president's message · 1-888-tap-suna / 856-256-2335 fax: 856-589-7463 web site: email:...
TRANSCRIPT
Nurses: Building a Healthy America
National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6, RNRecognition Day, and ends on May 12, the birthday ofFlorence Nightingale, the founder of nursing as a modern pro-fession. The American Nurses Association selects a theme each
year and 2009 is being celebrated as “Nurses: Building a Healthy America.”The public trusts nurses. The Gallup Poll has repeatedly ranked nursing as the
most trustworthy and honest profession. The National Harris Polls provide similarresults. The public knows that nurses will look after their best interests and theinterests of their loved ones. The registered nurses’ professional “Code of Ethics”clearly states our “primary commitment is to the patient.” Our mission is to keeppatients safe and provide the best care.
The public may not exactly understand our educational background. Theymay not know that we are bound to a Code of Ethics or that we develop and fol-low standards of care. They do know that a nurse is there 24 hours a day 7 days aweek to answer their call light. Nurses respond to patients when they are in painor afraid. They expect nurses to treat them as individuals and not a set of symp-toms. Patients count on nurses to listen to them and answer their questions hon-estly and completely. Our family members and neighbors turn to us for advice.Nurses help patients navigate the cumbersome health care system and understandtheir health needs. Nurses are first responders in times of crisis. Nurses are in thecommunity, hospitals, clinics, schools, and workplace. America’s 2.9 million nurs-es are everywhere, ensuring quality health care for all those in need.
During these difficult economic times millions of Americans remain unem-ployed, but there are registered nurse jobs that remain unfilled. According to theAmerican Hospital Association, there is an 8.1% vacancy rate across the country.Saundra Seidel , chair of SUNA’s Legislative Committee, has been keeping SUNAapprised of the breaking issues affecting nursing on Capitol Hill. SUNA has joinedwith other nursing organizations in a unified voice to request that, during negoti-ations of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, $600 million be designat-ed for nursing and health professions training. The Nurse Education, Expansionand Development (NEED) Act of 2009 was introduced and, if passed, will ensurethat schools have adequate funding to educate nurses to meet the current andfuture workforce demands.
I applaud each SUNA member for investing in this nation’s most importantcommodity, YOU. As a SUNA member, you are part of 3,200 urology nurses andassociates committed to promoting excellence in clinical practice and researchthrough education of our members, patients, family, and community. Thank youfor allowing SUNA to guide you on your path to excellence. Happy Nurses Week!
Mary Anne Wasner, RN, CURNSUNA President
Volume 37, Number 3 © 2009 Official Publication of the Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates May 2009
Web site: www.suna.org
In this issue3 SUNA Releases New
Publication4 Foundation Hosts
Successful Fundraiser5 Preview of 40th Annual
Conference Program6-7 SUNA Candidate Profiles8 Call for Abstracts for
2009 Conference9 Regional Update12 Member Spotlight13 Special Interest Group
News
SUNA CandidateInformation
The profiles of national andregional candidates for electedoffice in 2009-2010 appear onpages 6-7 of this issue. Pleaseread the profiles to becomefamiliar with each candidate.Ballots will be mailed to SUNAmembers in June and must bereturned by July 31, 2009.Voting is one of the many priv-ileges of SUNA membership.Take this opportunity to makeyour voice heard and vote!
President'sMessage
Mary Anne Wasner
It is finally becoming spring-like here in the north! Here in
Minnesota, our winter was long and coldwith late season snowstorms. It seemed like itwould never end! But now the warm sun andrain instead of snow is giving me hope thatsummer will come.
When you read this issue of the Uro-Gram,you will see that our SUNA chapters have been
busy this spring with many educational activities for their members.You also can read about the very successful Annual Symposium heldin San Francisco. And of course you will want to read the details ofthe Annual Conference coming up in Chicago this fall.
My time remaining as editor is growing short, and I appreciate thewonderful relationship I have had with our managing editor, KathyThomas, through the years. We have put out 48 issues of the Uro-Gram together over the past 8 years, and many changes have takenplace in that time. I wish Jeanne Held-Warmkessel much success asshe continues to transition into the editor’s role.
Evey Kliever, MA, RN, CURNEditor
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May 2009
SUNA Board of DirectorsPresidentMary Anne Wasner, RN, CURN
President ElectSusan Lipsy, APRN-BC, CUNP
Immediate Past PresidentTamara Dickinson, RN, CURN, CCCN,BCIA-PMDB
TreasurerValre Welch, MSN, RN, CPNP
SecretaryDebbie Hensley, BSN, RN
Northeast Regional DirectorCheryl LeCroy, MSN, RN
Southeast Regional DirectorLee Ann Boyd, MSN, ARNP-C, CUNP
North Central RegionalDirectorAmy Driscoll, BSN, CURN
Western Regional DirectorCindie Neufeld, RN
Uro-Gram EditorEvey Kliever, MA, RN, CURN
Uro-Gram Associate EditorJeanne Held-Warmkessel, MSN, RN,AOCN®, ACNS-BC
SUNA National OfficeExecutive DirectorAnthony J. Jannetti
Director, Association ServicesCheryl Underhill
Executive SecretaryPat Davey
Uro-Gram Managing EditorKathleen ThomasEast Holly Avenue, Box 56Pitman, NJ 08071-00561-888-TAP-SUNA / 856-256-2335fax: 856-589-7463Web site: www.suna.orgemail: [email protected]
Get Involved with the Approver UnitThe Approver Unit is looking for a few more reviewers to join our
group. We currently have 10 approvers and are looking to fill a fewmore spots. You must have at least a BSN and have been a member ofSUNA for 2 years.
The Approver Unit reviews all of the continuing nursing educa-tion applications that are submitted to the SUNA national office. Fortraining purposes, you will first receive a minimum of three programs.Then, as a reviewer, you will receive an average of 2 programs permonth to review. Each program takes approximately 1 hour to review.It would be most helpful if you were familiar with the applicationprocess, but this is not necessary. All reviews are submitted either in aPDF or Word document so it is also helpful if you are comfortableworking with these programs and the Internet.
If you are interested in learning more about the Approver Unit,please email me at [email protected].
Gina Powley, MSN, APRN-BCApprover Unit Chair
Evey Kliever
3
May 2009
More than 350 uro-logic nurses and healthcare professionalsattended SUNA’sAnnual Symposium:Incontinence andPelvic Floor Disorders,March 11-14, 2009, inSan Francisco, CA.Education sessions weredivided into specialtytracks to appeal to prac-titioners at all levels:advanced practice, gen-eral urology, geriatrics,incontinence, pedi-atrics, pelvic pain, andurodynamics. Topicsincluded pharmacologyfor pelvic disorders, sex-ual dysfunction, pedi-atric day and nightwetting, biofeedback, treatmentplans for patients with dementiaand incontinence, and the role ofphysical therapy in treating painfulbladder syndrome.
Participants also earned contin-uing nursing education credits,attended special events, and visitedwith 50 vendors in the exhibit hallto learn about the latest practices,products, and techniques. In addi-tion, Watson and Pfizer each hostedlunch symposiums on overactivebladder.
The comprehensive 18-hourtrack on urodynamics (an investiga-
tion of the function of the lower uri-nary tract) was again a popularcourse, with more than 100 atten-dees. This special track, whichmeets International ContinenceSociety standards, included a 2-dayBasic Urodynamics preconferenceworkshop and a full slate of concur-rent sessions throughout the sym-posium, including a live videotesting portion. Participants whoattended the full preconferenceworkshop and all urodynamics ses-sions received a SUNA certificate ofattendance recognizing comprehen-sive urodynamics training.
