Full House at the Regency

Posted on April 2, 2014 by Leslie

Happy April my friends!

As I have mentioned before, our conference hotel, the Regency, is a small, intimate property with 95 rooms that range from deluxe doubles to swanky suites. When we scheduled INANE we took a gamble to contract all 95 rooms for Monday Aug 4 and Tuesday Aug 5. We’re getting close to filling the place up–a Full House as I call it. As of today, 83 rooms have been booked for those two days. Sunday is also booking up, with 73 rooms reserved.

The idea of filling the entire hotel with INANE colleagues just makes me happy! The thought of taking over the whole joint for our conference makes me feel like it’s giant slumber party or summer camp. Maybe I’ll have to go buy myself some footy pajamas and bunny slippers to really add to the slumber party ambiance. LOL.

If you haven’t made your room reservation yet, it is getting to the point where you should not procrastinate any longer. Staff at the Regency will work with us to secure overflow bookings at adjacent hotels in the (likely) event that our groups fills the Regency to capacity. The nearby hotels are nice but trust me, it will be more fun to be at INANE Conference Central. The best way to reserve a room is by phone: call 1-800-727-3436 or 1-207-774-4200. Tell them you are attending INANE. If you have any problems at all, send me a message using this link and I will work with my contacts to have the issue quickly resolved.

Another reminder: our regular registration rate is in effect for just 29 more days. On May 1st, registration will increase by $100. If you are planning to attend INANE don’t wait any longer to register–do it now while it is on your mind. It only takes a minute or two. Click here to be taken to our secure registration site.

The next deadline that is quickly approaching: April 15 which is the last day to submit nominations for the Margaret Comerford Leadership Award. The online application can be found here. While it will probably take more than 2 minutes to complete, the award committee strove to make the application straightforward and concise. Thanks again to the members of this year’s committee: Shawn Kennedy, Chair and members: Grif Alspach, Joy Don Baker, Kathy Baker, Sean Clarke, Vicki Conn, Margaret Freda, Jan Fulton, Jackie Owens.

Last, we have had a surge of donations to the Suzanne Smith Development Fund in the past few weeks. Encouraged by Suzanne’s family, many of her friends and colleagues have donated to the fund. Yesterday, I received a group of donations from the Manatee County Ladies Golf Association! With funds received, we will be able to continue the Mentoring Editors Awards program going forward for several years to come. It makes me happy to be able to keep Suzanne’s memory alive in INANE with this program. All donors are listed at the bottom of every page on this website. We are still gratefully accepting donations–click here to be taken to our secure donation site and thank you in advance for your generosity.

Until the next update,

Leslie

for the planning committee: Peggy Chinn, Margaret Freda, Shawn Kennedy, Lisa Marshall and Jean Proehl.

Nominations are Open for the Margaret Comerford Freda Leadership Award

Posted on March 15, 2014 by Peggy L Chinn

Happy March 15th, the Ides of March!

Margaret Comerford Freda

The nomination and selection process for the Margaret Comerford Freda Leadership Award is now open. This award was established in 2012 to recognize outstanding achievement or contributions by an editor in pursuit of excellence in nursing publication. The award was established in honor of Dr. Freda because of her distinguished career as Editor-in-Chief of MCN: The American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing, her active leadership role in INANE, her research and publications on the editorial role, and her tireless efforts on behalf of editors resulting in a dramatic increase in the number of nursing journals included by Thompson-Reuters in the “impact factor” rating process.

Shawn Kennedy, Editor of the American Journal of Nursing, is chairing the selection committee for this year’s award. The committee has announced the process and the criteria for nominations. Nominations are open until April 15, 2014. Please consider nominating a deserving colleague for this award! Visit the Award Page on the INANE Web site where you can see the criteria for this nomination and complete instructions for submitting your nomination using our online form.

The MCF Leadership Award will be presented on Tuesday, August 5 at 8 am at INANE 2014 in Portland, Maine. The name of the award winner will be top secret until the announcement on Tuesday morning. Let me use this as a gentle reminder to register for this year’s conference–it is going to be superb in so many ways. This is an event you don’t want to miss!

Suzanne Smith

On Tuesday morning, we also will be recognizing four recipients of the Suzanne Smith Mentoring Editors Awards. This award is named in honor of our late colleague Suzanne Smith to honor her legacy of mentoring new editors and authors. The award provides the cost of registration at our conference for four individuals who are beginning their careers as nursing journal editors. The recipients of this award, who will all be in attendance at our 2014 conference, have been announced and introduced on the INANE Web site!

The Mentoring Editors Awards are supported by donations to the Suzanne Smith Development Fund. We are very grateful to all who have donated to support this initiative. In recent weeks, there has been an upsurge in giving with donations from many of Suzanne’s family members, close friends, and professional colleagues. I can safely say that funds secured to date will allow us to continue this program for the next several years, ensuring that Suzanne’s memory will live on in INANE. All donors are listed at the bottom of every page on this website. Please consider a donation in memory of Suzanne, or to recognize and honor another colleague. Thank you in advance for your generosity!

