AACN News

Vicki Good Honored

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 10:06:14 -0700

News: AACN’s Vicki Good Honored for Patient Safety Work

Editorial Contact:
Kristie Aylett
AACN Communications
(228) 229-9472

AACN leader recognized among top patient safety experts

Vicki Good, AACN’s president-elect, honored for her ongoing efforts to reduce harm and improve patient safety

ALISO VIEJO, Calif. — June 11, 2013 — Vicki Good, RN, MSN, CENP, president-elect of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) board of directors, was recently named one of the “50 Experts Leading the Field of Patient Safety” by Becker’s Hospital Review, a leading publication for healthcare executives.

The patient safety leaders cited consist of advocates, professors, researchers, administrators and healthcare providers who have won awards, published articles, spoken or led initiatives to reduce harm and ensure safety. They represent national organizations, universities and healthcare organizations.

Good is administrative director of patient safety for CoxHealth in Springfield, Mo., where she conceptualizes and develops various safety programs, including the patient safety, medication safety, employee safety and infection prevention offices.

One of the nation's Top 100 Integrated Healthcare Systems, CoxHealth serves more than 900,000 people in a 25-county service area in southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas. Its comprehensive array of primary and specialty care includes five hospitals and more than 70 physician clinics in 20 communities.

Good — who will serve as AACN president beginning July 1 — previously held management positions in critical care, patient safety and education at Baylor Health Care System in Dallas and Baylor All Saints Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

She also has supervised students in the adult critical care clinical rotation as adjunct faculty at Texas Christian University (TCU), Fort Worth, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing and is currently a Doctor of Nursing Practice student. She earned a Master of Science in nursing with a nursing leadership concentration from Seattle Pacific University.

She also holds professional membership in the American Organization of Nurse Executives, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology and the American Society of Professionals in Patient Safety.

She has received many accolades during her career, including the Harris College of Nursing Alumni of the Year award from TCU in 2006, Beta Alpha Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau Excellence in Nursing Practice and Management award, NurseWeek’s Nursing Excellence in Teaching and a Professional Staff Organization Scholarship from the University of Washington, Seattle.

About the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses: Founded in 1969 and based in Aliso Viejo, Calif., the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is the largest specialty nursing organization in the world. AACN joins together the interests of more than 500,000 acute and critical care nurses and claims more than 235 chapters worldwide. The organization’s vision is to create a healthcare system driven by the needs of patients and their families in which acute and critical care nurses make their optimal contribution.

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, 101 Columbia, Aliso Viejo, Calif. 92656-4109;
Phone: (949) 362-2000; Fax: (949) 362-2020; www.aacn.org; facebook.com/aacnface; twitter.com/aacnme

Pediatric VAP Prevention

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 10:04:14 -0700

News: Bundled Protocol Aims to Prevent VAP in Children

Editorial Contact:
Kristie Aylett
AACN Communications
(228) 229-9472

Proposed Pediatric-Specific Bundle Offers New Strategies for Preventing Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Children

Recommendations published in Critical Care Nurse focus on suctioning or airway clearance, oral care and ventilator circuit changes

ALISO VIEJO, Calif. — June 4, 2013 — Implementation of a bundle for prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in critically ill infants and children may lead to lower rates of VAP in these patients, according to an article in the June issue of Critical Care Nurse (CCN).

VAP, the second most common hospital-associated infection in pediatric intensive care units, is linked to increased morbidity, mortality and lengths of stay in the hospital and intensive care unit, adding tremendously to healthcare costs. Prevention is the most appropriate intervention, but no official guidelines have been published for VAP prevention in infants and children, and little research has been done in children to guide bedside care.

The article, titled “Preventing Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Children: An Evidence-Based Protocol,” assembles evidence-based practice recommendations and integrates pediatric-specific interventions with a proven adult model to propose new strategies bedside nurses can implement to prevent this important healthcare problem.

The bundled prevention protocol for support of infants and children receiving mechanical ventilation focuses on suctioning or airway clearance, ventilator circuit changes and oral care. Researchers Virginia Cooper, RN, MS, and Catherine Haut, DNP, CPNP/AC, CCRN, developed the recommendations.