“The symposium isalways a great confer-ence, and this year wasno exception,” saidSUNA President MaryAnne Wasner, RN,CURN. “The urodynam-ics course continues todraw a big crowd in itsfourth year, and we areproud to lead the effortto standardize urody-namic training.”
SUNA also releaseda new publication at thesymposium, AdvancedPractice Continence Nursein Long Term Care: Scopeand Standards of Practice.This new resource cov-ers the state of conti-nence care in long-term
care settings as well as the scope andstandards of practice and profes-sional performance of the advancedpractice continence nurse. The pub-lication was developed in responseto the critical and emerging role ofthe advanced practice nurse as aprovider of specialized continencecare to residents in long-term care.
Start planning now for2010! The next Annual Symposiumwill be held March 10-13, 2010, atThe Broadmoor in ColoradoSprings, CO. See the Call for Papersfor the 2010 meeting on page 16.
Urodynamics Course and Specialty Tracks Contribute to Successful Annual Symposium
The SUNA Board of Directors celebrated a successful 2009 Annual Symposium.Pictured (from left) are Southeast Regional Director Lee Ann Boyd, Treasurer ValreWelch, Western Regional Director Cindie Neufeld, Immediate Past President TamaraDickinson, Secretary Debbie Hensley, President Mary Anne Wasner, President-Elect,Susan Lipsy, and North Central Regional Director Amy Driscoll. (Not pictured isNortheast Regional Director Cheryl LeCroy.)
SUNA Publishes Scope and Standards of Practice for APCNs in LTCIn response to the critical and emerging role of the advanced practice nurse as a
provider of consultation and specialized continence care to residents in long term care(LTC), SUNA convened a task force to define the scope and standards of practice of theadvanced practice continence nurse (APCN) in LTC settings. As a result, SUNA hasdeveloped and released a new resource entitled Advanced Practice Continence Nurse inLong Term Care: Scope and Standards of Practice.
SUNA adopted the framework of the American Nurses Association’s Nursing: Scopeand Standards of Practice to define the scope and standards of practice of the APCN.These recommendations also take into consideration the continence guidelines devel-oped by professional organizations such as the International Continence Society, theAgency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the American Medical DirectorsAssociation, and the American Geriatrics Society, as well as researchers who contributeto evidence-based clinical practice specific to the LTC population and settings.
SUNA members can purchase this new publication for the discounted price of $15.The regular price is $25. Order your copy today online at www.suna.org.
Advanced PracticeContinence Nurse In
Long Term Care:Scope and Standards
of Practice
SOC IETY OF UROLOGIC NURSES AND ASSOC IATES
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May 2009
SUNA Foundation Hosts Raffle at Annual Symposium
T he SUNA Foundation held asuccessful Fundraising Raffleduring the Annual
Symposium in San Francisco.Thanks to those individuals whopurchased tickets, the Foundationraised $1,645. Proceeds will helpfund SUNA scholarships. Raffleprizes, donors, and winners were asfollows:• Phyllis Matthews won the
Kindle 2 Reader donated byAstra Tech.
• Rita Yee received the Panasonicportable DVD player donatedby Uroplasty.
• Gina Powley won a pair ofLogistic Web Cams donated onbehalf of the SUNA Foundation.
• Pam Ceo won a copy ofManaging and Treating UrinaryIncontinence (2nd ed.) donatedby author Diane Newman.
• Midge Wilson received a copy ofUrologic Disorders: Adult andPediatric Care written by MikelGray and Katherine N. Mooreand donated by Mosby/Elsevier.
Each person donating $25 forsix raffle tickets received a SUNAFoundation eco-friendly green bagand St. Patrick’s Day green beads.The first 12 individuals to purchasethe “6 tickets for $25 offer” alsoreceived a seventh ticket as a bonus.
Faux gold coins were hidden inthe Urodynamics Workshop onWednesday and each of the precon-ference workshops on Thursday.Attendees who found a coin werepresented with a certificate for theSUNA manual of their choice or aSUNA membership pin. The four
lucky gold coin finders were AmyDriscoll, Mary Ann Geary, AnnMarie Finley, and Emily Mike.
Apply for SUNAScholarships!
The SUNA Foundation SelectionCommittee is anxiously awaitingapplications for the two scholarshipsavailable for the SUNA AnnualConference, which will be held atthe Hyatt Regency in Chicago, IL, onOctober 2-5, 2009. The June 1deadline is rapidly approaching soif you intend to submit an applica-tion for consideration, please do notdelay.
In addition, a complimentaryregistration is available for the Life-Tech Urodynamics Workshop onOctober 24-25, 2009. Applicationsfor this scholarship must be receivedby the SUNA Foundation SelectionCommittee by July 1, 2009.
September 1, 2009, is thedeadline for submitting applica-tions for the 2010 SUNA AnnualSymposium Scholarships. Thesescholarships will provide fundingfor two SUNA members to attendthe symposium scheduled forMarch 10-13, 2010, at theBroadmoor in Colorado Springs,CO.
Additional information andapplication forms for these scholar-ships are available on the SUNAWeb site. Go to www.suna.org,click on the Foundation tab, andclick on “What We Provide.”
Scholarship WinnerComments on HerExperience
It was a pleasure to meet DonnaCanada, CURN, the 2009 AnnualSymposium Scholarship recipient.She was very enthusiastic about theeducational program and enjoyedall of the networking opportunities.Donna appreciated the input fromthe many physical therapists andwas able to take many innovativeideas back to share with her profes-sional colleagues:
“My experience at the AnnualSymposium was indeed a very positiveone. I am so grateful to the SUNAFoundation for awarding this scholar-ship to allow urology nurses like myselfto enrich our career and to also sharethe knowledge gained with other med-ical providers we come in contact with.My favorite part of this particular sym-posium was the fact that we had somany physical therapists presentingexpert information related to the pelvicfloor. This provides such a wonderfulopportunity for clinicians to realizehow much we can gain from collabora-tion with each other. The strides we aremaking now to promote continence andimprove quality of life for patients weserve is so gratifying. San Francisco is atruly beautiful and exciting city. Ibrought back so many innovative ideasthat I will surely share with others.Thanks again for providing such awonderful opportunity!”
Put yourself in the picture forthe next scholarships. Apply now!
Ardeth Hale, CURNSUNA Foundation Chair & Trustee
SUNA Foundation Chair Ardeth Hale (right) pre-sents Phyllis Matthews with the Kindle 2 Reader,which she won at the Foundation’s FundraisingRaffle during the Annual Symposium in SanFrancisco.
Other lucky SUNA Foundation raffle winnersincluded (from left) Rita Yee, Pam Ceo, and GinaPowley.
SUNA’s 40th Annual Conferencewill be held October 2-5, 2009, atthe Hyatt Regency in Chicago,
IL. This special anniversary conferencepromises to be an educational, ener-gizing, and fun event! The planningcommittee has invited a slate of out-standing speakers who will address awide variety of topics relevant to yournursing practice. The meeting will fea-ture optional preconference work-shops, a choice of concurrent sessionson varied topics, Special InterestGroup (SIG) meetings, networkingopportunities, social events, and anexhibit hall featuring the latest prod-ucts and services in the specialty.
