Download - AWHONN 2004 Convention Shatters Status Quo
Hispanics are the fastest growing American
population group; by 2020, one-third of all
clinical caseloads will be composed of minori-
ties, particularly Hispanics. To ensure the
unique health needs of Hispanic women are
addressed, AWHONN published a culturally
relevant version of its efficacious women’s
health guide, Every Woman: The Essential Guide
for Healthy Living, entitled Toda Mujer: La Guía
Esencial Para Una Vida Saludable. Since 2000,
more than 3.5 million copies of Every Woman
have been given to women by nurses at no
charge. In April 2004, AWHONN distributed
500,000 copies of Toda Mujer to nurses for
Hispanic women.
Toda Mujer presents evidence-based
women’s health information within priority
issues including cardiovascular health, diabetes,
obesity/weight management, menopause,
breast health, contraception, pelvic health and
more. To promote acceptance, Toda Mujer was
adapted and translated from Every Woman by
native, bilingual Hispanic advanced-practice
nurses. To promote respect, translators used
formal versus familiar Spanish; Mexican-
Spanish (most prevalent in the United States)
was chosen to promote understanding. To
overcome health disparities regarding insur-
ance, advice for health promotion and self-care
was included. Honoring Hispanic family-cen-
tered health care decision making, text and
images throughout the guide emphasize multi-
generational bonds. As AWHONN monitors
the distribution and effect of this 100-page
guide, it will be important to track whether
positive health changes are noted by nurses
among Hispanic women receiving the guide, as
such changes have been observed by nurses
among women using Every Woman for health
care decision making.
AWHONN 2004 ConventionShatters Status Quo
“When I go home, at night I know that
I made a difference in someone’s
life. I know that all of you, as registered nurses,
feel that, too.” With these words, Association of
Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurs-
es (AWHONN) President Debra Hobbins,
MSN, APRN, NP, welcomed more than 2,500
attendees to AWHONN’s 2004 Annual Con-
vention in Tampa, FL, in June.
Celebrating its 35th anniversary, AWHONN
invited participants to Challenge the Status
Quo. New session designs, such as learning labs
and journal clubs, offered participants a break
from the usual conference lecture format.
Interwoven with preconference workshops,
expert lectures, and networking breakfasts,
innovative formats provided participants with
opportunities to practice heart and lung assess-
ment skills, create a “medicine bundle” in the
tradition of Native American healers, or partic-
ipate in thought-provoking journal clubs
focusing on groundbreaking articles in the
fields of women’s health, childbearing, new-
born health and nursing practice.
AWHONN has been long respected for its
significant role in maternal child health. Partic-
ipants at the convention underscored the
group’s unique role in promoting the health of
women throughout the lifespan and relevance
for all nurses who care and advocate for
women, newborns and families. Attendees had
the choice of sessions in AWHONN’s four key
focus areas: women’s health, childbearing, new-
born care and professional issues, with special-
ty sessions focusing on advanced nursing prac-
tice and pharmacology.
Plan now to attend the AWHONN 2005
Conference, The Power of Nursing, scheduled
for June 11-15, 2005, in Salt Lake City, UT. For
more information, go to www.awhonn.org and
click on “News and Events.”
AWHONN Honors Its FinestAmong Nurses
Lavender Honored forDistinguished Professional Service
AWHONN has conferred its highest hon-
or, the AWHONN Distinguished Profes-
sional Service Award, upon Martha Griffith
Lavender, RN, MSN, DSN, for her commit-
ment, diligence, excellence and unparalleled
contributions to the association and to the
nursing profession. The award was presented at
AWHONN’s annual convention.
Dr. Lavender is the Deputy Program Man-
ager for Training for EAI Corporation at the
Center for Domestic Preparedness, U.S.
Plan now to attend
the AWHONN 2005
Conference, The
Power of Nursing,
scheduled for June
11-15, 2005, in Salt
Lake City, UT
October | November 2004 AWHONN Lifelines 461