CAPPN Membership Info

Thank you for your interest in the Colorado Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses.

The Colorado Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses (CAPPN) was founded in 1978 by clinical specialists interested in fostering quality mental health services which promote the individual's potential, as well as the advancement of the practice of clinical specialists in psychiatric nursing. These goals remain relevant today.

The Society evolved from a special interest group of the Colorado Nurses Association to form a separate district, representing psychiatric nurse clinical specialists throughout the state of Colorado. In 1986, the CAPPN was established as District 31 of the Colorado Nurses Association. In the past 5 years the Society now also welcomes psychiatric nurse practitioners as the role of advanced practice nurses in mental health care continues to evolve.

Over the years, CAPPN has gained recognition in the community, with the legislature and other mental health professionals. Members represent the CAPPN on local and statewide task forces related to standards of care, practice and consumer issues.

The CAPPN supports the progressive development of the role of advanced practice nurses in mental health in their practice as psychotherapists, medication prescriptive practitioners, educators, researchers, consultants, and administrators. The Society does this through such activities as educational offerings, scholarly pursuits, group marketing, task forces and networking. Members are the heartbeat of any organization and considered vital. CAPPN welcomes new members to grow with us as a professional organization.

How will membership in this organization benefit me? The answer is as unique as the member. The group is dynamic and diverse, representing members in all areas of practice. Sharing stimulating experiences with colleagues is one reason people renew their membership.

Advantages of membership in CAPPN include:

  • Professional development through participation on intradisciplinary and inter-disciplinary task forces
  • Involvement in mental health planning on local, state and national levels
  • Educational programs (contact hours)
  • Collaborative relationships
  • Monitoring and influencing mental health legislation
  • Use of member website for clinical consultation, job postings, legislative updates and committee coordination and planning

Annual membership to SIG 31 begins on July 1 and expires on June 30. You may join at any time of the year, however membership fees are not pro-rated.

To join SIG 31 (Colorado Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse Special Interest Group) as a full member at $40 per year,  you MUST meet the following criteria:

  1. Licensure as an RN
  2. Current membership to ANA/CNA
  3. Certification or eligibility for certification by the ANCC as a(an):
    1. Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Clinical Nurse Specialist or NP, OR
    2. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Clinical Nurse Specialist or NP, OR
    3. Adult Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, OR
    4. Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
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Criteria for affiliate membership: $40.00 per year

  • Masters prepared professionals in the Psychiatric-Mental Health field (such as psychology, counseling or social work) who are not certification eligible, have a degree in Nursing and are members of ANA or CNA.

Criteria for student membership: $25.00 per year

  • Registered Nurses, enrolled in a psychiatric nursing Master's program, and are members of CNA or ANA are eligible for student membership.

Criteria for retired membership: $25.00 per year

  • Previously met criteria for Full Membership, Current Member of the Colorado Nurses Association

If you do not meet the above criteria, please do not complete the online membership form. If you have questions, you may email us at [email protected].

 

You will need to provide information about the following:

  • Colorado (or other state) Registered Nurse License
  • Colorado Nurses Association or American Nurses Association membership expiration date (current)
  • ANCC certification/eligibility as Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Specialist or Nurse Practitioner
JOIN SIG 31