LA President reports 2024
September 2024
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Our recent education day in Townsville was a great success, with over 60 attendees. We look forward to hosting more regional events next year, so stay tuned for the 2025 dates to organise your leave accordingly. Our conference on 25 and 26 October, at the Sunshine Coast, is shaping up to be an incredible event and we can’t wait to see you there. The delegate price includes not only the conference sessions but also the conference dinner, drinks and catering on both days, providing ample opportunities for networking and socialising while enjoying delicious meals and refreshments. Are you passionate about perioperative nursing and committed to excellence? Do you believe your unique perspective, experience and dedication would be invaluable to our committee? If so, consider becoming a Local Area Liaison (LAL). This is an ACORN Queensland initiative aimed at supporting local members. LALs must be financial members of ACORN Queensland and interested in representing ACORN Queensland at a local level. Appointment to this committee is not just a recognition of your expertise, it’s also an opportunity to network and engage with other influential professionals in the industry. Your contributions will help shape the future of perioperative nursing. Nomination forms are available on our website. Additionally, if you’re interested in hosting an event at your venue or would like us to organise a small cocktail event, or something larger, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at any time. Queensland members may have noticed our new digital landing page that directs traffic to the ACORN Queensland and ACORN websites. This initiative has sparked a lot of conversation, and we value your input. If you’d like to share your thoughts, please email us at President@acornqld.org.au. Scholarships are now available, and members can apply for funding to attend the conference. We’re also excited to announce the Clinical Excellence Awards – remember, it’s a team effort, so nominate your team! Our committee is working hard to build infrastructure and processes for both new and existing members, as well as guides for committee members to understand their roles better. If you have any grant writing experience, we’d love to hear from you as we look to apply for funds in the not-for-profit sector. Warmest regards Simone Ohlin MEd, BN, RN, MACN, MACORN President ACORN Queensland 2024 |
GPO Box 2518 |
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Our Saturday education sessions have been well attended by our members this year and they have included a range of topics. Our last session looked at a patient’s journey through arthroplasty surgery –including preadmission, intra-operative and post-operative care. Our first Mentoring and Leadership Program has been completed with excellent feedback from participants. We look forward to being able to offer this opportunity again. The SAPNA committee has been working hard on the program for our Country Study Day due to be held on 14 September in beautiful Victor Harbour. The theme this year is ‘Make it happen, make it matter’ and we look forward to networking with our members and colleagues. We thank our trade partners as usual for supporting SAPNA with the conference. As the ACORN conference approaches, we have been able to support some of our members with grants to attend and look forward to hearing about the wonderful information they can bring back to those unable to be there. Nikki Rowlands SAPNA President |
PO Box 38 Highgate SA 5063
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As 2024 continues to unfold at a rapid pace, the VPNG is coming out of winter hibernation, we are starting to defrost and gearing up for another busy few months. VPNG President Karolin King is on a well-deserved overseas holiday, soaking up the sunshine and relaxing, but sent some updates that I have included. Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held virtually via Zoom on 13 July, with most committee members present in person at Deakin University. The roles of secretary, deputy treasurer and Snippets editor were opened to members; however, no submissions were received. The AGM was followed by an enlightening webinar on the evolving use of AI technology in the perioperative field. VPNG member, Erin Wakefield (Deakin University), in collaboration with Nick Nijkamp (Central Queensland University), provided an interesting and well researched overview of the topic. ACORN Education Officer Angela Jarkey provided members with an overview of ACORN’s educational offerings and was able to answer member’s queries. Member survey A member survey was sent out in July to gather data regarding VPNG services and member expectations so we can assess where VPNG needs to focus its efforts in providing a valid and relevant service. This will guide the strategic planning day in November when VPNG will address the challenges of increased committee member attrition and reduced capacity within executive roles. We hope to apply solution-focused strategies to keep VPNG activities at their optimum and continue to provide members with a service that meets their needs as we navigate through the current changes. We encourage all members to take a few moments to complete the survey now. |
PO Box 593
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Events and education
These past few months have seen a productive planning phase for the Events sub-committee, now led by our president, Karolin. The artwork for the 2025 state conference is being finalised, an MC is booked and the call for abstracts will open next month.
Elyse Coffey and I are on a roll developing captivating new podcast episodes every month. Don’t miss the latest instalment Leadership and a legacy of giving, (episode #14) featuring none other than the ACORN CEO herself, Diane Williams Harapin OAM. Keep an eye out for more podcast interviews and if there is a topic suggestion or anyone who would like to jump on and tell their story then please let us know.