Four optional preconferenceworkshops will be offered on Friday,October 2, focusing on certificationreview, basic urology, advanced prac-tice nursing, and sacral nerve stimula-tion. Saturday, October 3, will start offwith a New Members and First-TimeAttendees Welcome and OrientationBreakfast as well as SIG meetings fol-lowed by the Conference Welcome.Next, Patti Digh will present theKeynote Address entitled Life Is a Verb.This presentation will be interactive,thought-provoking, and life-chang-ing. Ms. Digh, author of Life is a Verb:37 Days to Wake Up, Be Mindful, andLive Intentionally, believes that “lifetakes action, not wishful thinking. Ittakes mindfulness and intention. Ittakes slowing down and saying yesand being generous and being amazedand loving more. It takes getting outof bed and going to see the tinyNinjas.” She will share stories, makeyou realize you have your own storiesto share, and challenge you to look atlife as if you only had 37 days to live –to be more intentional about whatyou do with your precious time.
The program will continue onSaturday with a historical look atSUNA as an organization and anexamination of quality as a core com-petency for nurses. Additional high-lights include a choice of concurrentsessions, regional meetings, the grandopening of the exhibit hall, and theSUNA Party and SUNA FoundationSilent Auction.
Sunday, October 4, will feature theAwards Luncheon/Business Meeting,SIG meetings, and concurrent sessionson a wide variety of topics and issues.Choices will include:• Robotic-assisted laparoscopic
sacrocolpopexy for vaginal vault • Osteoporosis: prevention and
treatment in men receiving andro-gen deprivation therapy
• Understanding and treating erec-tile dysfunction
• Urolithiasis in the pediatric andadult population
• Use of botulinum toxin in urologyprocedures
• Evaluation and management ofbladder cancer
• Urodynamic case studies • Writing for publication
In addition, Connie Curran, RN,EdD, FAAN will discuss the impact oflegislative, economic, and politicalissues on the nursing profession. Dr.Curran served as an advisor on healthcare issues to President Barack Obamaduring his presidential campaign, andher impression of the importance ofthat work will be a thread throughoutthis presentation.
Monday, October 5, will openwith an examination of the historicalcontributions of nurses, specificallynurses serving during World War IIand their impact on current nursingpractice. A choice of concurrent ses-sions will again be offered, and themeeting will wrap up with an “Ask theExperts” panel discussion featuringbrief presentations on timely topicsfollowed by a question and answerperiod.
These are just a few of the high-lights of SUNA’s 40th AnnualConference. Abstracts are still beingaccepted for the Research ScientificSession at the conference (see detailson page 8). Watch for additional con-ference program and registrationinformation, and plan now to attendthis exciting educational event!
May 2009
5
Exciting Program Planned for SUNA’s 40th Anniversary Conference
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President-ElectAmy E. Driscoll, BSN, CURN
Current Position/Place of EmploymentI am currently employed as theUrohealth Nurse at the VAMedical Center in Minneapolis,MN. My responsibilitiesinvolve: urodynamic testing;care and management of urogy-necology patients; erectile dys-function testing and teaching;and pelvic floor biofeedback.
EducationBachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Phoenix,
2006Associate degree in nursing, Minneapolis Community
College, 1988CBUNA certified
Professional OrganizationsSociety of Urologic Nurses and Associates, 1997-present
SUNA ActivitiesUpper Midwest Chapter Treasurer, two termsUpper Midwest Chapter President, one termNorth Central Regional Director, 2007-presentSpeaker, Basic Urology Course, Annual ConferencesSpeaker, Chapter Seminars
Goals for the PositionSUNA is an organization that has grown in both size
and influence over the past few decades. I would like tosee SUNA continue its collaboration with the AmericanUrological Association and other urologic professionalassociations around the world in an effort to providepatients with the most current evidence-based practices,and provide our membership with the tools andresources to deliver that care. Our current President,Mary Anne Wasner, has been guiding us in the use oftechnology for networking and education. I plan oncontinuing this initiative in order to bring informationto the membership in a streamlined, environmentallysound, and affordable way. We have a history of fiscallyresponsible leadership without having lost sight of ourmission to meet the needs of our members, and it is myintention to continue where my predecessors have leftoff. I appreciate the opportunity to run for this officeand will serve this great organization to the best of myability.
SecretaryDebbie Hensley, BSN, RN
Current Position/Place of EmploymentResearch Nurse Supervisor,Prevention and TherapeuticClinical Trials, The University ofTexas Health Science Center atSan Antonio, Department ofUrology
Education Bachelor of Science Degree inNursing, School of Nursing, TheUniversity of Texas HealthScience Center, San Antonio,
TX, 1983Undergraduate Studies for Biology Major, Southwest
Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, 1978-1981San Antonio College, 1978
Professional Organizations Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates, 1998-present
SUNA ActivitiesSUNA Secretary, 2007-presentTreasurer, Alamo Chapter, 2006-presentSoutheast Regional Director, 2005-2007Annual Conference Chairperson, 2003-2004President, Alamo Chapter, 2003-2004Annual Conference Committee, 2001-2005Approver Unit Committee, 2000-2007Vice President, Alamo Chapter, 2000-2002
Goals for the Position SUNA is a dynamic and growing professional orga-
nization that promotes excellence at every level of uro-logic practice. I am constantly impressed and energizedby our diverse membership whose common goal is tostrive for excellence in urologic health in our professionsand communities. As Secretary, I have had the privilegeto work with a talented and dedicated Board of Directorswho provides advocacy and leadership to accomplishthe mission and goals set forth by the members of ourorganization. I have seen first hand our local chapterleaders’ commitment to serve all our members. I havealso had the privilege to work with many dedicatedmembers at both the local and national levels. AsSecretary, I will continue to carry out the leadership roleof serving our members at every level. I will communi-cate regularly with the Regional Directors in order to fos-ter growth and promote leadership among our chapters.Maintaining a regular working relationship with ourlocal chapters is essential to our organization’s success! It
Debbie HensleyAmy Driscoll
7
is an honor for me to be considered a candidate for theposition of Secretary, and I appreciate the opportunity toserve you.
North Central Regional DirectorDebbie Buback, MSN, ANP
Current Position/Place of EmploymentNurse Practitioner, CRNFA,Sunbelt StaffingUrology Consultants, LTD,2003-2008
EducationMSN-NP, Maryville University,
St. Louis, MO, ANCC NPCertification
BSN, Maryville University, St.Louis, MO
Diploma, DePaul HospitalSchool of Nursing, St. Louis, MOCertification as RN First Assistant (CRNFA)
Professional OrganizationsDePaul Hospital Nursing AlumniSUNA, 1996-presentAssociation of Operating Room NursesSt. Louis Nurses in Advanced Practice
SUNA ActivitiesMember, CE Approver Unit, 1998-presentNorth Central Assistant Regional Director, 2006-presentAnnual Conference Planning Committee, 2005-2008Annual Conference Planning Committee Chair, 2007Presenter, Advanced Practice Preconference, 2008Chapter President, 2004-2006Chapter Board Member, 2006-2008Chapter Program Committee, 2004-present
Goals for the PositionI have had the honor of working under the last 2
regional directors as their assistant. The position hasgiven me the opportunity to do several chapter visits.Many chapters, including my own, are experiencing adecrease in vendor support for meetings and seminarsand other changes in the health care system. Membersmust work together to develop new ideas and strategiesto remain successful chapters in the future. Sharing the“tried and true” as well as the new strategies amongchapters will benefit everyone.
We must continue to mentor and encourage mem-bers to become active on a local and hopefully later on anational level. It can be a very rewarding experience onboth levels. Chapter leaders will be encouraged to con-tinue communicating needs and concerns. I will strive tokeep the communication flowing between regionalchapters and the national office.
