June, 2010
Colleagues,
WOW!! What a great conference and member meeting we had in Phoenix! If you were there, then you certainly can appreciate the scope and breadth of our friends around the world, including what they contend with on a daily basis. The conference was full of information, but the humanity of the conference was evident at all times. Making friends from other continents is something many of us will treasure, and regard as a highlight for years to come!
The region is so fortunate to have been represented by 27 abstract submissions. One was selected for podium presentation—Joy Pittman’s research about ostomates was presented. She was candid about the research process, and it was not only informative about her work, but allowed others to peek into the process she used, and learn from it. Also, again, the MER had a poster selected as a National Winner of Merit. Carole Bauer from Michigan presented a poster on continent urinary diversions, and her offering won the top award in the Practice Innovations poster category. Congratulations to both of these women! Great job! All the names of the Abstracts, and their authors, are included in the May/June issue of JWOCN.
There are some National changes I would like to make you aware of. First, in relation to the National Conference, there will no longer be any of those large bound books that contain the lectures/handouts/powerpoints for the sessions. However, attendees will be able to download all this information prior to conferences, and also for a period of time after conference. Next, the conference for next year will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana, June 4-8, 2011.
With respect to the WOCNCB, they announced that the PGP manual, as well as tracking forms/mechanisms are now all online. This should make things much easier, and in fact, will help you to tabulate as you go along, versus at the end! Also, the program will not allow you to submit until you’ve met the requirement for credit! More to come on this I am sure! Also, the WOCNCB will be participating in a documentary about ostomy patients/nurses, which is very exciting! Shooting begins in the fall for this project!
Next, I would like to turn attention towards our annual Fall Conference! This year we will be in my backyard: Indianapolis! Indy has been working hard to bring you a fabulous conference, and I know you will not be disappointed. The conference registration is now open on our website, www.mideastregion.org . Hotel can be booked there also, and we are paperless this year for registration! Please do join us at the Hyatt Downtown, September 23-25, 2010. You do not want to miss it!! There are LOTS of surprises in store, and a twist for the dress code: NO FORMAL CLOTHES!!!! Indy wants everyone, for the whole conference, to dress casually (jeans are OKAY!!), including wearing the jersey, T-shirt, etc… of your favorite collegiate or professional sports team. My advice: If you don’t have a favorite, choose the COLTS!! We promise a fun, relaxing time, along with a wealth of pertinent information for your practice.
Finally, it’s that time of year when we think of our colleagues and all the great things they do each day. The MER has 10 awards available to it’s members, and one vendor award, to total 11 awards that could be given this fall. I would LOVE to give every single award out, so please, go to the website next week, peruse the awards, and nominate someone. Look for an email blast to tell you when the award sites are ready!
Along that line, we will also be conducting an election. Your vote counts, so please do vote!! We’ll be electing a President-Elect, Secretary, Trustee #2 and Trustee #4. I am very pleased to report to you that we have a great ballot! The election will be conducted electronically, and that will open around first-middle of August. Voting will only be open for 2 weeks!
Thank you for your interest in the Region. Thank you for the great work you do each day! Your value is more than words can say!
See you in Indy!!
Dea
Dea J. Kent RN, MSN, NP-C, CWOCN
President
MidEast Region WOCN
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