Jane Ehrhardt, a Registered Nurse in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit at River Parishes Hospital, was recently awarded the Distinguished Service Award of the Past President’s Council by the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses (ASPAN).

This award recognizes distinguished lifetime contributors who have had a significant impact on fulfilling the mission of ASPAN – to promote quality and cost-effective care for patients, their families and the community through public education, research and standards of practice.

Ehrhardt has been a PACU nurse at the hospital for more than 21 years. She is a charter member of ASPAN and previously served as Secretary on the National Board of Directors and as Director for the ASPAN Foundation. She was the first member to connect ASPAN with Cross Country University and their conferences, which enabled the organization to promote PeriAnesthesia nursing at a global level.

She is described by her ASPAN colleagues as a “gung ho” individual with plenty of southern hospitality and a winning smile. She has been referred to as “Miss ASPAN” because of her big heart and big ideas. The award committee described her as “the image of an ASPAN champion and a leader who demonstrates excellence and dedication to ASPAN’s core purpose.”