Message from the President

November 29, 2008

Dear Colleagues,

NCSC was born of a need; a need for mutual and professional support and camaraderie with other Stroke Coordinators. Since the inception of our organization with that first meeting of twelve Stroke Coordinators in May of 2006, we have experienced progress in our vision for an organization to help Stroke Coordinators with regular networking opportunities, and a mission to effect change in the stroke arena.

It was a pleasure meeting many of you, Stroke Coordinators around the country (via NSA Regional Conferences and the ASA International Stroke Conferences), who have common needs and are interested in joining us. Together, we will enhance the Stroke Coordinator role and do great things for the advancement and standardization of stroke care.

I would like to introduce to you our National Executive Board. The Board members who serve with me are Sharon Biby, Ron Cromartie, Wende Fedder, Marta Hefner, Louise Jenkins and Margaret Rudisill. Together, we will work diligently for you, to move our organization forward and provide you with what you need to be successful. We are most enthusiastic about the “Mentor Program” that we are developing. This program will match senior/experienced Stroke Coordinators with novice counterparts to help strengthen and grow them in their Stroke Coordinator role.

We are excited to have you visit our website. We hope that you will find it helpful. Be sure to visit the secure portal for members only, where we can share program and contact information and our new “How to Start Your Local NCSC Chapter” handbook. I anticipate there will be numerous chapters starting in different states and/or regions. I hope to hear from those of you who are interested in starting NCSC chapters in your area.

Please share our excitement as we move forward with our organizational growth. Progress happens slower than I like, yet we are moving right along. If you have ideas or needs, please share them through our “Contact us” page.

NCSC is for you the Stroke Coordinator. Thank you for caring about the jobs that you do. We, as Stroke Coordinators are on the front lines for leading the way to better outcomes for our patients and their families. These are exciting times in stroke care.

Warmly,
Lynn Stevens RN, BSN, CEN
NCSC President