Thank you for the nomination for North CentralRegional Director.
Debbie Buback
Southeast Regional DirectorLee Ann Boyd, MSN, BSN, ARNP, CUNP
Current Position/Place of EmploymentNurse Practitioner, SouthwestFlorida Urologic Associates
EducationMSN/ARNP Nursing, Florida
International University,1998
BS Nursing, University of SouthFlorida, 1995
AD Nursing, Edison College,1989
Professional OrganizationsSociety of Urologic Nurses and AssociatesAmerican Academy of Nurse PractitionersSigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of NursingFlorida Nurses AssociationFlorida Urologic Association
SUNA ActivitiesActive member, Florida Sunshine Chapter Education Chairperson, Florida Sunshine ChapterSoutheast Regional Director, 2007-presentSpeaker, local and national SUNA meetings
Goals for the PositionAs Southeast Regional Director for SUNA, I foresee
continued excellence in the education of our nurses,associates, and our patients. I would like to see the addi-tion of new topics in our Fact Sheet program which pro-vides education for patients. Those fact sheets that arealready completed will be updated and eventually trans-lated to Spanish to increase access to information forpatients whose primary language is Spanish. In addition,I hope to reactivate the Memphis and Atlanta SUNAchapters, with the aid of several SUNA members whoanswered our request for anyone interested in restartingthese chapters. I hope to start another new chapter in thearea of Spartanburg, SC, with the help of local SUNAmembers. I will continue to foster the growth of ourmembers through education, networking, and mentor-ing. It is my hope that I may continue to be a part of thisdynamic organization as we continue to thrive and grow.
Lee Ann Boyd
Secretary Candidate Profilecontinued
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May 2009
2009 Corporate Members
AmeriPath
Amgen, Inc.
Astellas Pharma US, Inc.
Astra Tech, Inc.
AstraZenecaPharmaceuticals, LP
Bard Medical Division
Coloplast Corporation
Cook Medical
Dale Medical Products,Inc.
Duraline MedicalProducts, Inc.
HDIS (Home DeliveryIncontinent SuppliesCompany)
Hollister Incorporated
Indevus Pharmaceuticals,Inc.
Laborie Medical
Liberty Medical Supply
Life-Tech, Inc.
Medtronic
Mediwatch PLC
Novartis Oncology
Olympus-Gyrus ACMI
Pfizer, Inc.
Procter & GamblePharmaceuticals
Rochester MedicalCorporation
sanofi pasteur
T-DOC Company, LLC
Uroplasty, Inc.
Vision-Sciences, Inc.
VIVUS, Inc.
Call for AbstractsCall for Abstracts for
Research Scientific SessionPresenters are invited to submit
abstracts for oral and poster presenta-tions for the Research ScientificSession during SUNA’s 40th AnnualConference. Submission guidelinesand accompanying forms are avail-able on SUNA’s Web site atwww.suna.org. All presenters willbe awarded a 1-day complimentaryregistration to the AnnualConference.
Please read and follow the sub-mission guidelines carefully.Submissions that do not follow theguidelines will not be reviewed. It isoften helpful to have a colleague ormentor review an abstract or manu-script prior to submission.Abstract Submission Information
☞ Abstracts must be typed usingNew Times Roman.
☞ Abstract length is limited to fittingwithin the one-page abstract form.
☞ Abstract information must bereceived by the date specified inthe call for abstracts.
☞ Email to [email protected]. Faxedabstracts will not be accepted.
☞ A completed call for abstractscover page must accompany eachabstract.
☞ Final acceptance is conditionalupon registration at the AnnualConference and meeting the for-mat and criteria requirements forthe abstracts.
☞ Contact the national office or visitthe SUNA Web site(www.suna.org) for specificabstract information and materialon writing abstracts and preparingposters.
☞ Abstract structure: Eachabstract should contain the fol-lowing, in separately labeledparagraphs, in this order:
• Title and investigator(s).• Background: a brief background
of the study, significance of thestudy, theoretical or conceptualframework, if applicable.
• Purpose/aim/objective: two orthree sentences stating thatmajor purpose/aim or objectiveof the study.
• Brief review of salient litera-ture.
• Methods: a brief description ofthe design of the study, collectionof the data, description of thesample/subjects in the study,power/effect size, sample size,inclusion and exclusion criteria,ethical considerations.
• Measurement instruments: reli-ability and validity information,data collection procedures.
• Statistical analysis.• Results: summary of the study
findings, including demograph-ics, findings.
• Discussion/implications: dis-cussion of findings, implicationsfor urologic nursing practice.
• Limitations.• Future research.
☞ A resume of the presenter nolonger than one page must besubmitted with each abstract.
☞ Authors of accepted abstracts arestrongly encouraged to considerpublication in Urologic Nursing.
The deadline for submissionof abstracts is June 12, 2009.
40th Annual ConferenceOctober 2-5, 2009 • Hyatt Regency • Chicago, Illinois
May 2009
9
North CentralThe North Central Region is
revving up for spring with manychapters holding meetings orseminars in the next fewmonths. Several of our chaptermembers attended the AnnualSymposium in San Francisco.Hopefully, they all learnedsomething they can take homeand put into practice. I know Idid!
Southeast NebraskaChapter President Peggy Poeand her planning committee
worked hard on their recent March meeting. Like manyof the chapters, it took them much longer and morepaper work to obtain industry support for their meeting,but they persevered and got it. A speaker from a localwomen’s shelter talked about the shelter, its needs, andhow the chapter can help. This is a great example ofcommunity involvement. The chapter is still working onits Web site but has everything ready to e-mail chapternotices to their members.
The Mississippi Valley Chapter also recentlyhosted a very successful meeting. Their annual “Meet Mein St. Louis” conference in February featured great speak-ers presenting on great topics such as hypospadias,surgery and/or radiation therapy for prostate cancer, andtreatment of female incontinence and the use of neuro-modulation. In addition, Janet Vogt, RNFA, BSN, CNORspoke about doing surgery on medical mission trips, andMichelle Johnson, LMT, discussed a holistic approach tothe urinary system, ourselves, and our patients.President Mary Campigotto was glad that chapter mem-bers from Springfield, IL, and Columbia, MO, attendedthe conference, and the Springfield group states they arebusy with continuing and patient education.
The Cancer Center has a prostate cancer supportgroup for patients and their families during which aphysician speaks and takes time for questions. SouthernIllinois University has a yearly project that brings in aspeaker for Prostate Cancer Prevention Month, andMemorial Medical Center received a grant for $10,000 towork on preventing delirium in patients before it occursin the ICU, hospital or urology. The Iowa area of thechapter held their annual Spring Conference in April.
Finally, Mary offers congratulations to several mem-bers in the Springfield area who obtained certification inurology over the past year. Well done, Mississippi Valley!
Another busy chapter is the Kentucky Chapter,which started the year off strong despite the terribleweather. When they held their meeting in January, sever-al members in attendance had no electricity at theirhomes. Some went without power for as long as 2 weeks.The speaker that night, Dr. Denis Yalkut, arrived directlyfrom a fellow physician’s home where he had helped setup a generator! He went on to give an excellent lecture onthe CyberKnife®, a method of delivering radiotherapy totarget treatment more accurately than standard radiother-apy; it is used in the treatment of prostate cancer. Theyheld another meeting in Louisville for members wholive in and around the area. Dr. Richard Medley fromMetropolitan Urology presented a very informative lec-ture on the surgical options for treatment of urinaryincontinence.