Cooper practices as a nurse in the pediatric intensive and intermediate care units at the University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore. Haut is the program director of the acute care pediatric nurse practitioner program at the University of Maryland School of Nursing and practices as a pediatric nurse practitioner in the pediatric intensive care unit at Herman & Walter Samuelson Children’s Hospital at Sinai, Baltimore.

“Critical care nurses play an important role in identification of risk factors and prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia,” Cooper said. “The care bundle we propose offers evidence-based alerts and consistent prevention strategies for providers caring for children in the pediatric intensive care unit.”

The researchers also call for additional research to document the effectiveness of bedside protocols to prevent VAP in infants and children. Maintaining data collection over time with the use of the VAP bundle will supply critical information on the effectiveness of these nursing and respiratory interventions in changing the incidence of VAP in a particular setting.

Access the article abstract and full-text PDF by visiting the CCN website at www.ccnonline.org.

About Critical Care Nurse: Critical Care Nurse (CCN), a bimonthly clinical practice journal published by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, provides current, relevant and useful information about the bedside care of critically and acutely ill patients. The journal also offers columns on traditional and emerging issues across the spectrum of critical care, keeping critical care nurses informed on topics that affect their practice in high acuity, progressive and critical care settings. CCN enjoys a circulation of more than 100,000 and can be accessed at www.ccnonline.org.

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, 101 Columbia, Aliso Viejo, Calif. 92656-4109;
Phone: (949) 362-2000; Fax: (949) 362-2020; www.aacn.org; facebook.com/aacnface; twitter.com/aacnme

NURSES Film Screening

Thu, 23 May 2013 09:51:04 -0700

News: Nursing Film Reaches Thousands at NTI

Editorial Contact:
Kristie Aylett
AACN Communications
(228) 229-9472

Thousands of nurses attend special viewing of acclaimed nursing documentary at AACN conference

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses holds screening for attendees of its National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition

Film showcases nursing’s inspiring work and critical role in healthcare

ALISO VIEJO, Calif. — May 23, 2013 — A documentary about the complex world of nursing reached its largest audience to date when thousands of nurses attended a special screening May 22 during the annual conference of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).

The documentary, “NURSES: If Florence Could See Us Now,” was shown in Boston on Wednesday afternoon of AACN’s National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition (NTI), the world’s largest conference for nurses who care for high acuity and critically ill patients. Registration for the conference exceeded 7,000 nurses.

The event was sponsored by AACN, with support from Drexel University Online and On Nursing Excellence (ONE), the nonprofit organization that produced the film, to highlight and show appreciation for the extraordinary work nurses do every day.

In addition to typical movie theater treats, attendees received complimentary Kleenex^® brand tissues, courtesy of Kimberly-Clark, in recognition of the film’s emotional impact.

“We are proud to share this powerful documentary with our attendees as AACN celebrates 40 years at the forefront of critical care nursing education through our renowned national conference,” said Ramón Lavandero, RN, MA, MSN, FAAN, senior director at AACN.

“It fit perfectly with NTI’s outstanding and diverse learning opportunities — together with the inspirational gatherings and networking opportunities throughout the week — as we strive to reignite attendees’ commitment to patient care and the nursing profession,” he said.

The provocative film celebrated its official release April 30, 2013, to wide acclaim, and its impact will continue beyond NTI with each attendee receiving an individual copy of the documentary on DVD. The movie is also available for private purchase.

Conceived and directed by Kathy Douglas, RN, MHA, chief executive officer of On Nursing Excellence and chief nursing officer at API Healthcare, the documentary offers a rare look into nurses’ complex, exciting and challenging world from the bedside to the boardroom.

A former critical care nurse, Douglas was on hand during the NTI screening to discuss how her personal experience with cancer compelled her to pay homage to her lifelong profession by telling nurses’ story through their own voices.

“During this time of healthcare transformation, one of our goals in producing this film is to provide leaders, policymakers and the public with a better understanding of nursing’s impact and value,” Douglas said.

More than 120 nurses across the United States were interviewed for the film, providing a close-up look at the profession and incorporating the many different roles nurses play and the lives they touch.

There was no advanced scripting or prepping for the documentary. Film director Douglas simply interviewed nurses with a camera to capture authentic, candid conversations.

