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Candidate for Vice President/President Elect
Sarah Cartwright, DNP, RN, NI-BC, CAPA, FASPAN

Professional Experience:

Sarah M. I. Cartwright, DNP, RN, NI-BC, CAPA, FASPAN, has nearly 30 years of nursing experience in perianesthesia practice, advancing from staff nurse to senior administrator and educator while maintaining active clinical practice as a consultant focused on quality improvement and regulatory compliance in perianesthesia and perioperative services. An ASPAN member since 1998, she has contributed through strategic work teams, committees, specialty practice groups, and board service as Region 5 Director and Secretary. Locally, she has served as President of the Georgia Association of PeriAnesthesia Nurses. Dr. Cartwright is Executive Director of the School of Nursing at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, overseeing graduate programs. An author on preoperative evaluation, evidence-based practice, and patient safety, she has been honored as a FASPAN, ASPAN Above and Beyond Award recipient, and GAPAN Perianesthesia Nurse of the Year. She has no commercial affiliations.

Membership and Organizational Affiliations:

AACN, ANA, ANIA, AORN, ASA, ASPAN, Delta Epsilon Tau, GAPAN, GNA, HIMSS, IHI, International Golden Key Society, Sigma Theta Tau International

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?

My vision as a national leader is to ensure ASPAN remains the premier voice for perianesthesia nursing by advancing excellence in practice, education, and advocacy. I believe ASPAN must remain agile and forward-thinking, leveraging data, research, and member expertise to address the rapidly changing healthcare environment. I am committed to strengthening our organization through a clear, member-focused mission that prioritizes belonging, professional growth, and the translation of evidence into practice. By leading change in a supportive, yet focused manner, I will encourage innovation while honoring the diverse needs of our members. I will also work to expand ASPAN’s role in policy and regulatory conversations, ensuring we are strategically positioned to meet the needs of patients and practitioners alike. Through intentional alignment with ASPAN’s Strategic Plan and Compelling Vision, I will help assure our organization thrives now and in the future.

~ Curriculum Vitae:  Sarah Cartwright