The Pediatric Endocrinology Nursing Society (PENS) was born in 1986 in the dreams of a small group of endocrine research study coordinators whose vision was to develop a network of pediatric endocrine nursing professionals. This strong, assertive, independent group of nurses formed a 15-member steering committee that officially founded the Society in 1987 as a non-profit corporation and elected its first president. The founders sought financial assistance and logistical support from the pharmaceutical industry and received it. They also mounted an aggressive membership drive. The results were readily apparent when 1988 saw the first issue of the PENS Reporter published, and the first annual PENS Conference held in Newport Beach, California.
PENS is a voluntary non-profit specialty nursing organization committed to the advancement of the art and science of pediatric endocrine nursing. This commitment includes, but is not limited to:
- Establishment and continued development of clinical practice guidelines.
- Establishment of standards of patient and family pediatric endocrinology education.
- Advancement of knowledge through enhancement of nursing research in pediatric endocrinology.
- Advancement of clinical expertise in pediatric endocrinology nursing.
- Promotion of public education regarding pediatric endocrinology issues.
- Provision of continuing education in the specialty of pediatric endocrinology nursing.
- Promotion of collaboration between health professionals working in pediatric endocrinology nursing and related subspecialty areas.
- Promotion and recognition of excellence in pediatric endocrinology nursing practice.
- Promotion of advocacy for pediatric endocrinology nursing and pediatric healthcare issues.