The History of ASPAN Standards

This article highlights the history of ASPAN's Standards of PeriAnesthesia Nursing Practice. “Born” in the early 1980s, standards were implemented during ASPAN's earliest days as guidelines for patient safety and to promote national consistency in the care of the postanesthesia patient. Through the years, ASPAN's standards have evolved to address new issues arising from member-nurses in active clinical practice. Today's Standards of PeriAnesthesia Nursing Practice include position statements, collaborative works with other national organizations, and a competency-based educational program for perianesthesia nurses. Standards remain an organizational focus and priority for ASPAN.