Indianapolis Nurse to Lead National Association
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists has named Peggy Barksdale president of its Board of Directors. Barksdale currently works at Community Health Network in Indianapolis.
March 30, 2015
News Release
The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) today announced that Peggy Barksdale, MSN, RN, OCNS-C, CNS-BC, Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) at the Community Health Network in Indianapolis, and adjunct faculty at the Indiana University School of Nursing in Indianapolis has been elected to serve as the President of the 2015-2016 NACNS Board of Directors.
Barksdale has been a member of NACNS since 1998 and has served on the Board of Directors since 2011. She was elected Vice President in 2013 and served until she was elected President-Elect in 2014-2015. She has been active in the organization, serving as Co-Chair of the Family/Individual Across the Lifespan CNS Competencies Task Force, the Chair of the Practice Committee, then as Liaison for the committee when she was on the Board.
“I am excited and it’s a privilege to serve as NACNS Board President,” said Peggy Barksdale. “This is an important time for the association. It’s our 20th anniversary and health care is rapidly changing. I know we have much work on many fronts – education, practice, public education and more, and I am prepared to help lead this vital association to ensure that in all health care settings clinical nurse specialists are providing the highest quality, evidence-based care for our patients.”
Barksdale is also a member of Sigma Theta Tau. She received Sigma Theta Tau’s Clinical Practice Award in 2004. The National Association of Orthopedic Nurses gave Barksdale its Outstanding Service and Dedication award in 1990. Barksdale recently published work on the clinical practice guidelines for peripheral nerve blocks.
“Peggy has been an invaluable member of the Board of Directors,” said NACNS Executive Director Melinda Mercer Ray, MSN, RN. “We are delighted that she will be serving as President and look forward to her leadership and guidance as we continue to build and strengthen this association, advance the vital role of the CNS, and improve health care.”
Barksdale is a long time member of the National Association of Orthopedic Nurses, American Nurses Association, Indiana State Nurses Association, Inc. and Central Indiana Organization of Clinical Nurse Specialists, Inc., an affiliate of NACNS.
Barksdale earned her Master of Science degree in Nursing, her Bachelor’s degree and her Associates of Science in Nursing from Indiana University. She also holds a Diploma in Practical Nursing from the J. Everett Light Career Center.
Founded in 1995, The National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists is the only association representing the clinical nurse specialist (CNS). CNSs are advanced practice registered nurses who work in a variety of specialties to ensure high-quality, evidence-based, patient-centered care. As leaders in health care settings, CNSs provide direct patient care and lead initiatives to improve care and clinical outcomes, and reduce costs. NACNS is dedicated to advancing CNS practice and education, removing certification and regulatory barriers, and assuring the public access to quality CNS services.
Source: National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists