A spotlight on the professions
Noteworthy spotlights brief items of interest to allied healthcare professionals, especially those in Massachusetts. Send notices of upcoming events, personnel appointments, publications, calls for proposals, awards and recognitions, and other noteworthy items to joesaling@bellsouth.net.
Kudos
Patricia Reid Ponte, RN, DNSc, FAAN, NEA-BC, senior vice president for Patient Care Services and chief nurse at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, has been elected as the newest member of the 2009 Board of Directors for the American Academy of Nursing (AAN). Reid Ponte is also director of Nursing and Clinical Services at Brigham and Women's Hospital. The Academy’s 10-member board oversees the financial management of AAN as well as provides direction for its strategic planning. Reid Ponte will remain on the board through 2010.
Darlene Keenan-Taylor, Liz Nonis, and Cecilia Novak, all nurses at Emerson Hospital, were selected as this year’s recipients of Emerson Hospital’s Rina K. Spence award. The Rina K. Spence Fund finances an annual award of up to $1,000, which will be shared by this year’s award winners, for employees to increase their knowledge and competence in areas of interest outside their ordinary job responsibilities.
Children's Hospital Boston has been ranked as the top pediatric hospital in the country for cardiac and orthopedic care in Parents magazine's Best Children's Hospitals survey. Children's was rated second overall among the more than 100 pediatric hospitals surveyed, and was among the top five for cancer care and pulmonary medicine.
Lahey Clinic has received a three-year approval of its cancer program from the Committee on Approvals of the Commission on Cancer. A three-year approval is the highest rating conferred by the Commission on Cancer. It is given only to those facilities that are committed to providing the best in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and that are willing to undergo a rigorous evaluation process and performance review.
Upcoming Events
Cambridge Health Alliance will present the 6th Annual Melvin H. Chalfen, MD, Lecture on Public Health on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009. The program will feature Sidney M. Wolfe, MD, director of the Health Research Group at Public Citizen. Public Citizen is a national, nonprofit consumer advocacy organization. Over his 40-year career, Wolfe has been a leading voice on drug safety, foods, medical devices, and greater consumer control over health decisions. His presentation, which will take place at 5 p.m. at Cambridge Health Alliance’s Cambridge Hospital campus, will focus on prescription drugs, worker health, and health care delivery. The program is free and open to the public.
Volunteer Programs
Merrimack Valley Hospice is seeking volunteers and conducting a free eight week volunteer training class will on Monday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. beginning Feb. 2. The class will take place at NECC’s Corporate & Community Education Center in North Andover. A free six week training class will be conducted on Wednesday mornings from 9 to 11 a.m. beginning Jan. 14 at Merrimack Valley Hospice in Lawrence. Those interested should contact Merrimack Valley Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, Sheryl Meehan at (978) 552-4522 or send an e-mail to smeehan@homehealthfoundation.org.
Educational Opportunities for Healthcare Professionals
The Boston College School of Nursing is offering the following continuing education programs in Jan. and Feb.:
- Forensic Mental Health. Course to examine the assessment, diagnosis, and outcomes of the people whose lives bring them into a judicial setting. Meets Wednesdays from 4 to 7 p.m., Jan. 14 through April 29.
- Essentials of Phlebotomy. This course will provide the student with blood drawing techniques and equipment and an overview of basic lab tests. Meets from 9 a.m. to1 p.m., Jan. 20.
- Psychopharmacology. Advanced practice course providing a comprehensive overview of the major class of medications used with psychiatric disorders. Meets Mondays from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Jan. 26 through May 4.
- Peripheral IV Therapy. Program to help update participants on the theory of peripheral venipuncture. Includes a simulated lab component. Meets from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Jan. 27.
- RN Refresher Open House. Discusses in detail the curriculum and re-entry program for nurses looking to re-enter the field. Meets from 11 a.m. to noon, Jan. 29.
- Psychopharmacology – Neuropharmacology. Meets from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Feb. 2.
- Central Line Therapy. The course will discuss identification, differentiation, and complications associated with all types of central lines. Meets from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Feb. 3.
- Clinical Research Open House. Program will introduce course offerings, roles within clinical research, and job opportunities. Meets from 6 to 8 p.m., Feb. 4.
- Psychopharmacology – Schizophrenia. Meets from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Feb. 9.
- Psychopharmacology – Geriatric & Medically Ill Patients. Meets from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Feb. 16.
- Psychopharmacology – Anxiety & Panic Disorders. Meets from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Feb. 23.
- Update in Nursing I. This core RN refresher course addresses current trends in contemporary nursing. Meets Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Feb. 26 to April 16.
- Clinical Research Roles: The Responsibilities of the CRA & CRC. This primary course will provide the foundational preparation needed to become a clinical research associate and/or clinical research coordinator. Meets Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Feb. 28 through March 28.
Healthy Eating for Nurses will meet Jan. 19 from 7 to 9 p.m. in Norwood. This program is part of a series that addresses the specific challenges nurses face in planning and eating healthy foods, paying special attention to on-the-job stress and its effect on weight gain. 2.0 ceu's can be earned per session. Cost is $50 per session. More information is available from Peg Doyle, MEd, HHC, at (508) 359-6804 or at www.wellnessandyou.com.
Reiki Level I for Nurses will be offered on Jan. 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in West Roxbury. Nurses can receive 8.3 contact hours. More information is available from Peg Doyle, MEd, HHC, at www.wellnessandyou.com or by calling (508) 359-6804. 