Peggy

For the Planning Committee: Leslie Nicoll, Margaret Comerford Freda, Shawn Kennedy, Lisa Marshall, Jean Proehl

Developing Editors – You Can Be Part of This Legacy!

Posted on January 15, 2014 by Peggy L Chinn

Rheba de Tornyay

Yesterday I received the email notice announcing the publication of the January issue of the Journal of Nursing Education, in which Christine Tanner pays tribute to the amazing legacy of Rheba de Tornyay, who served as Editor of JNE from 1985 to 1991. Dr. de Tornyay’s accomplishments and contributions to nursing are remarkable, many of which Chris describes in her tribute. But as Rheba’s successor as Editor of JNE, Chris provides a glimpse into the lasting significance of having a committed mentor. I know that most of us who now serve as Editors have wonderful stories about those who shepherded our entry in to this rewarding role, and as participants in INANE activities we have all benefited from opportunities to learn from one another and gain collective wisdom in our quest for quality in nursing journal publication.

Suzanne Smith

Recognizing the vital importance of mentoring in INANE, the 2014 planning committee established the Mentoring Editors Awards to fund attendance at the conference for up to four new nursing journal editors or those with an emerging interest in editing and publishing. This award was conceived early on, when Suzanne Smith was part of our planning activities. Suzanne, who is remembered for her crucial and important roles as mentor for a host of authors, reviewers, and journal editors, was skeptical at first (as was her nature) but once she thought about the purpose and concept of the awards, became very excited. Our first application for the award came in very early (August). Suzanne had the opportunity to read the application and she was enthusiastic and commented, in an email to the planning committee, “This is exactly the kind of person I want to support for this award!” She made a donation (in honor of her mom) to the fund that was established to support the awards and then, in an eerie twist of fate, died three days later. Those of us on the planning committee immediately realized that one way we could honor Suzanne’s memory would be to re-name the award and development fund in her honor: Suzanne Smith Development Fund and Suzanne Smith Mentoring Editors Awards.

Reading the tribute to Rheba reminds me how important it is to remember those who have offered so much! You can be part of this legacy in two ways. The funding of the awards will come from our contributions. Even if you cannot attend the conference, please consider contributing to the Suzanne Smith Development Fund. In addition, you can nominate yourself or someone else for the award. If you know of someone who is deserving of the award–an aspiring or emerging author–please consider a nomination. The deadline is February 1st–just two weeks from now.

There is no deadline for making a donation to the Suzanne Smith Development Fund! To our knowledge, no other fund has been created to honor Suzanne’s memory and contributions to nursing and in particular, dissemination of nursing knowledge through scholarly publications. We are proud to be torch-bearers and leaders in creating this lasting legacy to Suzanne’s memory. The plan is to continue beyond 2014–monies raises will be dedicated to this cause for the 2015 conference and beyond. Please visit the web page for the fund now–you can make your donation online at any time! You can designate your contribution in memory of, or in honor of another person you wish to acknowledge; your contribution will be listed on the web site along with the name of the person you are honoring. All contributions will be recognized on the website and individual donors will be recognized and acknowledged at INANE 2014. Your donation is important and appreciated.

Thank you for your support of our future editors through your donation to the Suzanne Smith Development Fund. And for those who aspire to editing or disseminating nursing knowledge, please take a minute to apply for a Mentoring Editors Award. Remember, the deadline is February 1, 2014.

Peggy

For the Planning Commitee: Leslie Nicoll (chair), Margaret Freda, Shawn Kennedy, Lisa Marshall, Jean Proehl

Linking past, present and future: the Suzanne Smith Mentoring Editors Awards

Posted on October 15, 2013 by Peggy L Chinn

It is not yet a month since we learned of the unexpected death of Suzanne Smith, whose influence and presence in INANE has been vital for many years. Suzanne was a member of our planning committee for the 2014 INANE conference and was involved in establishing a fund to support new and emerging nursing journal editors. We announced this fund on September 15th. We announced her death on September 20th.

Suzanne Smith, 2011

Within hours of learning of her death, the 2014 conference planning group decided to name the fund in her honor, and our decision has been affirmed many times over by those who have paid tribute to Suzanne on our blog. Over and over people have responded to our INANE blog paying tribute to Suzanne’s death, recounting their specific encounters with Suzanne and her significant influence in their career as a mentor when they were seeking to publish their work in nursing journals.

The Suzanne Smith Development Fund is growing, but we have not yet met our goal, which is to support four new or aspiring editors to attend the 2014 conference. If every INANE member contributed just $10, we would more than reach our goal! But we hope that many will contribute more, in the interest of establishing a lasting fund that we can draw on for years to come.

Suzanne’s death has reminded us of the importance of building a foundation for the future of nursing journals. INANE is a significant element in that foundation, and this fund stands to assure the sustainability of our mission, which is to “promote best practices in publishing and high standards in the publishing of nursing journals, books, and Web-based literature.”