The metro ‘Introduction to perioperative nursing’ course will be held on 13 and 14 September in Melbourne. This course provides exposure to the perioperative environment for registered and enrolled nurses who have limited or no experience and are interested in moving into the specialty. The aim of the program is to provide an overview of the roles and responsibilities of perioperative nurses while providing foundation knowledge of and skills in a range of roles (instrument/circulating nurse, anaesthesia nurse and Post Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU) nurse). The novice nurses and committee members who attend all get a lot out of these two days.
Scholarships and grants
Scholarships and grants continue to provide support for the education and professional development of perioperative nurses across Victoria. The latest round of scholarships and grants opened on 1 August with the Marea Fennell for management or education and a second round of the Mary Barry Medtronic Education Grant for ongoing professional development. VPNG is also offering five grants to the value of $1000 each to support members to attend the ACORN conference in Sydney, in November. For more information and to apply for a scholarship, please visit the VPNG website.
Farewell and welcome
We bid a bittersweet farewell to two long-standing committee members, Jane Thomas and Tarryn Armour, who are stepping down after a remarkable ten-year tenure. Their leadership and dedication have been instrumental in VPNG's success.
Tarryn, our president during the turbulent COVID-19 period, skillfully navigated VPNG into the online world, ensuring continued support for our members. Jane's legacy lives on through the highly popular ‘Introduction to perioperative nursing’ course, her brainchild that consistently sells out.
We're thrilled to welcome new committee members who bring fresh enthusiasm, skills and expertise to the table. A huge thank you goes to everyone on the VPNG committee. Juggling work, life and studies, your volunteer contributions are the lifeblood of our organisation.
If you are passionate about perioperative nursing and eager to contribute to an innovative group, we're seeking new committee members! If you're interested in making a difference, nominate yourself now. We value your skills and could certainly use them to good advantage.
Warm regards
Kate Mitchell
VPNG Vice-president
June 2024
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I would firstly like to say thank you to the previous executive team for their hard work over the last two years. As you are aware all the executive positions were up for re-nomination earlier this year. Welcome to the new executive team! I look forward to working with them all to provide further education opportunities for our members.
The 2024 ACORN Conference will be held in Sydney from 28 to 30 November. The theme is ‘Uniting and igniting’. l would like to remind all members that NTPNA scholarships are available for this event if you meet the selection criteria. We would love to see a good representation from the Northern Territory. ACORN conferences are always extremely informative and are a great way to interact with our interstate colleagues. On Saturday 11 May, in conjunction with Donate Life, Royal Darwin Hospital conducted an all-day theatre workshop about organ donation for nurses from theatre, ICU and the Donate Life Coordination team. Five years in the making, this was the first time to this workshop was run in the Northern Territory. In the morning, Donation Specialist Nursing Coordinator Leigh Hill and Perioperative Clinical Nurse Educator Ashlee Coffey took ten perioperative nurses and three Donate Life Coordinators through death and the donation pathways and process. This was followed by a practical session in theatres which demystified the process and allowed both perioperative staff and the Donate Life staff to build confidence to be a part of an organ donation. NTPNA were proud sponsors of the day with Subway platters and cookies, and Soul Origin fruit platters for sustenance. The executive team have now moved their focus to planning study days for the rest of the year. Please let us know if there are particular topics or ideas that you would like to have facilitated. Kind regards |
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The 2024 educational dates for all members have been posted on our social media platforms and website, allowing ample time for planning professional leave. Mark your calendars for our 2024 conference, set to take place on the Sunshine Coast on October 25 and 26. We've had successful events earlier this year in Ipswich and Hervey Bay and another is scheduled later in Townsville. One of the perks of attending our conference is that the delegate price covers the conference dinner and drinks and catering on both days. Enjoying delicious meals and refreshments together fosters networking and socialising opportunities. Don't forget to apply for professional development leave and consider applying for a scholarship as well. Are you someone with a unique perspective, experience and dedication that could benefit our committee? Do you have a passion for perioperative nursing excellence and align with ACORN Queensland's mission? Consider joining the Local Area Liaison (LAL) committee – a platform for representing ACORN Queensland at a local level and engaging with industry professionals. Nomination forms can be downloaded from our website. Queensland members may have noticed our digital landing page directing traffic to the ACORN Queensland and ACORN websites, sparking valuable conversations. Your suggestions are important to us, so don't hesitate to email President@acornqld.org.au to share your thoughts. Lastly, we invite you to nominate your team for the Clinical Excellence Awards. Additionally, we're building infrastructure for both new and existing members, along with providing guides for committee roles. If you have grant-writing experience, please let us know so we can explore funding opportunities in the nonprofit sector. We're here to support and empower our members every step of the way. Warmest regards Simone Ohlin MEd, BN, RN, MACN, MACORN President ACORN Queensland 2024 |