The chapter’s most recent meeting was their secondannual conference, which featured Diane Newman asthe keynote speaker at a preconference dinner. Duringthe conference Melinda Staten, ARNP, spoke on the diag-nosis, treatment, and alternative treatments of intersti-tial cystitis, and several physician speakers presented onother general urology topics. President Gwen Hooperstates that she and her group feel very fortunate to havesuch a wonderful and wide variety of speakers for theirconferences. This conference coincided with ThunderOver Louisville, a fantastic annual fireworks show. Gwenthanks Mary Becker, ARNP, who worked diligently inLouisville to make the meeting there as spectacular asthe fireworks display!
Kansas City Chapter President Bea Stuck proudlyreports that chapter member Peggy Ward-Smith PhD,RN, authored an article that was published in theDecember 2008 issue of Urologic Nursing. On April 18the chapter put on a combined panel discussion withthe local WOCN chapter on Inpatient CMS ReimbursementGuidelines Catheter-Associated UTIs. Bea was a member ofthe panel, and is also working on the chapter’s fall con-ference scheduled for September 25. This meeting isshaping up with a wide variety of topics.
Upper Midwest Chapter (UMC) PresidentTheresa Kolle reports that the spring conference plan-ning committee once again put together an education-packed conference that was held the beginning of April.Food was collected in the registration area of the seminarand then donated to a local food pantry as part of UMC’scommunity outreach program.
The planning committee for the fall seminar is con-tinuing to prepare for the seminar scheduled forSeptember 2009. Several members are working on theirpresentations for the “Basic Urology” preconferenceworkshop to be held at SUNA’s Annual Conference inChicago. Various other committees are working on par-ticipating in the March of Dimes walk for children andUs Too! talks for prostate cancer survivors. Finally, theUMC is so proud of one of our past presidents, DianeMann, MSN, RN, CURN, CCRP, BC, who recently earnedher master’s in nursing. Well done, Diane!
Please visit the chapter’s updated Web site atwww.umcsuna.org to see other happenings in the UpperMidwest.
RegionalNewsRegional
News
Amy Driscoll
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May 2009
Great Lakes Chapter President Todd Morningstarreports that they just hosted their Sixth AnnualConference and it was the biggest success to date. He con-gratulates the planning committee and speakers on pro-viding a great program for the 100+ participants,including some who were attending a conference for thefirst time. The chapter held another conference on April21 and will be posting photos on their Web site atwww.glsuna.com. Todd also states that the chapter hasbeen busy with community service projects that “reachedaround the world.” Details will follow. I’m sure we’re allcurious about these efforts! Good job, Great Lakes.
Amy Driscoll, BSN, CURNNorth Central Regional Director
WesternThe Western members are
celebrating the arrival of springafter a long winter. It was niceto see so many members attendthe Annual Symposium in SanFrancisco in March. Attendeesagree it was an excellent confer-ence. I would like to thank theNorthern California Chapter forthe great job they did in host-ing this event.
The Puget SoundChapter’s conference held inFebruary was a great success. It
was well attended and featured topics such as applica-tion of acupuncture in urology, nutrition/naturopathicapplication in urology, and environmental endocrinedisruptors in urology. There was also a vendor fair thatincluded several catheter companies and pharmacycompanies.
President Jean Dearn would like to encourage herurology colleagues from the Pacific Northwest tobecome involved with the chapter. This chapter is cur-rently looking for a new secretary, and Jean is ready totransition from her role as president. For more informa-tion or if you are interested in a position on the chapterboard, contact Jean at [email protected].
The Northern California Chapter did anastounding job hosting the Annual Symposium in SanFrancisco. They provided attendees with a taste of therenowned Ghirardelli Chocolates and information onsites and activities in San Francisco.
Chapter co-presidents Jan Jensen and Linda Adamsare planning a future dinner meeting on ProstaScint®
imaging. Mark your calendars for the Western SUNA con-ference that will be held in conjunction with the WesternSection American Urological Association (AUA) meetingon October 26-27 in Las Vegas. The chapter has beenworking hard planning this meeting and has some excit-ing topics lined up. Stay tuned for more information onthis event. Any help that members can offer in planningthis event is welcome. Contact Jan at [email protected] or Linda at [email protected].
Portland Chapter President Renee Benoit reportsthat plans are underway to offer a half-day event for mem-bers. It is very rewarding to be involved with your localchapter, and Renee would like to hear from chapter mem-bers to help in planning future educational offerings.Please contact Renee at [email protected].
The Yakima Chapter and President CindieNeufeld are excited to welcome the new members whohave recently joined this chapter. The addition of thesemembers and their enthusiasm show that the chapter’ssuccess depends on the participation of all its members.The chapter will be holding a planning meeting to electnew officers. Cindie encourages any member whowould like to contribute to the planning of future eventsor who are interested in a position on the local chapterboard to contact her at [email protected].
The Utah Chapter hosted a well-attended dinnermeeting at the Cowboy Grub restaurant in March. Thetopic was testosterone replacement. President EdithAcey reports that plans are underway for future educa-tional dinner events. To become more involved withthis chapter, contact Edith at [email protected] myself at [email protected].
The Arizona Chapter held some well-attendededucational events this past year. President Linda Sabreis looking for new leadership for this chapter. Becomingmore involved with this active chapter offers opportu-nities for education and networking with urology col-leagues. Contact Linda at [email protected] formore information.
Debbie Bailey and members of the Big SkyChapter attended a urology conference at The Big SkyResort in February. Debbie is anxious to plan futureevents and would like to hear from chapter members.Contact Debbie at [email protected].
Cindie Neufeld, RNWestern Regional Director
NortheastPresident Joan Colella and
the Northern New JerseyChapter participated in a certi-fication recognition day atHackensack University MedicalCenter in March. Nurses fromdifferent nursing organizationswere asked to discuss theirrespective organizations. Theyprovided information abouttheir specialty association andinformation for recruitment ofnew members. The chapter wasrepresented, and their recruit-
ment efforts continue. In addition, they participated intheir first Web board meeting and we can’t wait to seehow this worked out! Great job and creativity! You canreach Joan at [email protected] with any questions.
The Central New York Chapter has a chaptermember in the “spotlight” in this issue (see Member
Cindie Neufeld
Cheryl LeCroy
May 2009
11
Spotlight on page 12). President Marianne Borch saysthey are busy planning for a CNE meeting in the springthat will be sponsored by Coloplast; Diane Newman willbe the speaker. Chapter members also authored an arti-cle that was published in the January/February issue ofUrologic Nursing on schistosomiasis; the entire chapterworked on this article. Way to go! Marianne can bereached at [email protected].
The Baltimore Chapter hosted a March dinnermeeting on M-3 receptors and Botox® presented by Dr.David Gordon. The event was sponsored by Enablex®.President Kristen Burns says they are hoping to haveanother meeting in June. For more information, contactKristen at [email protected].
Kathy Felder, president of the Twin Sate Chapter,reports that the recent meeting on renal cell cancer waswell attended and very informative. The chapter is stillhoping to co-sponsor an all-day meeting in the springwith the New England Chapter. Watch for more infor-mation as planning progresses. For more information,contact Kathy at [email protected].
The Mohawk Valley Chapter with PresidentJeannelle Brown is discussing an upcoming educationalmeeting, but no firm plans have been made at the pre-sent. For more information, contact Jeannelle at [email protected].
