Celebrating 25 Years
In 2024, AAPACN is celebrating its 25th Anniversary! This significant milestone marks a quarter-century of dedication to excellence in post-acute care nursing. Over the past 25 years, AAPACN has played a pivotal role in supporting and empowering post-acute care professionals. Together, we have witnessed tremendous growth, accomplished significant milestones, embraced constant change, and most importantly, we have had the privilege of supporting and connecting with our dedicated members.
Help us celebrate the association’s remarkable achievements with a look back through the years and envision the possibilities for the next quarter century.
A Message from AAPACN President and CEO, Tracey Moorhead
Significant Milestones
AAPACN Trivia
Answer: AANAC Coffee Cup
The name was soon changed to NAC News. Today’s AAPACN newsletter for NACs is Leader for the NAC.
Answer: March 11-12, 1999, in Denver, CO
A. American Association of Resident Assessment Coordinators
B. American Association of Resident Assessment Coordination
C. American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordinators
D. American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordination
Answer: C
The American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordinators (AANAC) was founded in 1999. In 2011, AANAC changed “Coordinators” to “Coordination” to recognize the role other IDT members play in the RAI process. In 2021, AANAC and its sister organization, the American Association of Directors of Nursing Services (AADNS), merged into one organization known as AAPACN.
Answer: AAPACN
Prior to the formation of AANAC, the role within the nursing home was exclusively called “MDS Coordinator.” In a May 3, 1999, newsletter editorial, AANAC founder, Diane Carter, RN, NSN, FAAN, wrote, “The role of the MDS Coordinator has changed. The role of this nurse continues to evolve from one of managing data entry as implied by the job title of MDS Coordinator to one of managing resident care as suggested by the title of Nurse Assessment Coordinator… the nurse with the strongest physical assessment, leadership and management skills must fill this role. This is only means of preserving high quality care for nursing homes residents.”
Answer: $90
AAPACN dues have only increased an average of less than $3 per year over the last 25 years.
A. AANAC, AADNS, and the Education Foundation
B. Building blocks of care
C. Forward motion along the continuum of care
D. The roles of the NAC, DNS, and administrator
Answer: B and C (mostly C)
The original AAPACN logo was created in December 2015. The rounded square shapes represent the steps in providing care in a post-acute setting. The blocks are then turned at an angle to form an arrow-like symbol to demonstrate the forward motion of the continuum of care.
In February 2019, the logo was updated to the current version. The square shapes represent the steps toward acquiring necessary certification and knowledge in order to be a successful professional. The blocks are staggered in an arrow formation to demonstrate the forward motion of the continuum of care. Although AAPACN switched to the new logo in 2019, its big public debut didn’t occurred until May 2021 with the launch of the AAPACN website and merging of AANAC and AADNS into AAPACN.
Memory Lane
I WENT TO MY FIRST AANAC CONFERENCE IN LAS VEGAS IN 2000 I BELIEVE! I STAYED AT THE CIRCUS CIRCUS. HAD A GREAT EXPERIENCE MEETING PEERS AND NETWORKING. ONE OF THE REASONS I STAYED EMPLOYED WITH MY COMPANY AT A YOUNG AGE!
See more memories shared by AAPACN members.
Conference Through the Years
