FAQs
Whether you are a current member, a nurse interested in joining, or simply exploring resources for pediatric surgical nursing, this page is designed to provide quick answers to the most common questions about the American Pediatric Surgical Nurses Association. Here you’ll find information about membership, education opportunities, events, research, and how to get involved in our growing community of pediatric surgical nursing professionals.
About APSNA
Q: What is APSNA?
A: The American Pediatric Surgical Nurses Association (APSNA) is the premier professional organization for nurses who specialize in caring for infants, children, and adolescents with surgical needs. Our mission is to improve pediatric surgical nursing through education, research, collaboration, and advocacy.
Q: Who can be a member of APSNA?
A: You may join if you're...
- Licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse or Advance Practice Nurse committed to the advancement of pediatric surgical nursing and supporting the mission and values of the Corporation. Regular/active members have all the rights and privileges of membership including the right to vote and hold office.
- An Advanced Practice Provider, Allied Health Professional, or previously licensed nursing professional committed to the advancement of pediatric surgical nursing and supporting the mission and values of the Corporation who does not meet the criteria to be an Active Member. Affiliate members have all the rights and privileges of membership except the right to vote or hold office.
- A student who is engaged in a primary nursing degree program leading to eligibility for licensure as a registered professional nurse. Student members have all of the rights and privileges of membership except the right to vote or hold office.
- A Retired individual who has retired his or her registered professional nursing or advanced practice nursing license and who provides evidence of such status shall pay dues at a reduced rate. Retired Members are committed to the advancement of pediatric surgical nursing and supporting the mission and values of the Corporation. Retired Members shall have all of the rights and privileges of membership except the right to vote and hold office. The rights and privileges of all Retired Members shall be equal.
Membership
Q: How much does it cost to join APSNA?
A: Members receive access to:
- Regular/active memberships are $130 per year.
- Student memberships are $60 per year.
- Retired memberships are $60 per year.
- Triad memberships are $235 per year; this includes a regular/active APSNA membership (membership value $130) and a non-chapter membership to AORN (membership value $170), which includes an affiliate membership with ANA. This joint membership represents a 22% savings to you. A registration link can be found on the AORN Website →.
Q: I joined as a Triad member, but have not received a username or password for APSNA?
A: The Triad membership is a unique opportunity to be a part of several nursing organizations (American Nurses Association [ANA], Association of Operative Registered Nurses [AORN], and the American Pediatric Surgical Nurses Association, Inc. [APSNA]; because of that, it can take several days to synchronize profile data among all three organizations. You will receive a welcome letter including your username and password from APSNA when your membership is activated.
Q: What are the benefits of APSNA membership?
A: Members receive access to:
- Professional networking with pediatric surgical nurses nationwide
- Continuing education opportunities and CNE credits
- APSNA’s annual scientific conference
- Access to members-only resources and publications
- Leadership and committee involvement opportunities
- Discounts on educational programs and events
Q: How do I join or renew my membership?
A: You can join or renew online through our membership portal at apsna.org. Simply select the membership type that fits you and follow the instructions.
Q: Does APSNA offer student or discounted memberships?
A: Yes. APSNA offers special membership categories for students, retirees, and international nurses. Please see our membership page for details.
Education & Events
Q: Does APSNA offer continuing education credits (CNE)?
A: Yes. APSNA provides CNE opportunities through our annual conference, webinars, and educational resources throughout the year.
Q: When is the APSNA Annual Conference?
A: APSNA hosts its Annual Scientific Conference each spring, bringing together pediatric surgical nurses from across the country. Dates, location, and registration details are posted on apsna.org/events.
Q: Can non-members attend APSNA events?
A: Yes, non-members are welcome at many APSNA events and conferences, though members receive discounted registration rates.
Q: Whom do I contact about obtaining my educational credits from the annual conference?
A: Please contact the APSNA Director of Education by email. Please note that conference evaluations are available until June 30 after the conference, after that time an additional fee may be required to retrieve your conference evaluation.
Resources & Support
Q: How can I connect with other APSNA members?
A: APSNA members have access to APSNA Connect, committees, and networking events where they can share knowledge, ask questions, and collaborate.
Q: Do I need to contact APSNA if I have an address, phone number or email address change?
A: Members can update their APSNA profile at any time online. Simply login to your APSNA Info Hub account, click "My Info” in the left menu. This page allows you to edit both your professional and additional information related to your profile.
Q: What do I do if I cannot remember my password?
A: Click on the "Forgot Username or Password" link on the login page and follow the instructions, or reach out to us at info@apsna.org.
Q: 11. Does APSNA have a contact number?
A: Yes, our organization has contact phone number: 1 (855) 984-1601.
Research & Practice
Q: Does APSNA support nursing research?
A: Absolutely. APSNA provides opportunities for members to share research through conference presentations, publications, and poster sessions. Research grants may also be available to support projects that advance pediatric surgical nursing.
Q: Are clinical practice guidelines available?
A: Yes. APSNA collaborates with experts to develop and share best practices and resources for pediatric surgical nursing care.
Getting Involved
Q: How can I volunteer with APSNA?
A: Members can serve on committees, task forces, or the board of directors. Volunteering is a great way to expand your leadership skills and shape the future of pediatric surgical nursing.
Q: How can I contact APSNA?
A: You can reach us via email at info@apsna.org or visit the Contact Us → page for more information.