Quarterly Meeting: Cannabis Nursing Scope and Standards
Featuring Dr. Deanna Collins Sommers, PhD, MSN, RN, PNP-PC
Wednesday, June 12th
9AM PT / 12PM ET
About
Join us for our summer Quarterly Meeting where we hear from Dr. Deanna Sommers on the development and future of the Scope and Standards for the new Cannabis Nursing specialty.
Dr. Deanna Collins Sommers, Ph.D., MSN, RN, PNP-PC, is an accomplished nursing leader, researcher, and author, a distinguished 33-year career in academic and healthcare institutional settings. In her career, Dr. Sommers has undertaken various leadership roles, including Associate Dean, Director of a College of Nursing, and Faculty at private non-profit academic institutions in the Midwest, United States. She currently holds a faculty position at an academic institution in Florida. She holds a terminal degree, a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health with a specialization in Health Promotion and Community Education, a master’s degree in nursing, and certification as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in primary care.
Dr. Sommers began her nursing education by obtaining an Associated degree in Nursing Science. She attended Wayne State University in Detroit, obtaining undergraduate and graduate degrees. With extensive experience spanning adult and pediatric intensive care units, Dr. Sommers has dedicated approximately 25 years to serving as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She is an alumna of Pacific College and Health Sciences, additionally holding a Medical Cannabis Certificate.
In 2019, Dr. Sommers became a member of the American Cannabis Nurses Association, initiating her exploration into the field. Her cannabis journey took root with her attendance at the inaugural conference held in New Orleans. She quickly joined the credentialing committee and later became the chair of the committee. Dr. Sommers’ commitment to advancing the field of cannabis nursing is evident in her pivotal role as the Chair of the ACNA Credentialing Committee and a contributing author in Dr. Carey Clarks, Cannabis: A Handbook for Nurses (2021), “Chapter 3 Cannabis Pharmacology. She played a key role in the recognition of cannabis nursing as a specialty by the American Nurses Association (ANA), leading the writing subcommittee of the credentialing committee, aligning ACNA scope and standards with the updated ANA 4th edition scope and standards, and preparing the application for recognition of cannabis nursing as a specialty and the cannabis scope of practice statement to the ANA and editor. On September 28, 2023, Dr. Sommers delivered a webinar presentation hosted by ACNA, laying the groundwork for the establishment of the Cannabis Nurse Specialty. Recognizing her dedication, Dr. Sommers received the Presidency award for her contributions to the forthcoming “Cannabis Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice (2024)” by ACNA. Furthermore, she is a contributing author to Dr. Carey Clark’s “Cannabis: A Handbook for Nurses (2021),” specifically co-authoring Chapter 3 on Cannabis Pharmacology.
Actively involved in the American Cannabis Nurse Association, Dr. Sommers serves as an elected Board member, credentialing committee chair, and lead author/editor for cannabis nursing specialty recognition by the American Nurses Association.
Dr. Sommers embarked on her research journey in 1998, co-authoring “Evaluating Family Difference with the Assessment of Strategies Families Effective” with esteemed family nursing theorist Dr. Marylouise Freidemann at Wayne State University. In 2016, she published her doctoral research, titled “Social Ecological Predictors of Obesity among Hispanic Parents/Child Caregivers in Aurora, Illinois.” As the former chair and member of the Healthy Living Council (HLC), Dr. Sommers successfully secured grants and collaborated with diverse organizations to establish a community organization in partnership with a university and the city of Aurora, Illinois. This initiative aimed to promote wellness through sustainable healthy habits, resulting in her participation as a keynote speaker and the development of enduring community education programs in Aurora, Illinois.
Dr. Sommers’ research interests include obesity in families, acculturation, mindfulness, holistic nursing, and plant medicine. Complementing her professional achievements, she is a Reiki and Aromatherapy Practitioner, enhancing comprehensive care nurse capabilities. Dr. Sommers continues to share her cannabis knowledge with nursing students, faculty, and the community.
