Pitman, NJ – Along with a broad slate of education sessions, the 24th Annual Pediatric Nursing Conference, June 26-28, 2008 in Las Vegas, NV, will honor pediatric nurses’ compassionate care and clinical expertise.

This year’s conference celebrates that pediatric nurses “are the hearts, the souls, the minds, and the voices providing care to children and families every day,” according to 2008 Conference Chairperson Louise D. Jakubik, DNSc, CRNP, APRN-BC.

The conference will feature six tracks: Physical Assessment and Laboratory Interpretation, Evidence-Based Practice and Research, Leadership at the Point of Care, Clinical Potpourri, Leadership Fellow and Surgical/Trauma. Participants may complete an intensive learning experience in one track, or they may custom-design their own program by attending sessions in each track.

Attendees will also network with colleagues, attend special events, and view the latest products and services available in the exhibit hall.

Full program information and registration details are available on Pediatric Nursing’s Web site,  www.pediatricnursing.net.

Pre-conferences
Three pre-conference workshops are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, June 25-26. The CPN Review Course: Unlocking the Door to Success will span both days and will prepare nurses for the Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) exam with test-taking strategies, pediatric nursing content review and study tips (13 contact hours).

Pediatric Physical Assessment: Enhancing Your Knowledge and Skills (June 26) will focus on appropriate nursing care for children based on proper consideration of anatomic, physiologic and developmental issues. The workshop will incorporate case studies to allow participants to practice performing laboratory interpretation, followed by an interactive discussion. (6.75 contact hours.)

The third pre-conference on June 26 will be Sharpening Your Leadership Skills to Lead Effectively. This session will explore a wide variety of leadership topics, including how to deveop a visionary plan, personal leadership development, tools for motivating staff and how to promote teamwork. (7.5 contact hours).

Conference Program
On Thursday, June 26, Veronica Feeg, PhD, RN, FAAN, editor of Pediatric Nursing, will present the Opening General Session, “Leadership for Tomorrow in an Evidenced-Based World.” Dr. Feeg will explore how nurses can embrace their leadership role by speaking, writing and evaluating research evidence to help advance pediatric nursing practice. An Opening Reception in the exhibit hall will follow this session, with refreshments and networking for attendees.

On Friday, June 27, esteemed nursing leader, advocate and editor Connie Curran, EdD, RN, FAAN, will present a general session on “The Nursing Workforce Environment: Challenges and Opportunities.” Dr. Curran will discuss the most urgent issues facing nursing today and the skills and critical thinking nurses need to thrive.

Concurrent sessions organized by specialty tracks are scheduled Friday and Saturday, June 27-28. The tracks and sessions include:

• Physical Assessment and Laboratory Interpretation: Recognizing impending cardio-respiratory failure; laboratory interpretation skills; pediatric fluid and electrolyte balance; understanding and treating autism; MRSA update and treatments; caring for the pediatric trauma patient.
• Evidence-Based Practice and Research: Managing diabetes; leadership skills; treating children victims of sexual assault; how-to’s of evidenced-based practice; moral dilemmas when caring for dying children; pain control; handling immunization injection pain.
• Leadership at the Point of Care: Writing effectively for publication; nurses recount 2006 massacre at Nickel Mines Amish School house; teaching, coaching and mentoring future nursing leaders; pediatric nursing in Zimbabwe.
• Clinical Potpourri: Teens and body decorating (tattoos, piercings, inserts); treating pediatric trauma cases; caring for the child with sickle cell anemia; the family’s presence in pediatric trauma resuscitation; abdominal pain; current trends in pediatric sedation.
• Leadership Fellow Track: Leadership for tomorrow in an evidence-based world; leadership: walking the walk; writing for publication; how to’s of evidence-based practice; how to get things done when people may not be listening; assembling your leadership toolbox.
• Surgical Trauma Track: Cardio-respiratory failure in children; pediatric trauma puzzles; 2006 massacre at Nickel Mines Amish School House; family presence in pediatric trauma resuscitation; abdominal pain in children; assessment and stabilization of the pediatric trauma patient.

Special Events
The 24th Annual Pediatric Nursing Conference will offer attendees opportunities to participate in educational and career-enhancing activities as well as interactive and social events.

The Poster Session on Friday, June 27, will feature selected peer-reviewed research abstract submissions and clinical posters exemplifying innovative practice and programs. That morning, participants will also have an opportunity to discuss ideas for articles and receive tips and feedback in a Writer’s Consultation with members of the Pediatric Nursing Editorial Board.

In the Exhibit Hall, exhibitors from around the country will display their products and information services. This event also provides opportunities for participants to network with other pediatric professionals.

Registration
Complete registration information is available on Pediatric Nursing’s Web site, www.pediatricnursing.net. For additional registration information or to request a brochure, contact Pediatric Nursing at East Holly Avenue, Box 56, Pitman, NJ, 08071; phone: 856-256-2358; or e-mail: hughesm@ajj.com.

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Pediatric Nursing is a clinically-based journal focusing on the needs of professionals in pediatric practice, research, administration and education.