National Nurses Week is celebrated annually from May 6-12, marking the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. Celebrations planned at Vanderbilt Medical Center will honor nurses based on the theme this year, “Many Roles, One Profession."
The American Nurses Association says Registered Nurses represent the largest, single component of the health care profession with an estimated 2.7 million R.N.’s in the United States. VUMC is home to about 4,000 nurses offering patient care in a variety of roles.
Friday, May 6
“State of Nursing” address and awards ceremony, Marilyn Dubree, M.S.N., R.N., chief nursing officer and director of Patient Care Services, 10-11:30 a.m., 208 Light Hall.
“Stress Resilience for Nurses,” Jim Kendall, LCSW; 1-2 p.m., 214 Light Hall. This talk helps the participant understand the etiology and formulate a life plan for creating balance.
“Building Relationships in the Workplace,” Margie Gale, M.S.N., R.N., 4-5 p.m., Wadlington A, VCH. This session provides nurses with a proven effective method and skill to build trust and respect in the workplace. This skill building session promises the potential to increase the nurse's job satisfaction and organizational commitment.
Monday, May 9
“The Essence of Care at the End of Life,” John Mulder, M.D., 10-11 a.m., 208 Light Hall. A journey we will all take, but for which few are prepared.
“The Case Management Process Supporting Quality Improvement,” Ron Fortenberry, R.N., 1-2 p.m., 208 Light Hall. This presentation will describe opportunities and methodologies for case managers and nurses to impact financial, process and clinical outcomes.
“A Commander's Experience in Iraqi Freedom,” Debby Booth, R.N., CPSN, 2-3 p.m., 208 Light Hall. Live footage of the Air Force's Aeromedical Evacuation crews in live missions from Baghdad to Germany and to Andrews Air Force Base.
“Blessing of Hands,” 11-11:45 a.m., VUH; 4-4:45 p.m., VCH. Blessing of Hands is an affirming ceremony offered by Raye Nell Dyer, chaplain with the department of Pastoral Care. The non-religious ceremony offers a blessing and time of renewal.
“Vanderbilt Nursing — Our Magnet Journey,” Sabrina Downs, M.S.N., R.N. 5:30-6:30 p.m., 208 Light Hall. Magnet Recognition: The highest honor which can be awarded to health care organizations which provide the services of professional nurses.
“Parish Nursing: A Ministry of Whole Person Health,” Sharon Adkins, M.S.N., R.N., 8-9 p.m., Wadlington A,B, VCH. The parish nurse is a registered nurse who, as a member of the ministerial team, provides preventive and pre-primary care with a focus on health promotion and spiritual care.
“Know Your Numbers.” Brought to you by the Health Plus Staff, 5-7 p.m., 214 Light Hall. Learn your numbers for weight, blood pressure and body composition.
Tuesday, May 10
“Blessing of Hands,” 7:30-8:15 a.m., VUH; 9-9:45 p.m., VCH.
“From Wedding Rings to Nose Rings: Generational Differences in Nursing,” Faith Roberts, B.S.N., R.N., 9:30-11 a.m., VCH Theatre; 4:30-6 p.m., 214 Light Hall.
“Know Your Numbers,” noon-1 p.m., Brought to you by the Health Plus, Staff 202 Light Hall.
Wednesday, May 11
“Blessing of Hands,” 7:30-8:15 a.m., VCH; 9-9:45 p.m., VUH.
“Clinical Narratives: Vanderbilt Nurses Share Their Stories.” 9:30-11 a.m., 208 Light Hall. Featuring three Vanderbilt nurses. This is an opportunity to hear fellow nurses' significant events in practice.
“Approaches for Managing Conflict: A Menu,” Nancy O'Hara, R.N., consultant, Learning Center, 1-2 p.m., 208 Light Hall. Discuss five modes for addressing conflict and when each is most useful. Assess own preferred mode. Apply a conflict approach to a difficult situation.
“Lions, Otters, Beavers and Golden Retrievers: Using Your Personality to Improve Relationships,” Karen Robinson, M.S.N., R.N., 5-6 p.m., Wadlington A, B, VCH. Learn more about four basic personality types. Concepts may be applied with relationships at work and home.
“Vanderbilt Nursing — Our Magnet Journey,” Sabrina Downs, M.S.N., R.N. 3:30-4:30 p.m., Wadlington A&B, VCH.
Thursday, May 12
“How to Speak So Others Listen,” Margie Gale, M.S.N., R.N., 7-8 a.m., VCH Theatre. This session provides nurses as well as nurse managers with an effective method and skill to positively influence and be involved in their own work environment. Most importantly, this skill building session offers a tool which can improve the nurse's effectiveness in the workplace and reduce both professional and personal stress.
Parish Nursing: A Ministry of Whole Person Health,” Sharon Adkins, M.S.N., R.N., 9-10 a.m.,Room 202 Light Hall.
“Blessing of Hands,” 11-11:45 a.m., VCH; 4-4:45p.m., VUH.
“Stress Resilience for Nurses,” Jim Kendall; 10-11a.m., 202 Light Hall.
“How to Become and Stay Motivated for Exercise,” Colin Armstrong, Ph.D., noon-1 p.m., VCH Theatre. Colin Armstrong of the Kim Dayani Health Promotion Center will talk about how you can increase your motivation for exercise.
“Vanderbilt Nursing — Our Magnet Journey,” Sabrina Downs, M.S.N., R.N., 1-2 p.m., 512 Light Hall.
“TNA/ANA: Professional Accountability, Political Action,” Laura Beth Brown, M.S.N., R.N. and Sharon Adkins, M.S.N., R.N., 2-3 p.m., 512 Light Hall. Learn how to be a strong voice in shaping health policy, setting practice standards and promoting the profession of nursing.
“Conversations with Marilyn,” 5:30-6:30 p.m., 8th floor, PRB. Marilyn Dubree discusses nursing at Vanderbilt.
Nurse Recruitment Open House, 6:30-8 p.m., Ingram Cancer Center lobby.