By Barbara Stringer, Education Committee and Board member
Education programs in Region One are quickly acquiring a positive reputation. At the 2007 MNA Convention, held at the Springfield Sheraton Hotel in Springfield, MA this October, the 2007 speakers reiterated that fact. Beginning Thursday was the keynote address by Diana J. Mason PhD, RN, FAAN. Mason’s presentation, So Much for Evidence, inspired, invigorated and supported what we all are increasingly aware of: that people who make the decisions about patient safety are ignoring nursing’s testimony on this issue. In her power-point presentation she states “Adequate RN staffing decreases morbidity or complications; decreases mortality rates; decreases length of stays (LOS); are cost effective; and lower nurse burnout, increase higher nurse satisfaction and retention.” Other pertinent information Mason provided debunks the hospital myth that better staffing is too expensive. The summer 2003 issue of Journal of Health Care Finance, reported that “422 hospitals in 11 states increased RN staffing by 1% which increased operating costs by +0.25% - but no decrease in profits.”Working on the front lines we are all aware that short staffing yields a decrease in the standard of care we give, which may result in poor outcomes and a deep feeling of burnout. Mason’s presentation demonstrates that nurses are “not helpless, not powerless, and are not alone…Patient care is a political endeavor - politics determine who gets what kind of care from whom, when and where.”The plenary session introduced us to Debbie and Rob Smith’s ordeal, “Rape, A Family Survival Story.” Debbie Smith told the heartrending tale of how she survived being raped. We listened as she brought us through her heartbreaking ordeal; how slowly and painfully she and her family lived that nightmare day in and day out. Always present was the fear that the attacker would return to harm her and her family. That fear would persist for six and a half years, until her attacker was identified through DNA and was given two life terms plus 25 years. This was possible because Debbie went to the ER, submitted to, and endured the rape exam. The evidence collected was sufficient to convict her attacker and ultimately give peace and resolution to herself and her family. Today Debbie, who travels with her husband, tells her harrowing story—a story which gives a voice to other victims of sexual assault. On October 30, 2004 the legislature passed the Debbie Smith Act, an act that enhances investigation and services for sexual assault victims. Friday’s keynote speaker, Ronal Nardi MSN, APRN, presented “Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: Nursing Implications.” Nardi has developed an Advanced Treatment Approach model for PTSD - “12 week Interroceptive Exposure Therapy.” Nardi’s presentation covered predisposing factors, such as who would be most likely to develop PTSD, and diagnostic criteria. His discussion covered nature versus nurture. Nardi uses a four question screening tool which helps identify an individual who may be struggling with PTSD. Many nurses work daily with individuals who have experienced trauma in their lives. This session helped those participating have more tools to understand this population. Friday’s closing plenary session was “Everything I Learned from Life I learned from my Donkey” given by Kevin O’Hara, RN. Mr. O’Hara has an engaging personality that draws you into his tale. We were captivated as he narrated his travels through Ireland on his donkey cart, enlivened by the colorful pictures and his wonderful Irish humor. His tale is a heartwarming one of endearing spirit and renewal. This enjoyable closing to our 2007 program left us with a tear of laughter, and renewed energy to go forward with power and unity.