The Central Virginia Chapter held a planningmeeting in February. A dinner meeting was held in Marchand sponsored by UroMed. Dr Charlie Seabury presenteda lecture on Green Light Laser Therapy, which was wellattended. Another meeting is being planned for thespring. Diane can be contacted at [email protected].
I was privileged to speak at the SUNA AnnualSymposium at the preconference on Basic UrinaryIncontinence and also in the urodynamics course on LeakPoint Pressures and Urodynamics Through the Lifespan.
Jeff Guse, president of the NortheasternPennsylvania Chapter, was a speaker at the urody-namics course at the Annual Symposium in SanFrancisco. He facilitated the live urodynamics session.Great job, Jeff! He also gave a lecture on Select UrologicImages and Findings: Cause for Concern? for NEPAC.Anyone interested in additional information about thischapter, please contact Jeff at [email protected].
Mary Roche, president of the Southern NewEngland Chapter, hosted a dinner meeting onInterstitial Cystitis in March that offered 1.0 CNE credits.Great job, Mary, on obtaining CNE credits for many ofyour meetings! For information on upcoming meetings,contact Mary at [email protected].
Cheryl LeCroy, MSN, RNNortheast Regional Director
Southeast As I am writing this update,
the Annual Symposium is wind-ing down. This year’s sympo-sium in San Francisco wasfantastic! The program’s focuswas incontinence and pelvicfloor disorders in the adult andpediatric population. Thanks toall who participated in this greatevent.
All of the Southeast chapterscontinue to offer networkingopportunities and up-to-the-minute information in urology
care. The Dallas Fort Worth Chapter held a meetingin April to plan for their fall meeting. Anyone who isinterested in assisting the planning committee or servingin a chapter office may contact President Allison Beaverat 214-645-8788 or [email protected].
Glenn Sulley, Oklahoma Chapter president, rep-resented his chapter well with his research poster pre-sentation at the Annual Symposium entitled Sacral NerveStimulation for the Treatment of Idiopathic Urinary Retentionin Young Female Patients: A Case Series. This chapterrecently held their spring meeting in Oklahoma City.Chapter members will host an educational seminar inTulsa, OK, in May. The program will include presenta-tions on urology topics such as InterStim® therapy, malesling surgery, and robotic prostatectomy. For furtherinformation on upcoming activities or programs, con-tact Glenn Sulley at [email protected].
The Florida Sunshine Chapter is gearing up forthe annual American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life andis hoping to meet their goal of raising over $5,000 forthis worthy cause. The chapter hosted the Ninth AnnualUrology Conference at Edison College in Ft. Myers, FL,on April 18. Six contact hours were offered, and topicsincluded urodynamic case studies, prostate cancer, eval-uation of renal failure, urinary diversions, and more. Themeeting also included a raffle for free registration and astipend to attend SUNA’s 2009 Annual Conference inOctober. For more information regarding chapter activi-ties or if you would like to get involved at the local level,contact Chapter President Cindy McLean [email protected].
Randee Regan, president of the Greater HoustonChapter, reports that the chapter hosted a spring semi-nar, SUNA’s Annual Urology Update, at Methodist Hospitalin Houston, TX, on April 18. Four contact hours wereprovided. If you have questions about upcoming pro-grams or would like to assist the chapter, contact RandeeRegan at [email protected].
The Research Triangle Chapter held their annu-al spring CNE conference entitled Spring into SUNA onMarch 21 at the Embassy Suites in Cary, NC. Topicsincluded Foley trauma, overactive bladder/urodynamicevaluation, hypogonadism, kidney stone management,and cancer survivorship. The chapter’s dinner programchairperson is busy scheduling CNE dinners for the
Lee Ann Boyd
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May 2009
This column was created to recognize“behind-the-scenes” members of SUNAwho contribute to the organization andurologic nursing at the grassroots level.If you know of a member whose serviceto SUNA deserves recognition andwould like to highlight his/her contribu-tions in this column, please contactUro-Gram Editor Evey Kliever([email protected]).
SpotlightMember
SpotlightMember
The Central New YorkChapter is a small but active andcommitted chapter and it’s easyto see why! According toPresident Marianne Borch,Maureen Kiernan, MSN, ANP, isthe reason the chapter is stillalive. Maureen was one of theoriginal founders of this localchapter in 1990. She has beenthe president numerous times,and the last time she served inthe position, she “lasted formany years.” Marianne states
that for years now, the chapter has used Maureen’s homeas the official meeting place for chapter meetings. It iscentrally located for all of the members and “everyoneloves the atmosphere there.” Maureen has not missed ameeting in “years and years” until recently. A few daysbefore their last meeting, her father suddenly passedaway and Marianne was scrambling for a new locationfor the meeting. Maureen called and told the group thatthey should “of course use her house” and told themwhere to find the key. Even in her grief she thoughtabout the welfare of her chapter. According to Marianne,Maureen has a positive attitude and a motivating per-sonality and this keeps everyone charged and going.Marianne also went on to say that Maureen “is the coreand the glue of the chapter.”
Maureen began her career as a nurse 29 years ago ona urology surgical unit. While there, she rose to the posi-tion of assistant leader. and eventually became the leaderof the unit. She worked there for 15 years. In 1995,Maureen became an adult nurse practitioner and trans-ferred to her current position in an outpatient settingwhere she cares primarily for adult urology cancerpatients. Maureen volunteers in the community at alocal hospice and organizes free prostate cancer screen-ing. All of her patients love her. Marianne says she is“usually always signed up for some benefit that involveswalking or something.” In 2006, Maureen went to NewYork for the 39-mile breast cancer walk and raised thou-sands of dollars for the cause. She also participated in theheart walk in April!
Maureen Kiernan is a SUNA member who has earnedher moment in the spotlight. She is a member from ourregion that we all can be proud of!
Cheryl LeCroy, MSN, RNNortheast Regional Director
Maureen KiernanSUNA Endorses
Global Vision Statement on Care of Older Adults
SUNA joined over 27 national nursing orga-nizations, including 20 specialty associations and7 members of the Coalition of Geriatric NursingOrganizations (CGNO), in endorsing the“Specialty Nursing Association Global VisionStatement on Care of Older Adults.” The state-ment emphasizes that, with the rapid increase inthe population of U.S. older adults, the nurseworkforce must become equipped to meet theirchanging and specific health care needs. Olderadults constitute the largest group of health careusers across all settings, and virtually all nursescare for older adults in their subspecialties. Yet,the majority of nurses received no or little infor-mation about best practices in the care of olderadults from their undergraduate or graduate spe-cialty-degree programs. Nurses must be compe-tent to deliver care to older adults, being sensitiveto the physiological, functional, and psychologi-cal needs that set them apart from youngeradults.
The vision statement was developed throughREASN (Resourcefully Enhancing Aging inSpecialty Nursing), a project of The HartfordInstitute for Geriatric Nursing at New YorkUniversity College of Nursing. REASN seeks a com-prehensive response among nursing specialties tosupport evidence-based best practices in care ofolder adults in hospitals, home care, and institu-tional long-term care settings. The statement isavailable online at http://consultgerirn.org/specialty_practice/Global_Vision_Statement/
spring and fall. This chapter continues to provide mem-bers with current urologic information and networkingopportunities throughout North Carolina. For moreinformation regarding chapter events and upcomingprograms, contact President Sue Forloines-Lynn [email protected].
The Central Florida Chapter is actively seekingmembers who may be interested in assuming a leader-ship role or assisting the chapter in planning activitiesfor the year. If you are interested in participating, pleasecontact President Dee Parkes at [email protected].
