Sept 25 Shrewsbury
During this time of transformational change in the American healthcare system, advanced practice nursing continues to be in the forefront. Each year, the Society of Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses of the New Jersey State Nurses Association (SPAPN) provides an opportunity to formally recognize outstanding contributions made by New Jersey psychiatric advanced practice nurses and those who support their mission. This year, SPAPN held their annual awards dinner at the Shadowbrook CC in Shrewsbury. Following a succinct business meeting and a psychopharmacology briefing by Thomas Schwartz, MD, awards were presented to four individuals for their contributions in advancing mental health care in New Jersey.
Carolyn Torre, RN, MA, APN,C, Director of Nursing Practice at the New Jersey State Nurses Association has been steadfast and skillfully effective over the years in her work with the state legislature to establish and expand the scope of practice for New Jersey APNs. As a result of her efforts, Advanced Practice Nurses have prescriptive privileges.
A pediatric nurse practitioner, a gifted lecturer and teacher, Carolyn is well-known for her many publications, including her column in the New Jersey Nurse "RegulaTorre." Her White Paper is compelling evidence, complete with extensive research data, for the state legislature to discontinue Joint Protocol requiring a written agreement between a
For her exemplary vision and influence, the Society of Psychiatric APNs awarded Carolyn their 2009 Leadership Award, one of many recognitions and awards that she has earned through the more than 3 decades of her career. With all her accomplishments, Carolyn is unpretentious and approachable, patiently explaining to the nurses of NJ the current political events and regulatory statutes as they exist, and as they change.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Andrea Augenbaugh, RN, APN, CAE. Recently retired CEO of the New Jersey State Nurses Association and the Institute of Nursing, Andrea is one of the state's most
Andrea has worked endlessly to develop the New Jersey State Nurses Association into one of the most influential and effective professional organizations in the state. She began her work with the NJSNA as Director of Legislative Affairs in 1982, a year after she organized Interested Nurses Political Action Committee (INPAC).
Fully understanding the importance of public policy and it's effect on professional nursing and the people they serve, she has worked tirelessly over the years to pass numerous new laws and has been an outspoken and forceful advocate for nurses, advancing the cause of professionalism and respect for nurses. As Associate Director she served as Chief Lobbyist and as Deputy Director, she was Chief Legislative agent for all legislation affecting the practice of nursing including the Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist Act of 1992 and the RN 3rd Party Payment Bill.
Andrea earned a BSN from the University of Pittsburgh school of nursing, and went on to obtain a certificate in family planning nurse practitioner from the New Jersey College of Medicine and Dentistry. She earned a Masters of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. She promotes education for nurses as a means to both improve quality of care for patients and to advance nursing stature. She has been in Private Practice servicing the Highstown Housing Authority residents and for the past 22 years she has worked as a family nurse practitioner for East Windsor Township Board of Health Well Baby Clinic.
Through her inspiring leadership, Andrea has helped to guide NJSNA to prepare for the future. While she has worked tirelessly and determinedly, she has remained amiable and accessible. We wish her well in her retirement.
Karen Piren MS, APN received the 2009 Advocate of the Year Award. As Chief Nursing Officer at the Division of Mental Health Services, Karen has been an advocate and a visionary on behalf of the patients in New Jersey State Hospitals. Through her tireless determination and action, she has created opportunities for
Following her completion of the Masters Program at Rutgers, she added several hours per week as an APN at Greater Trenton Behavioral Health Center outpatient services where she provides evaluations and medication management for clients. She is regarded by her patients and staff as an outstanding resource for knowledge and good judgment. She is a role model for compassion and an energetic participant in all the challenges we face in the changing health care system.
New Jersey Senator Richard Codey and his wife, Mary Jo's entrée into the world of mental illness began 22 years ago. After the birth of their first child, Kevin, Mary Jo developed a postpartum psychiatric complication. Four years later, after the birth second child, Christopher, the frightening symptoms of postpartum depression reemerged along with horrifying thoughts of hurting her baby and suicide. The nightmare was ever more complicated by the lack of recognition of the disorder and delayed diagnosis and treatment. After a year of pharmaceutical trial and error, her symptoms finally abated.
Out of her own experience with postpartum depression grew a passion for increasing awareness and services for this serious, but treatable disorder. Over the years she courageously shared her story with a wide range of audiences including women's groups, healthcare professionals, the public, and the media. During her husband,'s 14 month tenure as acting governor, New Jersey became the first state to commit resources to uninsured new mothers for PPD education, screening and treatment in a comprehensive awareness campaign called "Recognizing Postpartum Depression: Speak Up When You're Down". New Jersey's postpartum depression screening and education law took effect in October of 2006.
The Codey's have worked diligently over the years to improve mental health services for pregnant and postpartum women. On the national
