NEW YORK NURSE: July/August 2010
by Erin Silk
NYSNA’s Biennial Conference will convene at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., from Oct. 20 to 22. You’re invited to update practice knowledge and reconnect with colleagues in this entertaining setting.
At work, it’s all about the patient, but have you considered how your work environment affects you, the RN? This year’s conference theme, “Work Safe-Work Healthy,” will focus on you, so you can continue to provide quality care for others.
Choose from three continuing education tracks (clinical innovations, contemporary issues, and legislative advocacy) designed to update your practice and help you advocate for your profession. A total of 18 continuing education credits will be offered.
The cost to attend the Biennial Conference is $250 for NYSNA members and $300 for non-members. New pricing this year adds a “professional zone,” inviting healthcare professionals represented by NYSNA for collective bargaining (other than registered nurses) to attend the conference. Professional members in this category can participate for $200 (full conference schedule). Daily rates for all categories are listed in the program brochure. Lodging during the conference will be at Mohegan Sun and conference attendees will receive a special hotel rate of $185 per night.
The agenda for NYSNA’s Biennial Conference is packed with labor activities, plenary sessions and opportunities to network.
Tues., Oct. 19, kicks off the Biennial Conference with activities planned especially for NYSNA’s local bargaining unit members. This group will enjoy a complimentary networking reception in the evening and a chance to catch up with colleagues.
The Congress of Bargaining Unit Leaders will meet the morning of Wed., Oct. 20, to discuss issues related to negotiating and internal organizing. Patricia Moccia will present “Never, Never Give Up: Lessons in Leadership and Commitment,” an engaging discussion about how nurses and healthcare professionals can lead through today’s healthcare challenges. After the meeting, the Labor Day “Unity Brunch” will include presentations by nurse labor leaders and the presentation of the annual Delegate Assembly Award.
At brunch, hear from Denise Danna, president of the Louisiana State Nurses Association, about creating a safe environment during times of disaster. Danna will recount how a cohesive healthcare team safely evacuated an entire hospital during Hurricane Katrina and introduce you to innovative ways to respond to the chaotic demands of large-scale emergency situations.
Following brunch, NYSNA’s Delegate Assembly will convene. Members will review recommendations from the Congress and pass resolutions to be presented to the NYSNA Board of Directors for consideration.
Following the Delegate Assembly meeting, speakers Michael Loughran and Robin Burroughs from Affinity Insurance Services will present “Contemporary Examination of Nurse Claims,” an analysis of the professional liability risks to nurses engaging in professional practice.
On the afternoon of Wed., Oct. 20, plenary sessions open with a lively presentation from Kathy Dempsey, author of “Shed or You’re Dead: How to Stay Alive and Thrive in the Midst of Turbulent Health Care Change.” Dempsey will explain how in order to thrive, organizations need their people to be able to shed and reinvent themselves to keep pace with change.
Concurrent sessions begin Wednesday evening. Choose from presentations that address safe management of older adults with dementia, a fitness-for-duty panel discussion by NYSNA’s Statewide Peer Assistance for Nurses (SPAN), or an update on legislative issues for nurses.
In Thursday’s concurrent session, Jim Mahan, senior partner of Vital Smarts, will address methods for creating a culture of open dialogue with the goal of fostering crucial conversations in the workplace.
Other sessions offered on Thursday will focus on environmental health. Christopher Kowal will present ways to create “green” facilities through the reuse of hospital equipment. Kristen Welker-Hood will share results from the biochemical study “Hazardous Chemicals in Health Care,” a look at the hidden dangers nurses face in their everyday work environments.
Thursday’s keynote luncheon features Judith Briles, a recognized authority on workplace issues and personal and professional development. Her presentation: “Stabotage! Dealing with the Pit Bulls, Skunks, Snakes, Scorpions, and Slugs in the Workplace” will help you learn to effectively deal with negative co-workers.
On Thurs., Oct. 21, members of NYSNA’s five Practice Focus Groups (PFGs), which include adult health, maternal-child health, behavioral health, gerontological health and public health will meet to identify concerns in these practice areas.
Also on Thursday, members of the Voting Body will be welcomed by NYSNA CEO Tina Gerardi and NYSNA President Karen Ballard. Reports will be given from NYSNA’s Finance Committee and Barbara Zittel, executive secretary for the New York State Board of Nursing. At the conclusion of Thursday’s Voting Body session, a board of directors forum will be held to discuss proposed bylaws changes and current organizational/professional issues.
Immediately following the board of director’s forum, Sister Mary Finnick will report on how the people of Haiti are coping after that nation’s devastating earthquake. In the aftermath of the disaster, Sister Mary Finnick was on the front lines tending to the wounded and lost. She will discuss her experiences as a caregiver in an environment that would challenge the best of nurses. A report on relief efforts and best practices will also be presented.
On Friday, the Practice Focus Groups will host a forum to assist members in addressing practice concerns identified in previously held PFG meetings. Also on Friday, a Voting Body session will include the proposed bylaws changes and issues arising from business meetings held earlier. At the close of Friday’s sessions, results of the 2010 NYSNA elections will be announced.
Did you know that many products such as shampoo, lotion and make-up contain harmful chemicals? Friday’s closing sessions include a wake-up call regarding the fight against harmful additives in everyday products. Cindy Luppi, New England Co-Director of Clean Water Action and Anne Hulick, environmental health coordinator for the Connecticut Nurses Association will present.
Closing the conference will be presentations that address sleep deprivation and hidden barriers to communicating with colleagues.
Make plans now to attend NYSNA’s Biennial Conference to reconnect and rejuvenate. Watch your mail for information and complete conference details. Registration deadline for the Biennial Conference is Oct. 6. You may also register online at nysna.org.