CDR Amy Anderson has graciously agreed to highlight some of the accomplishments of the N-PAC this past year. I want to thank all of you for your commitment and service to our category. On top of our busy lives, work and family obligations, the N-PAC’s leadership (you all) continue to lead the way for nurses. Each of you is to be commended.  Anyways, the list is not all inclusive and I apologize if something was left out.  Feel free to contact me to add anything. During fiscal year 2008, the N-PAC leadership (you all) worked diligently and addressed…..

The rapidly changing priorities of the Corps and newly identified needs of the nurse category were addressed by developing a 5 year strategic plan.   This strategic plan facilitated forward thinking, planning and alignment of each of the nine NPAC subcommittees with USPHS transformation initiatives.  This 5 year plan is the first of its kind for the nurse category.  This plan allows for a targeted approach and to monitor and evaluate measureable goals which will assist the nursing leadership to best address and meet the needs of USPHS nurses.

• Developed an open door relationship and bridge between the N-PAC and Chief Nurses of the Indian Health Service and Bureau of Prisons.  This collegial and professional relationship was actively sought by CDR Berkhousen to build and to strengthen the ties between the N-PAC and two agencies where many of our nurses are assigned.  Active dialogue with these Chief Nurses resulted in a verbal agreement to support IHS nurses across the Nation with paid travel expenses to the annual N-PAC retreat (held in DC), agreement to link the N-PAC website to the IHS chief nurse home page, and BOP commitment to support commissioned corps nursing issues within their agency. 
• Revised and updated the nurse category Charter and Bylaws (previous last update 2002).
• Identified and established a transparent process for managing N-PAC monies:  Revamped the bookkeeping to an itemized format with monthly report-outs; developed an SOP outlining the role and responsibilities of the N-PAC financial liaison; instituted a process to earmark monies at the beginning of the fiscal year and developed a tracking process to request the use of N-PAC finances.
• Identified and established the secretary-elect position.  The labor intensity of this position requires additional support.  The secretary elect will serve under the N-PAC Executive Secretary for one year before assuming the role of N-PAC Exec Sec.

As an appointed voting representative for your agency, your role is to represent the nurse officers in your agency, present any needs and concerns that have been brought to your attention, and ensure any vital information be relayed back to the officers you represent. Topics such as professional development, public health issues, research ideas such as improving public health nursing care, and increasing leadership among PHS nurses are all are relevant. You should expect to keep fellow agency officers informed of N-PAC activities by providing them with (or directing them to) the minutes and summary of N-PAC meetings, and inviting them to attend (in person or telephonically) N-PAC meetings. Your fellow officers depend upon you to communicate NPAC information to them. Be innovative in reaching out to them and facilitating their involvement in N-PAC activities! (By-Laws Article VIII, Sec. 13)

N-PAC Business Meeting (for voting members, liaisons, and sub-committee co-chairs)
These meetings are routinely held on the 1st Friday of the month
Call in number 877-985-4896
Participant Code: 7616639 

N-PAC General Meeting (for all members)
Meetings are typically held on the 3rd Friday of each month.
From 13:00 to 15:00 EST
In the Surgeon General Conference room, Parklawn Building
The N-PAC Meeting call in number is 1-888-324-6474
Passcode is “NURSE”
Preceding the meeting at 12:30 p.m. EST, a variety of Lunch & Learn Topics are offered routinely.

Both the business and general meetings are mandatory for all N-PAC voting members. Please arrange for your alternate to participate in your absence. All absenteeism must be excused.

Planning Calendar – FY 2010

October 2009
* CJ Reddy Leadership Institute
* Update NPAC Calendar
* Sub-Committee Chair persons in place
* Vote on budget (NRD/awards/annual expenses)
* Identify coordinator for COA nursing booth
* Plan N-PAC Retreat

November 2009
* AMSUS Nov 9-14
* Nurse Appointment Board Nominations and appointments
* Recognition of all NPAC members, sub-committee members

December 2009
* AMSUS Debrief
* Review Nurse Category Strategic Plan
* Review Charter/Bylaws
* Select Nurse Responder of the Year
* Request COA booth space with Conference Planners 

N-PAC Charter

N-PAC Bylaws

N-PAC Sub-Committee SOP