To see a trailer and learn more about the film, visit http://www.nursesthemovie.com.

About the National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition: Established in 1974, AACN’s National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition (NTI) represents the world’s largest educational conference and trade show for nurses who care for acutely and critically ill patients and their families. Bedside nurses, nurse educators, nurse managers, clinical nurse specialists and nurse practitioners attend NTI.

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, 101 Columbia, Aliso Viejo, Calif. 92656-4109;
Phone: (949) 362-2000; Fax: (949) 362-2020; www.aacn.org; facebook.com/aacnface; twitter.com/aacnme

HAI Efforts Recognized

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:19:28 -0700

News: HHS, CCSC Present Awards for HAI Prevention

Editorial Contact:
Kristie Aylett
AACN Communications
(228) 229-9472

HHS-CCSC awards honor efforts to eliminate health care-associated infections

BOSTON — May 22, 2013 — The Critical Care Societies Collaborative (CCSC), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announces recipients in the 2013 National Awards Program to Recognize Achievements in Eliminating Health Care-Associated Infections (HAIs). Eight hospitals and health care facilities were honored for successful and sustained efforts to prevent HAIs, specifically infections in critical care settings.

HAIs are infections acquired while patients are receiving medical treatment for other conditions. At any given time, about one in every 20 patients has an infection related to their hospital care.

These infections cost the U.S. health care system billions of dollars each year and lead to the loss of tens of thousands of lives. In addition, HAIs can have devastating emotional, financial and medical consequences.

“HHS and its government and nongovernment partners have seen rapid progress in reducing rates of several infections, especially in intensive care settings, since the launch of the National Action Plan to Prevent Health Care-Associated Infections: Road Map to Elimination,” said HHS Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health Don Wright, MD, MPH.

“This progress is due in large part to the leadership, dedication and hard work of hospital teams such as those that we honor through this joint HHS-CCSC Awards Program. Thanks to these frontline clinicians and professionals, we are on track to achieve most 2013 national targets and extend the effort beyond hospitals to ambulatory and long-term care settings,” he continued.

Award recipients demonstrated success in reducing and eliminating central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) or catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) for 25 months or longer and show national leadership in sharing their evidence-based initiatives to improve clinical practice. These are among the most common HAIs that patients acquire while receiving medical treatment for other conditions.

Leaders of the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health HAI initiative partnered with CCSC — a multidisciplinary organization composed of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), American College of Chest Physicians, American Thoracic Society and Society of Critical Care Medicine — to launch the three-year awards program in 2010.

AACN Senior Director Ramón Lavandero, RN, MA, MSN, FAAN, noted the potential impact of the awards program. “During the three years for which it was planned, this interdisciplinary awards program has increased health professionals’ awareness of best practices used by peer institutions to reduce or eliminate health care-associated infections.”

Awardees were recognized May 20 in Boston during AACN’s National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition. Award recipients (alphabetized by state) are:

Intensive Care Unit, Franciscan St. Francis Health, Mooresville, Ind. (CAUTI)
Surgical ICU and Trauma Burn ICU, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor (VAP)
Medical Surgical ICU, HealthEast St. John’s Hospital, Maplewood, Minn. (CLABSI)
Beth Israel Medical Center, New York City (CAUTI)
ICU, Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center, Charlotte, N.C.; ICU, Novant Health Matthews Medical Center, Matthews, N.C.; and ICU, Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center, Huntersville, N.C. (VAP)
Cardiac Intermediate Unit, East Carolina Heart Institute at Vidant Medical Center, Greenville, N.C. (CLABSI)
Medical Intermediate Unit, Vidant Medical Center, Greenville, N.C., (VAP)
Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (CLABSI

In addition to the eight awardees, 11 health care organizations received honorable mention recognition for their efforts toward eliminating HAIs within their facilities. Facilities receiving honorable mention in this year’s awards program are listed online at www.aacn.org/haiawards.

According to the most recent national data, reported in October 2012, CLABSI in hospital ICUs and wards have been reduced by 41 percent, on track to meet or surpass the HAI Action Plan target of a 50-percent reduction by the end of 2013. CAUTI in ICUs and hospital wards have been reduced by 7 percent.