The West Texas Whirlwinds Chapter, under theguidance of Stacy Brothers, is currently planning theirannual activities and programs. If you have any ques-tions or contributions, contact Stacy [email protected]. Stay tuned for further informa-tion!
Lee Ann Boyd, MSN, ARNP-C, CUNPSoutheast Regional Director
May 2009
13
Special Interest GroupsUrodynamics
Greetings, fellow urodynamic colleagues. I hope thateveryone’s trip to the Annual Symposium in SanFrancisco was pleasant. Due to my schedule I was notable to attend.
Mentorship is important within the practice of a spe-cialty like urodynamics (UDS). Every practitioner comeswith a different background. Some use water-filledcatheters and some use T-Doc catheters. If you are newto the field, you may be unsure of what I am talkingabout. For this reason, I would like to start a mentorshipprogram within the SIG and attempt to match up expe-rienced UDS nurses with new ones. Anyone may betrained to insert catheters and hit a “start” button, butthe real challenge comes when you realize you don’tunderstand how everything is related and there is noone to ask.
My proposal is that those of you who are interestedin mentoring and those of you new to UDS would go tothe SUNA Web site (www.suna.org) and post yourinformation in the UDS SIG discussion area. To be amentor you must have at least 5 years of experience inperforming UDS and have a certificate of attendancefrom a UDS course at the SUNA Annual Symposium. Letme know if you work with video UDS and if you arezeroing to atmosphere or to your patient prior to yourstudy. Here is an example of information I will needfrom you:
“My name is Myra Joseph and I am an RN. I have beendoing UDS for 9 years now. I live in SAT and my e-mail is:[email protected]. I prefer water-filled catheters but amfamiliar with T-Doc as well. I use Laborie Software. I wouldbe interested in mentoring someone.”
OR“My name is Myra Joseph and I am an RN. I am brand
new to UDS and am totally lost. I live in SAT and use T-Doccatheters only. I work with Life-Tech equipment only. I wouldlike to be matched up with a mentor. My e-mail is [email protected].”
I will review the requests and match up everyone(demographically if possible). Anyone who requests amentor will be contacted by me with your mentor’semail address. This will allow you to have contact withan expert. You may discuss with your mentor thingssuch as faxing UDS studies to review on the phone orjust ask questions you are not sure about. I hope thisvenue will be the start of providing new UDS cliniciansthe opportunity to ask questions about UDS, to begincomprehending what it is you are looking at, and to
learn tricks of the trade.Anyone interested in this opportunity, please go to
the UDS SIG discussion area on the SUNA Web site(under the Resources tab), and I will start sortingthrough requests. If you have any questions or ideas, feelfree to contact me. Let’s begin sharing our wealth ofknowledge so the bar of excellence may be raised to helptrain UDS clinicians all over the country.
Myra Joseph, RNSIG Leader
In/OutpatientSUNA’s Annual Symposium was held March 12-14.
The SIG presented in a poster format, the Acute UrinaryRetention (AUR) Guidelines that the task force devel-oped. Rita Yee and Pam Ceo were available to answerquestions regarding the guidelines. Many attendeesviewed the poster and talked about their experienceswith AUR. It was very exciting to talk with people andnetwork. We would like to thank all of you who stoppedby. The guidelines also are available on the SUNA Website at www.suna.org (under the Resources tab).
We are still in need of members to serve on a taskforce for the fact sheet on “how to clean urine bags.” Wewould like to get this project started as soon as possibleso please contact us if you can help.
Please contact us with any concerns you may have.Pam Ceo, NP, MSN, CUNP
Inpatient [email protected]
Kristine A. Green, BSN, CURNOutpatient Co-Leader
Continence Specialists and ServicesI am just now getting back into the swing of things
after returning from SUNA’s Annual Symposium in SanFrancisco. It was a great conference as I am sure those ofyou who attended will agree! We heard some great pre-sentations on treating incontinence in patients whohave a tight pelvic floor, using pessaries to treat inconti-nence, physical therapy treatments for both urinary andfecal incontinence, and updates on pediatric enuresisand geriatric dementia issues related to continence. SanFrancisco was a great environment for networking andspending time with SUNA friends new and old. Asalways, our vendor partners shared the latest and great-est continence products with us, and I brought home
May 2009
14
new ideas and products to use in helping to keep mypatients dry. The Annual Symposium is always a greatplace to add to our professional expertise and to keep upwith the most current evidence for the treatment of ourpatients with incontinence!
In the past 3 months there have been many ques-tions from both members and nonmembers sent in tothe SUNA Web site regarding intermittent catheteriza-tion and Foley catheter management, both short- andlong-term. Because many of the questions are repeats ofthose sent to SIG members, I have not been sending allthe questions out, but replying with your previousexpert advice. We do have highly experienced SIG mem-bers as well as those new to continence. We could alllearn a lot from each other, so please do not hesitate tosend your issues or tips to me and I will send them outfor comment from the group. I also will continue tofield questions from members for your comments.
Again, it was great to see you at the symposium, andI look forward to seeing the rest of you at the AnnualConference!
Shanna Atnip, MSN, WHNP-BCSIG Leader
Jane Hokanson Hawks Co-EditsPublication Named 2008 Medical-Surgical Nursing Book of the Year
Medical-Surgical Nursing:Clinical Management forPositive Outcomes (8th edi-tion) was recently recognized bythe American Journal of Nursing(AJN) as a Medical-SurgicalNursing Book of the Year for2008. The book was co-edited bySUNA member and UrologicNursing Editor Jane HokansonHawks, PhD, RN, BC. AJNannounced “the most valuabletexts of 2008, as chosen by AJN’spanel of judges,” in the January2009 issue of the journal (pages 80-82).
In addition, other SUNA members played a role inthe creation of this publication. Susanne Quallich servedas a section editor. Francie Bernier, Mikel Gray, MarkMoyad, Susanne Quallich, Terran Sims, Cynthia Sublett,Carol Weber, and Peggy Ward-Smith authored chaptersin the text.
Dr. Hawks said competition for the award is stiff,noting that it is very rare for an eighth edition of a bookto be recognized.
“We are all very proud to have our publication benamed Book of the Year by AJN,” Dr. Hawks said. “It’salways a positive event when you have your work recog-nized by peers within your profession. This is very grati-fying.”
Congratulations to the many SUNA members whocontributed to this well-respected publication!
Jane Hokanson Hawks
Up to 3 New MembersLinda AdamsShanna AtnipCheryl BattaniKenneth BetzVanessa BlackAudrey CochranKara CrawfordLorie Davis
‘We’re Everything We Say We Are Because of You’
2009 Membership CampaignCongratulations to the following recruiters. Keep up the good work!
Monika DeckerMary Anne DuncanKathy EhresmanMichelle FibichJulie FlemingCarole FoxJeffrey GuseLaura HardcastleIrene InguilloMichelle Lajiness
Tiffany LeePatricia LieserCynthia McLeanJenifer MercerAnn MuthLee NailDiane NewmanKatharine O’DellKathryn PetersenKimberly Ramsey
Mindy Rathe-HartMartha RuschivalJennifer SchmidtJulie SpencerLorna VillanuevaKaren Wall
Score with 4 or MoreCynthia McLeanLee Nail
Celebrate NationalNurses Week
May 6-12, 2009For more information, visitwww.nursingworld.org
May 2009
15
Taking the Certification Exam: Where’s the Computer?
Administering tests by computer has been made possi-ble by the increased availability of powerful, high-speed computers, often accessible in networks of PCs.
