The Associate Provost for Graduate Studies and Professor of Nursing at Otterbein University, Barbara Schaffner joins the OAAPN Board as the Central Region Director. She began her educational career at the University of Cincinnati, where she earned her BSN, and then went on to earn her MSN from Indiana University, and her Post-Master’s PNP and PhD from The Ohio State University.
Barb was motivated to become an APRN due to her interest in primary care after spending years in pediatric critical care. The opportunity to teach students in the APRN program also appealed to her. She calls OAAPN the “go-to organization for APRN professional development and promotion of policy that advances APRN practice in Ohio,” and first became involved as a member. She began really promoting membership while working with APRN students and she previously served on the legislative committee, as well.
Barb is married with two sons, a daughter-in-law, one grandson, and a granddaughter on the way, expected in April 2021. “I am blessed that they all live in the Central Ohio area.” She is also the proud dog mom of a rescued Lab mix, possibly a “Labradane” – “a big and strong boy!” In her free time she enjoys being outside walking, playing golf, and swimming (although she moves swimming indoors through the colder months).
We recently had the opportunity to talk with Barb about her role as incoming Board Member for OAAPN, her goals, and why she thinks the organization is vital to the APRN profession.
Why do you believe membership and active participation in OAAPN is important?
All nurses need to stand together, as our differences are so much smaller and less important than our shared values. OAAPN allows the unique, important, and specific issues and concerns of APRNs to have a voice in Ohio. Just as important is the mentoring and support of APRNs for each other!
What value do you believe OAAPN provides for your professional development?
It works to assure all APRNs have full practice authority and the ability to practice to the utmost of their education.
Barbara’s words to live by…
The time is always right to do right (M.L. King, 1966)
Something others might not know about you:
Most of my married life has included a household of extended family members, with three generations living together.