The winning publication, titled “Synthetic Cannabinoids: The Dangers of Spicing it Up” was co-authored by Dr. Deborah Salani, Assistant Professor of Clinical and Dr. Martin Zdanowicz, Associate Dean for Health Studies and Professor of Clinical, and appeared in the May 2015 issue of JPN. The article addresses the serious psychological and physiological side effects of synthetic cannabinoid products. “Because abuse of SC products has become a national public health issue, nurses should be aware of the effects of SC compounds and must take a lead role in educating patients about the dangers of their use,” the authors state.
Dr. Salani, who has been practicing as a pediatric nurse for over 25 years and whose clinical specialties also include psychiatric nursing, said, “Inclusion of our work in such a selective list is a great recognition. It indicates the article’s impact on the field’s knowledge of cannabinoids, the most commonly used illegal substances in the world.” Dr. Zdanowicz, a pharmacologist by training who has published a number of peer-reviewed articles and four textbooks, adds, “The publication advances the School of Nursing and Health Studies’ mission to provide safe nursing care tailored to the needs of a rapidly changing society.” Dr. Salani was presented with the award on October 29, 2015 during the American Psychiatric Nurses Association annual conference in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
