Critical Care Symposium.

In October of 2005 the Bitterroot Chapter of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) put on its annual Critical Care Symposium. Nearly 50 nurses attended the two day conference at St Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center in Missoula. The audience consisted of critical care nurses from Whitefish, Helena, and Missoula and also nurses from Idaho and Washington.

A total of 11 speakers presented critical care content targeted for practicing nurses. Topics included updates on acute respiratory distress syndrome, cerebrovascular disease, abdominal trauma, and acute pancreatitis.

Two speakers addressed the challenging topic of end of life care in the critical care unit. "Dale" M. Mayer, a cardiac clinical nurse specialist and staff nurse at St Patrick Hospital Cardiovascular Laboratory presented "Family Support after Sudden Death" and Linda Torma, a geriatric clinical nurse specialist delivered a talk entitled, "End of Life Issues in the Intensive Care Unit. "Both Ms. Mayer and Ms. Torma are faculty members of Montana State University-Bozeman College of Nursing and members of the Montana Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists.

Two topics specific to addiction were presented: Officer Bill Smith of the Lake County Drug Task Force discussed methamphetamine abuse and raised awareness of why health care providers need to be knowledgeable about the problems associated with methamphetamine use. Dr. Edward Maloney spoke about alcohol detoxification protocols and their use in intensive care units.

Other speakers addressed glycemic control, medical-legal issues, and care for trauma patients in the ICU-specifically addressing what happens after the initial 2 days of hospitalization.

Mark Your Calendar: The dates for the next Critical Care Symposium have been set for September 28 and 29, 2006 in Missoula. Chapter officers are actively looking for topics and speakers for the next Symposium. If you have ideas or want more information about the Bitterroot Chapter of AACN please contact: Chris Cole, R.N., President, Bitterroot Chapter AACN, PO Box 1634, Missoula MT 59806, [e-mail], [phone].

D. "Dale" Mayer, APRN, BC