1. The name of the organization shall be Pinellas Area Nurse Educators (PANE).

2. PANE functions autonomously but may be affiliated with other professional organizations to promote its purposes and goals, as approved by vote by the membership.

3. PANE is a non-profit organization.

The purpose of PANE is to:

a. Develop a support network for Nurse Educators working in a wide variety of practice settings.

b. Disseminate information about educational programs related to health and health care.

c. Provide continuing educational activities to enhance the role and functions of Nurse Educators.

d. Reduce registration fees for PANE sponsored programs.

e. Provide collaborative efforts for the development of education services and programs that benefit healthcare providers, professionals and the community.

1. Membership is open to Nurses from hospitals, home health agencies, nursing homes, hospices, technical and professional schools, community health agencies, as well as independent Nurse Educators and entrepreneurs.

2. Membership includes Nurses who have the responsibility for the education of nurses, allied health professionals and the community, regarding issues of health education.

3. Membership fee is $20.00 annually, due each September or when a new member joins.

4. If the organization affiliates with a national organization, the President of PANE will be entitled to one full year paid membership, of the affiliating organization. If the President is already a paid member, their membership in the affiliate organization will be renewed for one full year.

1. Elected officers shall consist of a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. The term of office shall be two years, however officers may serve more than one term.

2. There will be a Nominating Committee appointed by the President in January, who will prepare a slate of officers for elections which will take place in May, with installation of the new officers at the June meeting.

3. The duties of the officers are as follows:

a) President:
• Sets direction of organization
• Chairs meetings
• Plans agendas
• Conducts interim business in consultation with other officers
• Acts as spokesperson for group
• Promotes recognition of PANE in the community
• Promotes membership and participation in PANE activities

b) Vice-President:
• Performs duties of President in his/her absence
• Chairs subcommittee for annual review of PANE bylaws
• Chairs committee for special projects as directed by group
• Fulfills duties delegated by President

c) Secretary:
• Updates the member mailing list, distributes to all members upon receipt of paid membership dues, and mails minutes to all members.
• Develops mailing list of facilities and health care agencies as contact for PANE activities
• Records minutes of each meeting, distributes to each member monthly, no later than two weeks prior to next meeting
• Maintains correspondence as delegated by PANE officers
• Maintains paid membership list
• Serves as historian for the organization

d) Treasurer
• Collects annual dues from members
• Maintains the post office box for PANE correspondence
• Reports financial statement at each PANE meeting
• Disburses funds as directed by PANE officers or committees
• Pays out organization fees to maintain post office box

1. Meetings are held monthly on the first Friday, at a location determined by the membership at the beginning of each membership year. The meeting in January will be on the second Friday of the month. No meetings are held in the months of July or August. Other meeting days may change or be rescheduled as requested by membership. Minutes shall be sent to each member no later than two weeks prior to the next meeting.

2. At the beginning of each membership year specific focus topics for discussion will be established for presentation at the monthly meetings.

3. Various educational programs and activities are supported and sponsored to promote the professionalism and visibility of the nurse educator.

1. Ad hoc committees shall be established as necessary to accomplish the goals of the organization, with the PANE officers, or their designee as chairs. Members for these committees shall be solicited from the membership at large.

2. Ad Hoc Committees may include but are not limited to Membership & Publicity, Continuing Education, Annual Program Planning, Bylaws, and Nominating.

1. Bylaws may be amended at any meeting of the organization by a majority vote of those present, provided the amendment is submitted in writing.

2. Proposed bylaw amendments that are passed by the membership, will be published with that month's meeting minutes for review by all members.

Revised 11/03/07

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