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Candidate for Director for Clinical Practice
Alison Popa, MScN, RN, RSCN, CPAN, CAPA

Professional Experience:

Alison has been a nurse for 30 years, gaining broad experience across pediatric and adult critical care, burns ICU, the operating room, and all stages of perianesthesia nursing. She holds triple certifications as CPAN, CAPA, and RSCN and currently works as a perianesthesia nurse educator, focusing on developing competencies and integrating ASPAN Standards into daily practice. Alison joined ASPAN and her local component MASPAN, in 2021. Since she has served as ASPAN Clinical Practice Team Leader, Standards Committee Member, Pediatric SPG Vice-Coordinator and Coordinator, Clinical Inquiry Committee and National Conference Moderator. Within MASPAN, she is Secretary and a Board member for Education and Conference Planning. Internationally, she contributes to BARNA as the Pediatric Lead for Education. Recognized as an international speaker and expert, Alison has presented at ASPAN, MASPAN, BARNA, and most recently ICPAN. Her dedication to perianesthesia nursing positions her to advance ASPAN’s mission as Director of Clinical Practice.

Membership and Organizational Affiliations:

ASPAN, MASPAN, AACN, ANA, BARNA, APND

After reviewing ASPAN’s Strategic Plan and our Compelling Vision, describe your vision as a national leader to keep the organization current and relevant in the existing healthcare environment to meet the needs of the membership.  How will you assure ASPAN is strategically positioned to accomplish our goals and objectives?

ASPAN’s Compelling Vision recognizes our responsibility to be the leading voice for perianesthesia nursing. At a time when ASPAN is navigating organizational change, it is vital that we remain anchored in our core mission: maintaining and advancing clinical practice at the highest standards. Patient safety, evidence, and standards of care must continue to guide ASPAN’s priorities and assure our relevance to members. My vision as Director of Clinical Practice is to strengthen ASPAN’s role as the professional home for all perianesthesia nurses by ensuring clinical excellence drives our education, certification, and advocacy. This includes aligning committees with strategic goals, embedding ASPAN Standards into daily practice, and offering resources that are innovative and responsive to the challenges of modern healthcare. Through intentional leadership, mentoring, and collaboration, I will work to strategically position ASPAN to inspire confidence in our membership, promote safe patient care, and continue advancing excellence in perianesthesia nursing. 

~ Curriculum Vitae:  Alison Popa