For additional information, visit the HHS Action Plan to Prevent Health Care-Associated Infections and the Partnership for Patients websites.

About the Critical Care Societies Collaborative: The Critical Care Societies Collaborative (CCSC) promotes the exchange of ideas about critical care practice and ICU patient care among leaders from medicine, nursing, pharmacy and respiratory therapy. This multidisciplinary member organization includes the American College of Chest Physicians, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, American Thoracic Society and Society of Critical Care Medicine. Visit http://ccsconline.org for more information.

NTI Begins in Boston

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:34:27 -0700

News: AACN Brings Annual Nursing Conference to Boston

Editorial Contact:
Kristie Aylett
AACN Communications
(228) 229-9472

Advances in patient care combine with newest healthcare technology at Boston nursing conference, hosted by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses

Thousands of acute and critical care nurses expected at AACN National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition May 18-23

ALISO VIEJO, Calif. — May 16, 2013 — Emerging trends in patient care combine with advances in healthcare technology as thousands of nurses who care for high acuity and critically ill patients gather in Boston.

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) hosts its annual National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition (NTI) Saturday, May 18, through Thursday, May 23.

Most of the 300-plus sessions take place at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, with the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel also hosting official events.

AACN expects attendance to top 7,000 nurses and include many at the forefront of research, academia, staff development and management.

Spread over 200,000 square feet will be more than 400 exhibits that encompass cutting-edge healthcare equipment, devices, supplies and pharmaceuticals.

AACN’s National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition (www.aacn.org/nti) offers more than 300 sessions representing the best clinical education reflecting today’s diverse critical care environments. Topics include:

Benefits and risks of healthcare technology, including tele-ICUs, simulation training and monitoring alarms
Eliminating healthcare-associated infections and medical errors
Managing medications for critically ill patients
Involving the family in patient care
Responding to disasters in the local community and across the globe
Providing palliative care for dying patients

The Patient Safety Summit, presented in collaboration with the National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF), Boston, is new this year.

This one-day event, Wednesday, May 22, from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m., features top-tier patient safety authorities sharing the latest evidence-based information and resources related to one of the most significant challenges in today’s healthcare environment. Lucian Leape, MD, an internationally recognized early leader of the patient safety movement, will discuss the inextricable link between workplace safety and patient safety during the summit’s keynote session.

AACN posted the 2013 NTI conference brochure with all sessions that will be presented in Boston at www.aacn.org/nti.

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, 101 Columbia, Aliso Viejo, Calif. 92656-4109;
Phone: (949) 362-2000; Fax: (949) 362-2020; www.aacn.org; facebook.com/aacnface; twitter.com/aacnme

Expo Media Advisory

Mon, 13 May 2013 12:59:36 -0700

Media Advisory: NTI Includes Critical Care Exposition

Critical Care Exposition Showcases Latest Equipment, Devices and More

What:	The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) hosts its annual National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition (NTI) May 18-23 in Boston. NTI, the world’s largest conference for nurses who care for acutely and critically ill patients, includes the Critical Care Exposition, the largest and most comprehensive trade show specifically for acute and critical care nurses. Spread over 200,000 square feet will be exhibits, provided by more than 400 organizations that encompass cutting-edge healthcare equipment, devices, supplies and pharmaceuticals.
Who:	More than 7,000 nurses from ICU, CCU, telemetry, patient transport, emergency and other high acuity areas
When:	11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 21 and Wednesday, May 22, 2013 9 a.m. to noon, Thursday, May 23, 2013
Where:	Hall B, Boston Convention & Exhibition Center

Selected Exhibits
Caring for Patients in Transit Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association members demonstrate techniques and procedures that help nurses receive critically ill patients and prepare them for transport. The Transport Nursing area features two fully equipped emergency transport helicopters and two critical care ambulances provided by Boston MedFlight and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Advance Response Team. Exploring Remote Care in Tele-ICUs Experts will be on hand to show attendees through a working tele-ICU station. Remote monitoring of critically ill patients enables hospitals to increase patient safety and expand nursing staff capabilities. Discovering New Patient-Care Technologies GE Healthcare, Covidien, Hospira, Philips Medical and many others bring interactive demonstrations of the newest equipment, devices and technology to the showroom floor. Experiencing the “Front Lines” of Healthcare U.S. Army Nurse Recruiters use a full-size field operating room and field medical unit to show the challenges faced on the battlefield or during a disaster. Attendees can watch as U.S. Army physicians, nurses and medics demonstrate lifesaving surgical techniques used in the field.