GPO Box 2518 |
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The first half of the year has been a busy and productive time for the Victorian Perioperative Nurses Group (VPNG)with a couple of trips to the country! Firstly, the Introduction to Perioperative Nursing two-day program was held in Leongatha in the beautiful rolling hills of Gippsland. Only 15 attendees this time but that made for a small and almost personalised group who took a lot out of the sessions, which was evidenced in their feedback. A productive and enjoyable weekend for our Education Subcommittee. This was closely followed by a successful Country Conference in the picturesque town of Wangaratta. The one-dayconference featured insightful sessions and networking opportunities aimed at fostering professional growth and development and provided a platform for perioperative nurses to connect, collaborate and exchange ideas with colleagues. Feedback about the day was extremely positive and really confirmed the fine efforts of our committee members. It was also a valuable opportunity for us, as a committee, to meet and share ideas as well as, of course, to have fun! Podcasts continue to grow as two dedicated committee members create a library of offerings for every monththroughout the year. These valuable resources for ongoing learning and professional interest can be accessed whenever is convenient. I was honoured to be interviewed for one, providing some insights into quality and safety and accreditation. The next event on the calendar is the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in July. We invite members to participate in discussions about organisational matters, leadership elections and strategic planning initiatives. The AGM presents an opportunity for members to contribute to the direction and governance of the group, ensuring alignment with theevolving needs of perioperative nurses in the state. To round off, Erin Wakefield (Monash University) and Nick Nijkamp (Central Queensland University) will make a presentation about the evolving use of AI technology in the perioperative field. And Angela Jarkey, ACORN Education officer will provide members with an overview of ACORN’s educational offerings. Planning is underway for a Perioperative paediatric study day in August. We are soon to book a venue and aim to provide some interesting presentations along with interactive workshops. Additionally, scholarships and grants continue to provide support for the education and professional development ofperioperative nurses across Victoria. The Sister Mary Felix and June Allen Scholarship closed at the end of March andten successful and fortunate applicants have received $2000 each towards their post-graduate studies. The Mary BarryMedtronic Education Grant has also been awarded to one applicant for the same value. Well done to all who submitted successful applications. The funds should help to ease the financial burden of achieving their academic goals. Once again, I would like to recognise the efforts of our committee members who contribute to VPNG amidst work, life and study commitments. Their voluntary contributions are indispensable to the seamless operation and success of theVPNG. I look forward to the next quarter unfolding and hope to see the group's membership expand and flourish. Karolin King VPNG President |
PO Box 593
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March 2024
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The NTPNA Annual General Meeting was held on Friday 16 February 2024, with nominations received for all positions. The new executive committee members are: Kate Conlan (President) Candice Kelso (Vice president) Tara Lynam (Treasurer) Merrilyn Diverall (Secretary) Dorcas Shih (ACORN representative) Elizabeth Webb (Public Officer) I look forward to working with the new committee as they transition into their roles. I have enjoyed my time as president and appreciate the support from the committee and members. We had a very successful conference last year and keen interest from members for education sessions. Wendy Rogers Outgoing NTPNA President |
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2024 is looking like an exciting year with the state conference, regional education days and re-establishment of local area liaison. The 2024 education dates for all members are advertised on our socials and webpage. These were finalised as part of the strategic plan in June 2023. This means that members can plan leave for their professional education. More education days are planned across the regional cities in 2024 and we are hoping we can do more with the local area liaisons in the future. We have one event on March 2 in Ipswich and another in April in Hervey Bay (date to be confirmed). State conference 2024 Our state conference is on 25 and 26 October at Marcoola on the Sunshine Coast. Buy your early bird tickets now. It's great that the delegate price includes the conference dinner, drinks and catering on both days. This ensures that participants have ample networking opportunities and socialising while enjoying