Tests can be administered on computers in one of two ways.One way is to program the paper-and-pencil version of thetest onto the computer (straight test). As an example, theAmerican Nurses Credentialing Center administers its nursepractitioner and nurse informatics certification exams oncomputer. Other certification tests continue to be given inpaper-and-pencil format. The second format is the computeradaptive test (CAT), which tailors the test to the responses ofa particular examinee. By selecting items that provide infor-mation about a particular examinee’s ability, the CAT formatmakes maximum use of the computer’s ability. Examinees donot have to respond to questions that are too easy or too dif-ficult for them. Since two examinees are not likely to have theexact same ability level, each examinee takes a different test— one tailored to his/her ability. Since 1994, the nursinglicensure examinations have been in CAT format. As a resultof the precision and efficiency of CAT, a candidate may pass,or fail, the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN with a 95% confidencelevel after responding to only 60 scored items.
What are some of the advantages of computer-ized testing? Test centers are established at multiple, per-manent sites that offer testing throughout the year.Consequently, for both formats, examinees can scheduleexamination dates and times at their convenience. The exam-inee is afforded a private, peaceful environment by testing ata computer station rather than testing in a room full of peo-ple offering the potential for distraction. Examination resultsmay be available immediately after test administration.Finally, the CAT format, by tailoring the exam to the abilitylevel of the examinee, is more efficient in both time and accu-racy.
What about the disadvantages? The major disad-vantage is cost. Increased costs arise from the sophisticatedprogramming required to establish testing algorithms, orrules, and the costs related to use of the computer for testadministration. A CAT test requires a large item bank of sev-eral thousand questions validated through pilot testing onlarge numbers of examinees. A straight test also requires alarge item bank to provide multiple forms of the test.Otherwise, the content of the test and its items are likely tobe compromised. A 200-item straight test may require 4 or 5hours to complete. Likewise, some individuals taking the CATtest could require 4 to 5 hours to reach a 95% confidencelevel. Remember the adage: “Time is money.” Finally, com-plex security measures to prevent “hackers” from breakinginto the item banks must be implemented for both formats,but especially the CAT format.
The CBUNA Board of Directors has weighed the advan-tages and disadvantages of using computerized testing toadminister urology certification examinations. Not surpris-ingly, the biggest deterrent is the cost associated with thedevelopment and maintenance of item banks and concernsrelated to security measures. The National Council of StateBoards of Nursing has nearly 150,000 test applicants annual-ly supporting the millions of dollars needed to implementand maintain their CAT licensure exams. In comparison, the
relatively small number of individuals applying for three lev-els of CBUNA certification and recertification annually can-not support the hundreds of thousands of dollars needed toimplement and maintain either the CAT or straight comput-erized testing formats. Even if a benefactor were to underwritethe costs of test development, it would be impossible toobtain a large enough sample of candidates for pilot testingto provide the quality of testing that your Board strives toaccomplish.
Given these considerations, we have decided to continueto administer exams in the paper-and-pencil format. In col-laboration with our testing agency, the Center for NursingEducation and Testing (C-NET), we work hard to develop psy-chometrically sound exams. For your convenience, eachCBUNA exam is offered at 50 permanent testing sites in thespring and fall and at the SUNA national meeting site. Turn-around time for reporting test results has decreased. We areproud of the progress we have made in updating all of ourexams and are committed to continuing the process. As newtesting technologies develop, we will analyze the pros andcons of our certification process. We welcome your questions,value your input, and appreciate your keeping us account-able.
I thank Carole Kingsbury, retired C-NET advisor, whoprovided the background information that made this reportpossible. The Board thanks Carole for her years of service. Wewill miss her knowledge, valuable input, and propensity forkeeping us on task. Moving on to the next chapter, we lookforward to working with the new C-NET representation at ourmeeting.
Phyllis A. Matthews, MS, ANP-BC, CUNPCBUNA President
Position AvailableRegistered Nurse, Cedars-Sinai Medical
Center, Los Angeles, CAEnjoy a Complementary Collaboration with Urologists 10-hour shifts/4
days, Monday - Friday. No weekends/Holidays. No calls.Cedars-Sinai’s skilled physicians make all the difference at our world-
renowned Minimally Invasive Urology Institute because they love to teach.Part of the academic attractions are an annual physician conference; com-munity service opportunities such as free prostate cancer screenings; andInstitute-conducted clinical research and education. We follow a nursingclinical ladder for your growth potential. Our tertiary Outpatient Clinic islocated in the West Medical Office Tower and we see from 25-30 adult andpediatric patients a day. As a subspecialty urology center we do more com-plex kidney and urinary tract stone management, and a wide variety of pro-cedures including cystoscopy, ultrasound, urodynamics, bladder scans,and uroflows. We also do laparoscopic urological surgery for cancerousand non-cancerous conditions of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, prostate andadrenal glands, minimally invasive removal of the kidney for live-donortransplant, and even perform circumcisions.
We require a current CA RN license, BLS, BSN preferred. Ideal candi-dates will have 1-2 years urology experience. Certifications in any specialtywould be a plus. A compassionate customer service orientation is essen-tial. Bring your special nursing focus to the patients you care for, andempower them to include their personal goals as you implement treatmentplans and procedures.
For consideration please forward our resume to [email protected] orfax to: 310-423-0377 or call N. Pringle at 310-423-5564. EOE
Volume 37, Number 3 May 2009
Presorted StandardU.S. Postage
PAIDBellmawr, NJPermit #58
This newsletter is an official publication of the Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates, Inc.Copyright © 2009 by the Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates. All rights reserved. No part ofthis material may be duplicated or reproduced in any manner without the written permission of theSociety of Urologic Nurses and Associates.(ISSN # 1074-8687)
SUNA encourages the submission of news items and photos of interest to SUNAmembers. By virtue of your submission, you agree to the usage and editing of yoursubmission for possible publication in SUNA’s newsletter, Web site, and otherpromotional and educational materials.
EditorEvey Kliever, MA, RN, CURNAssociate EditorJeanne Held-Warmkessel, MSN, RN, AOCN®, ACNS-BC
East Holly Avenue Box 56 Pitman, NJ 08071-0056856-256-2335 • 888-827-7862 • FAX 856-589-7463 • E-Mail: [email protected]
Visit SUNA’s Web site at www.suna.org
The Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates is a professionalorganization committed to excellence in clinical practice and researchthrough education of its members, patients, family, and community.
SUNA’s 2010 Annual Symposium will be held March10-13 at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, CO. TheProgram Planning Committee has issued a Call forPapers for the symposium. You are invited to submitabstracts for oral presentation addressing topics relatedto urologic patient care. Paper presentations must beidentified as basic, intermediate, or advanced.
Submission Guidelines1. Abstracts must be typed, single spaced on 8.5” x 11”
white bond paper.2. Abstracts must be in narrative form and not
exceed 300 words.3. The title of the abstract should appear at the
top.4. List primary presenter first, then additional
presenters with credentials (PhD, MA,BSN, RN, etc.) below the title.
5. The author(s)’ work/home/emailaddresses and telephone/fax numbersshould be listed on a separate page.
Instructions also are available online atwww.suna.org (under Events). Each submissionwill be evaluated by the Program Planning Committee to
determine the final selection for the meeting program.Send abstracts to: [email protected]; or SUNA NationalOffice, East Holly Avenue Box 56, Pitman, NJ 08071-0056. Submissions must be received by May 15,2009.
Call for Papers for 2010 Annual Symposium