Selected Exhibits

Caring for Patients in Transit
Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association members demonstrate techniques and procedures that help nurses receive critically ill patients and prepare them for transport. The Transport Nursing area features two fully equipped emergency transport helicopters and two critical care ambulances provided by Boston MedFlight and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Advance Response Team.
Exploring Remote Care in Tele-ICUs
Experts will be on hand to show attendees through a working tele-ICU station. Remote monitoring of critically ill patients enables hospitals to increase patient safety and expand nursing staff capabilities.
Discovering New Patient-Care Technologies
GE Healthcare, Covidien, Hospira, Philips Medical and many others bring interactive demonstrations of the newest equipment, devices and technology to the showroom floor.
Experiencing the “Front Lines” of Healthcare
U.S. Army Nurse Recruiters use a full-size field operating room and field medical unit to show the challenges faced on the battlefield or during a disaster. Attendees can watch as U.S. Army physicians, nurses and medics demonstrate lifesaving surgical techniques used in the field.

For more information or to request media credentials:

Visit www.aacn.org/nti, or contact AACN Communications Representative Kristie Aylett, APR, (228) 229-9472 mobile, www.aacn.org/ntinewsroom.

NTI Media Advisory

Mon, 13 May 2013 12:42:31 -0700

Media Advisory: AACN’s National Teaching Institute

Best practices in patient care, advances in treatment protocols, newest healthcare technology among the issues at Boston nursing conference, hosted by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses

What:	Thousands of nurses who care for high acuity and critically ill patients and their families gather May 18-23 in Boston, when the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) hosts its annual National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition (NTI). In addition to emerging trends in patient care, NTI sessions focus on evidence-based best practices, advances in technology and other issues facing those in healthcare.
Who:	More than 7,000 nurses from intensive and critical care units, telemetry, patient transport, emergency and other high acuity areas
When:	Saturday, May 18 – Thursday, May 23, 2013
Where:	Boston Convention & Exhibition Center

Selected Sessions
HAI Prevention/Elimination 2013 National Awards: How Did They Do It Monday, May 20, 12:30 p.m. Parallel Paths to Improve Heart Failure Behavioral Outcomes: Evidence Matters (Distinguished Research Lecture) Monday, May 20, 2:15 p.m. Using Nanotechnology in Nursing and Medicine: It’s a Small World After All Monday, May 20, 4 p.m. How Does Current Emphasis on Outcomes Data Impact Care at the Bedside? Tuesday, May 21, 7:30 a.m. (repeats Tuesday, May 21, 11:45 a.m.) New International Guidelines for Sepsis Care: Implications for Critical Care Nursing Tuesday, May 21, 3:30 p.m. Critical Care Studies You Should Know About Tuesday, May 21, 3:30 p.m. (repeats Wednesday, May 22, 8 a.m.) Death by Poison: 101 Bizarre Ways to Go Wednesday, May 22, 8 a.m. (repeats Wednesday, May 22, 1:15 p.m.) The Elephant in the Room: A Culture of Disrespect (Patient Safety Summit keynote with Lucian Leape, MD) Wednesday, May 22, 10:15 a.m. (advance registration required)

Selected Sessions

HAI Prevention/Elimination 2013 National Awards: How Did They Do It
Monday, May 20, 12:30 p.m.
Parallel Paths to Improve Heart Failure Behavioral Outcomes: Evidence Matters
(Distinguished Research Lecture)
Monday, May 20, 2:15 p.m.
Using Nanotechnology in Nursing and Medicine: It’s a Small World After All
Monday, May 20, 4 p.m.
How Does Current Emphasis on Outcomes Data Impact Care at the Bedside?
Tuesday, May 21, 7:30 a.m.
(repeats Tuesday, May 21, 11:45 a.m.)
New International Guidelines for Sepsis Care: Implications for Critical Care Nursing
Tuesday, May 21, 3:30 p.m.
Critical Care Studies You Should Know About
Tuesday, May 21, 3:30 p.m.
(repeats Wednesday, May 22, 8 a.m.)
Death by Poison: 101 Bizarre Ways to Go
Wednesday, May 22, 8 a.m.
(repeats Wednesday, May 22, 1:15 p.m.)
The Elephant in the Room: A Culture of Disrespect
(Patient Safety Summit keynote with Lucian Leape, MD)
Wednesday, May 22, 10:15 a.m. (advance registration required)