delicious meals and refreshments. Just for your information, we checked out the convention centre in Cairns, which I have to say is ideal; however, to give you an idea of costings for 2024 it would cost (up to 250 people) $165 000 for the venue alone. In 2025 it’s $220 000. So, I think if you take the event space we have and look at the ticket price. You would have to say it’s a bargain! Local Area Liaison Do you believe your unique perspective, experience and dedication would be invaluable to the committee? Do you have a commitment to excellence and passion for perioperative nursing? Do you align with our mission, making you an ideal candidate for this important role? The Local Area Liaison (LAL) is an ACORN Queensland initiative for supporting local members. They must be financial members of ACORN Queensland, interested in representing us at a local level. Appointment to this committee would not only be a recognition of your expertise, but it would also provide you with a platform to network and engage with other influential professionals in the industry. Your contributions would carry weight and help shape the future of perioperative nursing. Please download a nomination form. Remember, if you are interested in holding an event at your place, or you are interested in us organising a small cocktail event or something bigger, please don’t hesitate to contact us at any time. Queensland members will have seen our digital landing page that directs traffic to the ACORN Queensland and ACORN websites. This has drummed up a lot of conversation and we take your suggestions seriously so if you would like to have your say, email President@acornqld.org.au. We plan to have scholarships available so people can apply for funding to go to the conference. Along with that, the team are working hard to build infrastructure for processes around new and old members, and guides around what the committee members do so they know what they are up for if they come on board. If you have any experience with grant writing, please let us know so we can apply for funds in the not-for-profit sector as well. Warmest regards Simone Ohlin MEd, BN, RN, MACN, MACORN President ACORN Queensland 2024 |
GPO Box 2518 |
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Greetings from SAPNA! We started our 2024 education sessions in February with a focus on cardiovascular surgery. It was a fabulous morning with a great turn out and wonderful presenters. We are grateful to Medtronics for their sponsorship. 2024 has also brought a new look to our committee: Di Apolloni Danielle Bicanin – Trade Rep Alice Brennan Kaylene Brook Alicia Cheah – Newsletter Kristin Cheesman – Education Chair Fiona Davies – Conference coordinator / Website Jane English – Secretary Michiela Gardner Suzy Gepp – Trade Rep Cathie Hashemi – Treasurer Nicole Kerkemeyer – Education Chair Katie Morgan Roshni Pala Carmel Rogers Luke Rowlands – Website / Social media Nikki Rowlands – President Kylie Stopp – ACORN Director Looking forward to a wonderful year ahead. Nikki Rowlands SAPNA President |
PO Box 38 Highgate SA 5063
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The Victorian Perioperative Nurses Group (VPNG) continues in its commitment to advancing the practice and knowledge of perioperative nursing throughout the coming year, with a range of activities including the country conference, trade partnerships, educational activities, scholarships and grants, podcasts and more. VPNG continues to be a cornerstone for professional development and networking within the field of perioperative nursing in Victoria. The VPNG Country Conference in March, promises an engaging and informative program for perioperative nurses. Scheduled talks cover a diverse range of topics, including anaphylaxis management, nurses' self-care, innovative approaches like the use of virtual reality for needle-phobic patients, and critical procedures such as massive transfusion protocol implementation in small regional facilities. Additionally, sessions addressing professionalism in advanced nursing roles, response to acute physiological deterioration in PACU, and quality systems for patient and staff safety are featured. The conference also provides valuable networking opportunities and interactions with trade partners showcasing the latest perioperative products. Set in the vibrant rural city of Wangaratta, the conference promises to be an enriching experience for all attendees. VPNG has continued to foster ongoing business activities aimed at supporting perioperative nurses. Snippets and podcasts offer bite-sized educational content, catering to busy professionals seeking to stay up to date with the latest trends and best practices. The latest podcast went live on 30 January and explored the importance of trade partnerships in perioperative practice. Planning is still underway for a perioperative paediatric study day. VPNG is considering a virtual format to provide greater access to members. Additionally, scholarships and grants continue to provide support for the education and professional development of perioperative nurses across Victoria, ensuring a skilled workforce for the future. Currently open for applications are the Sister Mary Felix and June Allen scholarships for perioperative postgraduate studies, and the Mary Barry Medtronic Education Grant for professional development activities. As president, I am proud to be supported by a dedicated team of committed and innovative thinkers, delivering diverse offerings to all our members, and I look forward to a busy and productive year ahead. Karolin King VPNG President |
PO Box 593
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