacy, leadership, inclusiveness, and excellence will guide its actions and ensure that it continues to be a powerful voice for APRNs across Illinois. By clearly articulating these values, ISAPN not only reaffirms its dedication to supporting APRNs but also sets a strong foundation for advancing their role in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape.

If you are an APRN in the healthcare community, now is the perfect time to join ISAPN. By becoming a member, you align yourself with an organization that is dedicated to advancing your profession and ensuring that your voice is heard. Together, we can continue to make a significant impact on healthcare and improve patient outcomes across the state.

Join ISAPN today and be a part of this transformative journey.