For more information or to request media credentials:

Visit www.aacn.org/nti, or contact AACN Communications Representative Kristie Aylett, APR, (228) 229-9472 mobile, www.aacn.org/ntinewsroom.

Nurses Gather for NTI

Mon, 13 May 2013 12:41:38 -0700

News: NTI Inspires, Empowers Thousands of Nurses

Editorial Contact:
Kristie Aylett
AACN Communications
(228) 229-9472

Thousands of acute and critical care nurses gather in Boston for annual conference, hosted by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses

AACN National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition features evidence-based best practices in patient care, newest healthcare technology and more May 18-23 in Boston

ALISO VIEJO, Calif. — May 13, 2013 — The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) brings together thousands of nurses next week in Boston, at its annual National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition (NTI) with the theme “Dare To.”

AACN President Kathryn E. Roberts, RN, MSN, CNS, CCRN, CCNS, is a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) in the pediatric intensive care unit at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

In addition to her patient care responsibilities, she leads CHOP’s initiative to prevent codes outside the ICU, co-chairs the hospital’s Resuscitation Committee and co-leads its CNS group. She is also a clinical assistant professor at Yale University School of Nursing, New Haven, Conn.

Roberts says the theme goes beyond a simple tagline. “This year’s theme, ‘Dare To’ has motivated, inspired and engaged our community of exceptional nurses,” she explained, “Every nurse has the same inner spark that motivates colleagues to achieve excellence. It’s up to individual nurses to turn that spark into a flame and determine what will bring them closer to achieving their optimal contribution to patients, their families, their team and themselves.”

AACN’s NTI runs Saturday, May 18, through Thursday, May 23, at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, with the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel also hosting official events.

AACN expects attendance to top 7,000 nurses and include many at the forefront of research, academia, staff development and management.

NTI, the world’s largest conference for nurses who care for high acuity and critically ill patients, includes the Critical Care Exposition, the largest and most comprehensive trade show specifically for acute and critical care nurses. Spread over 200,000 square feet will be more than 400 exhibits that encompass cutting-edge healthcare equipment, devices, supplies and pharmaceuticals.

AACN’s NTI offers more than 300 sessions representing the best clinical education reflecting today’s diverse critical care environments. Topics include:

Eliminating healthcare-associated infections and medical errors
Benefits and risks of healthcare technology, including tele-ICUs, simulation training and monitoring alarms
Impact of outcomes data on patient care
Managing medications for critically ill patients
Involving the family in patient care
Providing palliative care to dying patients

The Patient Safety Summit, presented in collaboration with the National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF), Boston, is new to NTI this year.

AACN posted the 2013 NTI conference brochure with all sessions that will be presented in Boston at www.aacn.org/nti.

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, 101 Columbia, Aliso Viejo, Calif. 92656-4109;
Phone: (949) 362-2000; Fax: (949) 362-2020; www.aacn.org; facebook.com/aacnface; twitter.com/aacnme

Chapters Receive Awards

Wed, 08 May 2013 10:57:44 -0700

News: AACN Chapters Receive Awards at NTI

Editorial Contact:
Kristie Aylett
AACN Communications
(228) 229-9472

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses to honor chapters at 2013 National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition, Boston, May 18-23

Chapters to be recognized for exemplary efforts to make a difference in the healthcare profession and their communities

ALISO VIEJO, Calif. — May 6, 2013 — The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is recognizing 14 of its more than 235 chapters worldwide for their exemplary efforts to make a difference in the healthcare profession and their communities. Awards will be presented during the 2013 National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition, Boston, May 18-23.

