Arlington, Texas, July 9, 2004 -- Dr. Elizabeth Poster, RN, PhD, FAAN , Dean of Nursing at The University of Texas at Arlington since 1995, was awarded the International Society of Psychiatric Nurses, Child and Adolescent Division award for her achievements in psychiatric nursing practice, education, research and overall leadership. The award was presented at the ISPN 6th Annual Conference “Re-Energizing Psychiatric Nursing Practice: A Rainbow of Possibilities” on May 1st. in St Louis.

Dean Poster has been the editor of the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing for the past 13 years and was honored by the American Psychiatric Nurses Association in 2002 as recipient of the award for Excellence in Education. Poster received her bachelor of science degree in nursing from Boston University in 1968 and her master’s degree in 1970, also from Boston University. Her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology – Early Childhood Counseling and Development was awarded in 1981 by Boston College.

The ISPN and ACAPN With many divisions, the International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses (ISPN) offers an opportunity for psychiatric/mental health nurses to network and collaborate on major issues facing today’s nurses. With their unified presence these nurses are able to better speak on behalf of individuals and families to promote equitable quality care.

The Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nurses (ACAPN) was founded in 1971 as Advocates for Child Psychiatric Nursing. Members are psychiatric staff nurses and Clinical Nurse Specialists who serve families and individuals in various clinical settings and doctorally prepared nurses teaching in universities and/or conducting research.