June, 2009
Exhausted? Energized? Engaged?
Yep, we just returned from Conference in St. Louis, and we had a great time! I was so proud to once again be reminded of the strength of our MidEast Region, as well as the breadth and depth of the talents and gifts that our members possess. The Region was very engaged and present from the Poster Exhibits to the Research Paper Sessions to the Educational Sessions. What a pleasure to welcome 24+ first time attendees to the Conference from the MER. How inspiring to have such great volunteers at our MER booth, talking to attendees, and sharing memories, thanks to Sue Kohl, our Historian, who brought along a few photo albums.
There are so many highlights to the Conference. Please visit the Conference link to find photos and information about the posters the MER was involved with. Please note that some posters had multiple authors, which I am proud of, but I got photos with only the authors present.
MER members walked off with some significant awards this year! Sonya Perry was selected as the UOAA Nurse of the Year, and was presented with a plaque. She will also visit the UOAA National Conference this year. Sonya hails from West Virginia. Maureen Jones from the Owensboro, KY area submitted a poster on her hospital’s journey to zero in relation to pressure ulcers. Maureen’s poster was also awarded a prestigious Merit Award from WOCNS. Congratulations to both.
During the oral poster presentations, Ann Marie Nie from Cincinnati, Ohio, as well as Joy Pittman, from Indianapolis, were highlighted. You can find a photo of all of the oral presentation presenters on the Conference link. MER members were in that session, in the front rows, offering support to our colleagues.
Several members participated as room monitors, or served as speakers for various sessions. Thanks to all of you, and if I name names, I know I’ll miss someone! Speakers from the MER included: Barbara Hocevar (Ohio), Mary Arnold Long (Ohio), Paula Erwin-Toth (Ohio), and me (Indiana)! Patti Gable-Burke (Kentucky/Ohio) spoke at the WOCNS Membership Meeting, as well as at multiple region/affiliate meetings as the President of the Wound Ostomy Continence Nurses Certification Board (WOCNCB).
Because we cannot “fund raise” in the exhibit hall, we chose to do a “50/50” raffle at the MER membership meeting. The MER shared $200 with the winner (ME!!!), so we each took home $100.00. That’s probably better odds than we could’ve gotten at one of the local casinos!
Now, we look forward to the next few busy months:
Bylaws vote: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 through Wednesday, July 1 , 2009. PLEASE VOTE. The bylaws changes are posted on the website, and were discussed with the members in St. Louis. The bylaws vote will take seconds to cast as there is just ONE question: Answer YES or no.
Election of Officers for MER: balloting will open in mid-August. Watch for more information!
Fall Conference: Dayton, Ohio, October 1-3, 2009. Registration online should open shortly, complete with PayPal, so you may transact online.
I hope you are making plans for an enjoyable summer! You folks are awesome! Thanks for all you do!
Sincerely,
Dea
Dea J. Kent RN, MSN, NP-C, CWOCN
President, Mid East Region WOCNS
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