Excellence in Collaboration: Greater Rochester Area Finger Lakes Chapter, Rochester, N.Y.; Siouxland Chapter, Sioux Falls, S.D.; and South Central Connecticut Chapter, New Haven, Conn., for their collaboration with other chapters and external groups.

Excellence in Community Education & Public Service: Oklahoma City Area Chapter, Edmond, Okla., and San Antonio Chapter, San Antonio, for outstanding public service and community education contributions that support AACN’s mission, vision and values.

Excellence in Educational Programming: Broward County Chapter, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Delmarva Chapter, Salisbury, Md.; and Inland Empire Chapter, Loma Linda, Calif., for high-quality educational programming provided to acute and critical care nurses.

Excellence in Leadership Development: Broward County Chapter, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for leadership development, succession planning and support of AACN’s mission, vision and values. This award is presented in memory of Sharon Connor, AACN director of membership and chapters from 1985 to 1997, for her advocacy of volunteerism and dedication to the success of chapters.

Excellence in Promoting the Value of Certification: Greater Johnstown Chapter, Johnstown, Pa., and Houston Gulf Coast Chapter, Houston, for their efforts to increase the number of certified nurses as well as renewal and retention.

President’s Award: Atlanta Area Chapter, Atlanta; Greater East Texas Chapter, Tyler, Texas; Greater Johnstown Chapter, Johnstown, Pa.; Greater Rochester Area Finger Lakes Chapter, Rochester, N.Y.; Greater Twin Cities Chapter, Minneapolis/St. Paul; and Western New York Chapter, Buffalo, N.Y., for their efforts to integrate AACN’s theme, “Dare To,” in activities and programs throughout the year.

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, 101 Columbia, Aliso Viejo, Calif. 92656-4109;
Phone: (949) 362-2000; Fax: (949) 362-2020; www.aacn.org; facebook.com/aacnface; twitter.com/aacnme

Circle of Excellence

Wed, 08 May 2013 10:55:25 -0700

News: AACN Circle of Excellence Award to 25 Nurses

Editorial Contact:
Kristie Aylett
AACN Communications
(228) 229-9472

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses to present Circle of Excellence Awards to 25 acute and critical care nurses

Awards recognize excellent outcomes in the care of acutely and critically ill patients and their families

ALISO VIEJO, Calif. — May 6, 2013 — The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) will bestow the 2013 Circle of Excellence Award on 25 nurses nationwide at the National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition, Boston, May 18-23. (View recipient list.)

These outstanding caregivers from 16 states receive this coveted award for achieving excellent outcomes in the care of acutely and critically ill patients and their families.

Criteria used to evaluate the Circle of Excellence Award candidates include relentless promotion of patient-driven excellence; communication skills; true collaboration; effective decision making; meaningful recognition of others; ability to transform thinking, structures and processes; and ability to address challenges and remove barriers to excellent patient care and achieve visible results through leadership.

AACN’s Circle of Excellence Awards align with the association’s mission of creating a healthcare system driven by the needs of patients and their families in which acute and critical care nurses make their optimal contribution. Awardees receive a plaque and a $1,000 honorarium and become members of the Circle of Excellence Society.

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, 101 Columbia, Aliso Viejo, Calif. 92656-4109;
Phone: (949) 362-2000; Fax: (949) 362-2020; www.aacn.org; facebook.com/aacnface; twitter.com/aacnme

In Our Bookstore

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 08:37:45 -0700

Fast Facts for Critical Care

In Our Bookstore

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 06:38:12 -0700

Pedi-Wheel, 4th ed.

In Our Bookstore

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 07:15:26 -0700

12-Lead ECG Clipboard

In Our Bookstore

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 11:05:59 -0700

CNS Toolkit

In Our Bookstore

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 07:33:25 -0700

NTI Commemorative Mug

In Our Bookstore

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 06:44:26 -0700

Nurse Manager Engagement

Tele-ICU Guide

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 12:50:37 -0700

Tele-ICU nursing practice guidelines released

New in Bookstore

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 12:35:24 -0800

Nurse Manager’s Guide to Hiring, Firing & Inspiring

New in Bookstore

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 07:28:45 -0800

Change Anything: The New Science of Personal Success

New in Bookstore

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 08:08:15 -0800

Palliative Care: Core Skills