Members' Reports
In April, 2004 the Nursing Unit Manager Society made a contribution to Lorinda
Ford’s Albuquerque conference expenses. She reported
as follows:
The 22nd Annual National Convention for the Society for
Vascular Nursing was held at New Mexico, USA from 15-17
April, in the “Old Town” area of Albuquerque,
providing heritage and an Indian Pueblo influence and many
shopping opportunities.
The conference provided a cross section of presentations
on clinical, research and professional issues as well as
networking.
The opening address was by Vivian Watson who presented
“Power, pride and passion – the strength within”.
She spoke about her earlier struggle of a cleft lip and
palate which she overcame and to achieve her dream of becoming
a nurse, then an educator. It was a fascinating and moving
address.
There were presentations on “Why Vascular Risk Factors
Matters, Vascular Dementia, Management of Vascular Emergencies
by Victoria Fahey which was an excellent overview of Aneurysm
Rupture and Dissection Management, Vascular Rehabilitation,
Critical Limb Ischaemia, Iliac Vein Compression Syndrome.
Life Death & Technology Collide was an extraordinary
presentation on stress, grieving and death with a cardiothoracic
nurse telling her story of surviving a cardiac arrest, the
dramatic effect on her as a person and her perception as
a nurse. This was an extremely confronting presentation.
Other presentations on the last day were: Renal Artery Intervention,
Assisting with Tobacco Cessation – an ongoing world
need, and the closing session “Palliation in Vascular
Nursing” was a presentation by two palliative care
nurses in comical and effective role play scenarios.
There was a mix of social events with a “Western
Party” where we learned some line dancing. My coordination
of high stepping and dosey doeing were ashamedly poor! This
created much fun and laughter. A fun run/walk was held early
on the Saturday morning which gave an opportunity to network
and enjoy the fresh air.
The opportunity to network with the leaders in Vascular
Nursing at an International level is an invaluable experience
both on a professional and a personal level. I would highly
recommend to others to attend an International Conference.
Lorinda Ford
NUM, RPAH
