Leadership
Thank you to Those Who Make SUNA Possible
Board of Directors
National Association Office Staff
A Synopsis of AUA/SUNA History
In 1968, Alice Morel, a registered nurse at Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx, New York, spearheaded a meeting for those interested and dedicated to improving education for allied health professionals caring for patients with urological problems. This sparked an interest in urologic education across the country leading to many educational and organizational efforts.
In 1970, the American Urological Association (AUA) provided the first scientific program for 427 urologic health professionals in conjunction with the Annual AUA meeting in Philadelphia. The American Urological Association Allied (AUAA) was formed and the first certification exam was given the same year, a 4-hour oral exam administered by the AUA. Today, the Certification Board for Urologic Nurses and Associates (CBUNA) writes and administers the exam.
On April 25, 1995, during the Annual Conference, association members voted to change the name of the organization from AUAA to the Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates (SUNA). The same year, SUNA’s first textbook, Urologic Nursing Principles and Practice was published. That has led to many other significant SUNA publications authored and edited by members to include specialty publications, Position Statements, Clinical Practice Guidance, and Patient Education Fact Sheets. Research has also long been a part of SUNA’s mission. The SUNA Foundation was created in 2006 with a mission to improve urologic nursing care and the lives of people with urologic health issues through funding of urologic nursing research, scholarship and education programs. The Foundation is thriving and holds annual fundraising events, enabling the awarding of multiple scholarships.
SUNA’s great accomplishments through the years would have been impossible without the dedication, commitment, and hard work of SUNA leadership. Every SUNA President and Board of Directors commits incredible time and energy working behind the scenes to ensure the success of the association. Local chapters across the nation, are the grassroots connection to the national organization and serve as the vehicle to promote the mission of SUNA. The selfless dedication of all the many professional volunteers over SUNA’s history has ensured its success and tradition of excellence.
SUNA’s membership has always been all inclusive, meaning any health care professional trained and working in the field of urology is eligible for membership. This holistic team approach is unique to SUNA and one that has strengthened it throughout the years. SUNA is proud to be the recognized authority of urologic nursing care and education and sets the standard of urologic education for health care providers and patients.
Congratulations to SUNA and its commitment to empowering healthcare professionals to improve the quality of life for urology patients and caregivers for more than 50 years.
SUNA President History
SUNA, as a professional nursing organization, fosters the principles of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion of all its members in promoting a safe environment and is committed to upholding, honoring, and celebrating the differences of our urologic patients and their families, ensuring the human dignity of all.
CLINICAL PRACTICE
Look to SUNA for the latest in clinical practice guidelines, findings and evidence-based research for the urological nursing community.
URINARY CATHETER CARE
The following resources were first published in the March/April 2021 issue of Urologic Nursing. Download these resources.
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Position Statements
Read SUNA’s stance on trending clinical practice topics.
CATEGORIES
Clinical Practice Terms
TEACHING TOOLS
LEARN MORE
Learn more about the latest advances in urologic nursing practice. Connect online with other professionals exclusively for SUNA members. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua.
OUR PURPOSE
The SUNA Foundation offers ongoing opportunities for members by funding urologic nursing research, scholarships, and educational programs. Gifts from donors help urologic nurses and associates research their ideas, further their nursing education, and seek specialized training. Patients ultimately benefit from their expanded knowledge and expertise.
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“As a retired urology nurse, I know the importance of accessible education. That’s why I donate to SUNA.” - Donor Name
OUR IMPACT
Generous donations from individuals and corporations help fund research grants, educational scholarships, chapter resources and more.
“LOREM IPSUM DOLOR SIT AMET, CONSETETUR SADIPSCING ELITR, SED DIAM NONUMY EIRMOD” -DIRECTOR NAME
TRUSTEES
Debbie Buback, MSN, RN, ANP (retired), Chair, St. Charles, MO
Katy Bortel, MS, RN, CCRP (retired), Secretary, Plainfield, IL
Susan Lipsy, ANP-BC, CUNP, Treasurer, DeWitt, NY
Donna Brassil, MA, RN, CURN, New York, NY
Cheryl LeCroy, MSN, RN, Mechanicsville, VA
Valre Welch, MSN, CPNP, Spring Grove, VA
Christopher Sellwood, CURE Medical (Industry Representative)
Matt Blasik, National Sales Manager, Sagent Urology (Industry Representative)
Ardeth Hale, CURN (retired), Chair Emeritus, Eugene, OR
JOIN US
Grow professionally by volunteering.
VOLUNTEER
Subtitle of what volunteering feels like?
SUNA offers opportunities to shape the specialty of urologic nursing and connect with peers. Serve as a leader at the national level or for your local chapter or join a task force and committee. Volunteers are also needed to participate in forums, workshops, and other special programs.
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WAYS TO GIVE
Whether you’re making a one-time contribution or plan on giving annually, your donation will help enhance the urologic nursing profession.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Chapters
Stay Connected to SUNA Locally
SUNA currently has 24 state-and-region-based chapters. Each chapter elects its own officers and operates under the mission and bi-laws of SUNA’s national organization. Our directors-at-large are available to address the needs and concerns of SUNA chapters, including communication, education, and membership recruitment. If you are looking for a local chapter, please review our chapter listing.