Written by: David Brown July 9, 2013 2013 Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nursing The 2013 Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nursing conference was held on June 15-19, 2013 at Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville, Tennessee Attendees: Ellise Adams, Ann Bianchi, Lydia Adams, Rebecca Meyer, Kelly Vazquez + 3000 perinatal nurses from across the country. Educational Sessions attended: Inspired Care – a comical look at the importance of nursing and the importance of preventing and dealing with burnout. We laughed, we cried. Ask one of use to tell you the story of the abused child in ICU Do We Really Want to Do That? Myth, Tradition and Evidence in Labor and Birth – a serious look at evidenced-based practice Driving Negativity Out of the Workplace – a comical look at the negative side of relationships and how they affect patient care Uterine Tachysystole – Better administration of Pitocin Intimate Partner Violence – the effects on future behaviors Pregnant Annie – CPR and pregnancy Laughing Through Labor – use of Nitrous Oxide in labor Preventing the First Cesarean – nursing care to promote vaginal birth, taught by a world renown researcher Events attended: Exhibit Hall – over 300 vendors of products and services used by perinatal nurses Lydia tries out an infant evacuation cart by Evacu-B. We thought of those honor students who will be researching methods of disaster management. Poster Session – 127 innovative programs, EBP quality improvement projects, research and case study posters. Huntsville Hospital was awarded 1st place in the quality improvement category!! This is a poster using the Six Sigma method for quality improvement. We thought of one of our honor student who was also using this method for her research. I have handouts from this poster for those who are interested. The President's Party – each year this organization puts on an amazing party with great food and great music. The current president gets to set the theme of the party and everyone is asked to come dressed accordingly. This year's theme was "A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Rock 'N' Roll". It's so fun to see the attendees dancing the night away. There may have been some line dancing by our attendees! Dr. Adams, Kelly and Rebecca are a little bit country! Highlights: Networking with world-renown researchers. Dr. Adams was able to have coffee with one of her "heroes" – Dr. Ellen Hodnett. Networking with AWHONN administrators and members. Also getting face-time with important nurse researchers and writers. Ms. Bianchi talked privately with Dr. Sandra Cessario, 2012 Distinguished Professional Service award winner. Hearing about nursing careers of excellence and the recognition given to them by AWHONN. These awards are for practice, research and writing. Dr. Adams, Ms. Bianchi, Kelly and Rebecca were interviewed about their impressions of the convention. These were edited for a wrap-up video shown at the closing session of the convention. Dr. Adams' interview actually made it on the video! Our thanks go out to: Dean Raines for supporting student and faculty travel AWHONN for providing special pricing for students Next year: AWHONN is goes to Disney World! June 14-18, 2014. It's on my calendar and I'm saving my money! Who's going with me?
