SUNA SPOTLIGHT: Shelly Lajiness, FNP-BC

****************************************************

Mention the acronym “SUNA” anywhere across the Great Lakes region and you can bet the “Who just said SUNA?” response came from Shelly Lajiness.

Shelly, who began her nursing career as a graduate of the University of Michigan 23 years ago, has been a nurse practitioner in the offices of Dr. Ananias Diokno and Dr. Jay Hollander at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Mich., for the past eight years.

Being a member of SUNA brings a unique glimmer to Shelly’s face whenever she’s asked about it or talks about the organization.

“Here at Beaumont, when a new person joins the team, they are told just join SUNA now so Shelly will leave you alone,” laughed Shelly.

After graduating from U of M, Shelly went on to Ohio State University and obtained her Master’s degree. Five years later, she went to Michigan State University for a certificate as a family nurse practitioner.

“I frequently tell people I’m just touring the Big Ten and haven’t decided where to pursue my Doctorate just yet,” she said.

The story of how Shelly became interested in joining SUNA is one a lot of our members mirror.

“I initially joined SUNA because I think it is important to support the professional nursing organizations – and I wanted the journal (Urologic Nursing),” Shelly said. “I had no clue how important SUNA would become for me. I received email from (former Great Lakes SUNA president) Susanne Quallich stating she wanted to start a chapter in our area and if anyone interested in joining or helping. I responded to her email and got one of the pharmaceutical reps involved in sponsoring meetings.

“Next thing I know, I’m the education chair and have a large group of colleagues to learn from and network with. We also were named the Chapter of the Year at the national meeting in 2006. Go Great Lakes!”

Shelly also added that her favorite memory thus far of the Great Lakes chapter was our first conference back in 2004.

“We did a half-day conference on a Saturday and had a really great turnout,” Shelly remembered. “I think of that day as the day we became official in my mind. I also have become more involved at the national level, especially with the journal. I am one of the manuscript reviewers and have submitted articles for the ‘Medication Minute’ section of the journal. I also spoke at the bowel and bladder conference last year and again this past March.

“I enjoy my SUNA activities and the sense of professionalism associated with SUNA.”

Outside of SUNA and the office setting, Shelly is one of five national speakers that work with Medtronic, Inc., to train healthcare professionals programming the Interstim® device. She also does a variety of educational offerings and really enjoys networking with others who have an interest in neuromodulation.

“When I’m not working, I’m busy raising my nine-year-old son, Brandon,” said Shelly. “I always tell people he’s the best thing I’ve ever done. I also enjoy reading and volunteering for numerous activities at Brandon’s school.”