AVA conference, DAY 3

[InfusionTx]

Today was a quiet day. I think a lot of people played hooky so they could have the whole day off instead of just the afternoon. The weather has turned cold much to the northerners delight. But over all another great day.   But I first have some corrections about yesterday. I had a brain melt down and when I confirmed with Gail the bus driver I miss quoted the year Mr. Oglethorpe founded Savannah…it was 1733 not 1833. I was also told that while I was dancing the night away last night, I missed the cartoonist type portrait artists doing portraits in one corner and  there was a handwriting analyst doing his thing. And don’t forget the clown with the balloon hats and figures. Bottom line, it was a great party.   I made it to the 06:30 breakfast again, can you believe it?  I can’t! The topic was needleless connectors. They discussed the qualities of a needleless device that would contribute to maintaining a safe fluid pathway. The premise is that the association of increased catheter related infections with valves is likely a brand specific problem and not a wholesale problem of the device category as Drs Maki and Jarvis’s data might have led one to believe.   We only had one general session in the morning on Patient Safety. This was followed by the Oral Abstract Presentations. There were several great presentations, including one author that started PIVs on himself nightly in order to gather data for his study. Now that is dedication. JAVA typically prints abstracts so I will not go over them all.   Then we got in our final lunch with the exhibits. I barely made it through before closing, but I did it…visited and talk to each vendor. The vendors were all wonderful and knowledgeable. It was a joy talking shop with them. I thank each of them for their investment in AVA and commitment to better vascular access outcomes.   After lunch, Deb Richardson, RN, MS, CNS was officially recognized as the recipient of Herbst Award. Deb then made a presentation on the Safety & Efficacy of Impregnated Catheters: A Research Study. A big thanks to Genentech for their ongoing commitment to support this reward that recognizes individuals for excellence in vascular access and honors AVA’s founder.   The afternoon sessions were optional and required pre-registration. Many people enjoyed the city for the afternoon. I heard of shopping, lighthouses, historic homes, haunted houses, river front boardwalks and some just took the time to rest. Oh and don’t forget eating…lots of great places to eat around here.   For those of us staying for the workshops, RN tip determination via x-ray, MST w/ US in adults and peds, and the publishing workshop, all three were reported to be great experiences by the participants. Since I am on the publications committee, you can guess where I was.   So ended a good but slower paced and calm day.   Boston Scientific had their reception tonight. Participants were bused to the Mercer Williams House museum. The house was constructed in 1860. It housed key people from the history of this region. In 1969 the house was vacant and restoration started. Restoration included bringing back many pieces of period pieces of furniture, fixtures, paintings and décor items…it is a step back in time. It is said that this is one of the most famous old carriage houses in Savannah. Several guides were present to point out all the wonderful items in the house and talk about the history. It was a great time which ended all too soon.   Tonight I am going to get to bed before midnight, so I say good night. Only one day left. I may end up posting the last day a little late as I do not get home till midnight and then have to catch an 8 AM flight, but I will get it out.   Tony West, RN, CRNI Healix, Inc. Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] SMS: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cell: 214-674-4848