Colorado Nurses Association 2008 Convention.

"Focus on the Future" Convention CE Day Speakers

Don't miss an opportunity to "Focus on the Future," when Colorado Nurses Association's annual Convention Continuing Education Day will feature topics relating to the future of health care and nursing. The Continuing Education Day will be on Friday, November 7, 2008 at the Radisson--3333 Quebec Street, Denver. In recognition of his efforts to promote legislative efforts in Colorado on health care reform and nursing issues, Governor Bill Ritter has been invited to address our convention. His attendance has not been confirmed at this time.

Lead Speaker David Sirota

Political Journalist, Activist and Author

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Leading of the early morning session with a "Focus on the Future" of Health Care Reform will be leading political journalist and best selling author, David Sirota. Sirota has recently released a new book, "The Uprising," which is a firsthand narrative account of America's populist movement. His first book, "Hostile Takeover: How Big Money and Corruption Conquered our Government" was a New York Times Bestseller. David Sirota is also a strong advocate for health care reform. His presentations on this topic deliver strong argument supported by compelling rationale, and are articulately presented. Regardless of your positions on this issue, you will leave with new knowledge and insight from this presentation.

David Sirota, a Denver resident, has a nationally syndicated column which appears in many newspapers around the country. He also has written independently for leading newspapers such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Chicago Sun times, The Baltimore Sun, among others. He is also the Co-Chair of the Progressive States Network, a nonpartisan organization that provides legislative analysis to state lawmakers. He is a senior fellow at the Campaign for America's Future, an nonprofit research and advocacy organization. He has appeared on many prominent television and radio talk shows.

When David Sirota was invited to speak at our annual convention, his particular interest in wanting to speak with nurses on the health care reform issue was duly noted and appreciated. This presentation will definitely capture attention and start off the CE Day topics at 8:30AM. There will be opportunity to also purchase/order his new book at the Convention.

Future of Health Care Reform--Panel Discussion 9:30-10:30AM

Colorado Nurses Association is pleased to invite stakeholder colleagues to participate in discussing and informing on key issues in health care reform. Moderated by Sara Jarrett, EdD, RN, CNS, panelists will include the following individuals and organizations: David Sirota--political journalist, the Colorado Medical Society, Steven Summer, CEO of the Colorado Hospital Association, Health Care for All Colorado, Tony Gagliardi of National Federation of Independent Business and The Colorado Nurses Association. The goals are for a balanced review and discussion of the many critical issues involved in moving toward a better future for health care. Colorado Nurses for Access to Health Care for All, the CNA work group for health care reform participated in planning the discussion issues for this panel.

The Future of Nursing

Inclusiveness in Nursing: The Present and Future Phyllis Graham-Dickerson, PhD, RN, CNS 11:00AM-12:00PM

Regis faculty and CNA member, Phyllis Graham Dickerson's presentation will provide content on the current and potential future issues in providing culturally competent care. She will explain categories of difference between self and others, discuss feelings about differences, and ways categories of differences and the health care professional's reaction to those differences can influence outcomes of patient care. Mutual communication, interactive patterns, and affirmation of diversity across cultures based on assumptions will be discussed.

Sunset of the Colorado Nurse Practice Act Sunset Task Force of the Colorado Nurses Association 1:00-2:00PM

2009 is a pivotal year for nursing in Colorado with Sunset of the Nurse Practice Act. What are the key issues? What is the Sunset Process? This presentation hosted by the Sunset Task Force will review key issues and inform on recommendations proposed and submitted by the Colorado Nurses Association for the Nurse Practice Act in Colorado. What will be the role for professional nursing for the future? Advanced Practice Nursing will also be a key focus for the discussion presentation. Stay up to date on the issues that could affect your profession.

Digital Storytelling--Future Technology--Telling our Stories Sue Hagedorn RN, PhD, PNP and Vicki Erickson, APRN, BC, PNP, PhD 2:00-3:00PM

Filmmakers, Nursing Educators, and Advanced Practice Nurses--Sue Hagedorn and Vicki Erickson are at it again using their numerous and varied talents! They were the producers of the APN Video--Caring for Colorado which was released this past year depicting APN roles throughout Colorado. Come see how they are using DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY to capture and tell nursing stories. They will also present an introduction to this technology so others can consider their own personal exploration of this application. This is a very innovative effective way to send a key message or tell a story.

Incivility or Courageous Dialogue Carol Alexander, MS, RN 3:30-4:30PM

If the ideal workplace norms are mutual respect and collegiality, why is rude and discourteous behavior tolerated in the workplace environment? Why is it easier to be silent when incivility reigns than it is to confront the underlying issues that precipitate professional misconduct? What topics do healthcare professionals tend to avoid, thus setting the stage for actions considered to be a "breech of etiquette"? Can incivility escalate into bullying and other forms of aggressive behavior? When such behaviors display a lack of regard for others, thus resulting in harm or injury, how easily can we repair the damage to individuals? Plus, what is the ultimate impact on performance, patient safety and the workplace culture? How can courageous dialogue improve the workplace environment of tomorrow? This session will explore some strategies for beginning to have candid conversations that will prevent and/or address incivility, especially the use of carefronting.