Authors

  1. HUMPHREY, CAROLYN J. MS, RN, FAAN

Article Content

San Diego provided a wonderful background for the Visiting Nurse Associations of America's (VNAA) 23rd annual meeting and exhibition held April 27 to 29 in San Diego, California. The theme, "Sail to Success," was evident throughout the program and exhibit hall as conferees experienced various programs, exhibits, and networking opportunities to help them be prepared now and to plan for the future. Being surrounded by the San Diego Bay and hundreds of sail boats and yachts, as well as taking in the wonderful seafood and ambiance of California, made this an experience valued by everyone.

 

More than 20 education programs covered subjects critical to success in the new home care environment. Sessions focused on preventive programs such as "Building a Successful Flu Immunization Program" and "A VNAA Meningococcal Disease Program Targeting Adolescents and Young Adults" assisted agencies in providing structure for these increasingly important community programs.

 

Clinical and organizational subjects focused on cutting-edge education on disease management, telehealth, wound care, administrative tasks, grant writing, team building, and recruitment and retention strategies. A creative approach to Poster Sessions this year involved having each poster faculty presenting a short overview of their work at a breakfast meeting. This allowed participants to review the posters on their own and then have an opportunity to learn specifics and have their questions answered.

 

General session speakers included Lisa Remington, editor of The Remington Report, who spoke on "Trends, Predictions and Forecasts for 2005"; Dr. Eric Dishman, Director of Intel's Proactive Health Lab, gave everyone an awesome look at new technologies and research that can transform the way we care for our aging population; and an insightful and fun closing keynote address by Dr. Tray Dunaway titled "Physicians Are From Jupiter and You're From[horizontal ellipsis]Well, We Really Don't Care Where You're From!!" left participants with ideas to take home to their agencies.

 

An exhibit hall showcasing the latest products and services and opportunities to socialize and network made this a learning and fun experience for everyone.

 

The VNAA's annual meeting is open to all nonprofit home health agencies, not just VNAs. The importance of connecting with others, sharing ideas, and looking outside a home care agency's daily routine can help individuals get new ideas and go back to work with creative approaches to everyday problems.

 

For more information on the association, publications, meetings, or questions regarding the VNAA 24th Annual Meeting, visit http://www.vnaa.org.

 

Mark Your Calendars Now!!

Plan to attend

 

VNAA 24th Annual Meeting April 5-7, 2006

 

Hilton in the Walt Disney World Resort Orlando, Florida

 

Come to learn.

 

Stay to play.