So head on over to our Suzanne Smith Development Fund page, and add your contribution to this important fund. Your donation today, made in memory, or in honor of a significant person honors your past, and stands as a symbol of your support for the future excellence of nursing journals!

One other note: today, October 15th, marks the halfway point for two significant deadlines: we are halfway through the five month Call for Abstracts and also halfway through Early Bird Registration–both end on December 31, 2013. There are still 10 weeks before the end of the year, but we all know how things ramp up in November and December, with end-of-the-year deadlines and activities. If you are planning to attend INANE, take a minute to register. Likewise, if you are planning on submitting an abstract, don’t procrastinate and let the time get away. Remember, presentations and posters from members like you will make this conference a success. Don’t delay–register today!

Peggy

Planning Committee: Leslie Nicoll (Chair), Peggy Chinn, Margaret Comerford Freda, Shawn Kennedy, Lisa Marshall, and Jean Proehl

October 1st update (one day late!)

Posted on October 2, 2013 by Leslie

Good morning INANE colleagues and friends!

Last night I dreamt that our venue for INANE 2014 had transformed into a theme park. I was more than a little concerned that everyone’s attention was being distracted from the scientific sessions to the roller coaster! Fortunately, I don’t think the Regency is going to morph into Funtown USA in the next 10 months–but if anyone wants directions for a family outing, I am happy to help. 🙂

I am sure I am not alone when I say that I am still reeling from the news of Suzanne Smith’s death. I felt the loss quite keenly the other day when I thought, “I’ll just ask Suzanne about that,” and realized I couldn’t. However, I am proud of the way INANE has been able to respond quickly and respectfully to our collective loss. Her family is honored by the Suzanne Smith Mentoring Editors Awards and Development Fund. We all believe this is an initiative that will continue into the future and will keep Suzanne’s legacy alive in INANE and the nursing community at large.

To date, we have received $875 for the Development Fund. Donors are recognized on every page of this website. If you would like to donate, click here. Payments are processed through Stripe; your credit card information is secure and safe. We have also received three applications for Mentoring Editors Awards. The deadline for applications is February 1st so there is plenty of time to apply, but nominations and applications are accepted at any time. If you are thinking of applying, or nominating a colleague, take advantage of the moment. No time like the present as my grandmother always said!

In the past month, we’ve also received two abstracts for poster/breakout sessions. Again, the deadline is December 31st but the call is open now. Projects do not need to be complete when you submit an abstract–they just need to be finished for your presentation next summer. More details can be found in this post at our Nursing Editors blog.

In other numbers, we have 16 early bird conference registrations, 22 hotel rooms reserved, and 21 people signed up for the cruise and lobster bake. Note that the cruise and lobster bake has an absolute maximum of 100 people–this is due to the size of the boat which is limited to 100 passengers. There is no flexibility on this: Coast Guard Regulations! This event will be a highlight so if you don’t want to be disappointed, don’t delay in submitting your registration.

That’s it for this moment–more updates in two weeks. If anyone has questions, send them to me through the Feedback Form and I’ll respond post haste.

Leslie

Planning Committee: Leslie Nicoll, Peggy Chinn, Margaret Comerford Freda, Shawn Kennedy, Lisa Marshall, and Jean Proehl.

Life is Short and Precious

Posted on September 20, 2013 by Leslie

…and sometimes things change in a heartbeat. That is certainly the way I felt this morning when I learned of the unexpected death of my good friend, colleague, and mentor, Suzanne P. Smith. She was at her home in Florida and looking forward to heading to her condo in Washington DC in a few weeks, where she would spend time visiting her children and grandchildren.

Suzanne was on the planning committee for INANE 2014. She had a wealth of knowledge to share, as Suzanne has been participating in INANE from the very beginning. When I would bring up new ideas, she was often cautious and made me explain myself very clearly why I thought this would be a good initiative for INANE. For next year’s conference, there were innovations that never made it past the brainstorm stage. But others did–one of these was the Developing Editors Grant Fund, which we have renamed the Suzanne Smith Mentoring Editors Awards in her honor.

Anyone who knew Suzanne, even a little, knows that mentorship was a core value and part of her spirit. She loved supporting others, helping them to learn, and sharing in their success. Mentorship was certainly key in our relationship even after we had moved on and became good friends. When I have editing questions or need advice, I have a sort list of people I turn to. Suzanne has always been on that list.

I can’t really believe I won’t see Suzanne at INANE next summer. She was so excited about the conference, the venue, the speakers, and the additional events, especially the Freeport shopping! I know that the opening reception is going to be tough, not having Suzanne next to me to share a glass of wine. However, I know she will be with us in spirit and we can all remember and honor her memory through the Mentoring Editors Awards named in her honor.

You can learn more about the awards here and if you choose, make a donation at this link. Thank you in advance for your generous contribution. Please, too, let those you think might be candidates to receive awards know about this opportunity. The application form is here.

The nursing profession has lost a good friend and special leader. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and all of us in the editor community.

Leslie