1 Pulseline

Newsletter of the PeriAnesthesia Nurses Association of California Summer 2010 Vol. 30 No.2

Inside this PulselineeRNie Edits Pulseline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

San Diego: Seminar Only an Excuse . . . . . . . . .2

Dare to Test: Another CAPA Experience . . . . . .2

ASPAN Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Web Site Info at a Click . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

PANAC Leads in ASPAN Membership . . . . . . .3

New Orleans - Let the Good Times Roll! . . . . .4

PANAC Calls for Nominations . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

PANAC Willingness to Serve Form . . . . . . . . . .5

PACU Nurse Volunteers in Haiti . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Patient Ratios - 10 Years and Counting . . . . . .6

Director’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Pulseline Ties TAPANFor ASPAN Award

By Ernestine Nunes, Pulseline Editor

The 1,750 attendees at April’s ASPAN National Conference in New Orleans cast ballots for their favorite newsletter. This year’s People’s Choice Award ended in a tie. PANAC’s 8 page Pulseline, shared the award with TAPAN, the Texas Association of Perianesthesia Nurses’ 16 page, The Eyeopener, Cyndi Mocek, Editor.

P u b l i c a t i o n C h a i r p e r s o n , K at hy May nard, Massachusetts, said this was the first tie for the ASPAN annual newsletter award and had to ask how to award the $250.00 prize. PANAC and TAPAN split the $250.00 p r i z e a n d e a c h received bragging rights to the People’s

Choice Award, 2010. This is the fifth People’s Choice Award for

PANAC’s Pulseline. Previous Editors to capture the prize were: Marie Greatorex (1999); Joni Brady and Karen Machado (2000, 2002); and Ernie Nunes (2007, 2010). PANAC also won for the ASPAN Component Newsletter Award,, 1-8 pages in 2008.

Presidents Message: New Orleans—what a blast!

Carol Bowen, RN

We kicked off the ASPAN National Conference at Sunday’s Component Night dressed as jesters in Mardi Gras masks. Everyone got into the spirit decorating booths, handing out colorful beads and raffling off prizes from their states. Music, dancing and traditional Muffaletta Sandwiches got the good times rolling.

Earlier, Cherie Sloan, President-elect and I attended the Annual Representative Assembly to hear proposals and vote on

behalf of PANAC. With other component representatives, we participated in the work of ASPAN—electing new officers and reviewing and approving new Standards and Guidelines.

Education sessions filled Monday through Wednesday with great information and speakers. Then Wednesday night at the President’s Reception, we celebrated New Orleans style with gumbo, jambalaya, red beans, and rice and danced the night away.

We visited the historic French Quarter (next to the hotel), the Garden District for antebellum homes, and enjoyed shopping the river walk. Californians gathered for an evening cruise down the Mississippi river on the Creole Queen. Dining, listening to Jazz, and enjoying friends; it was a perfect night in NOLA (New Orleans, LA).

You can’t go to New Orleans without walking down Bourbon Street and stopping in at Pat O’Brien’s for a signature “Hurricane;” starting the day at Café Du Monde for powdered sugared beignets or relaxing on a wrought iron balcony with friends.

Attending a national conference is a wonderful experience for education, meeting new and old friends, and networking with nurses from other states—you find shared problems and the opportunity to share solutions. Next year the conference will be in Seattle, the Emerald City, so plan ahead. Mark your calendars now for April 3-7, 2011.

New PANAC Chapters are forming and guidelines developed. Anyone interested in starting a local group or chapter, please let me know. Chapters are a work in progress and was a hot topic at the May Strategic Planning Meeting along with attracting new Board members. See the Director’s Corner for chapter information and the Willingness to Serve form in Pulseline and on the website.

Have a great summer and plan to attend PANAC’s Annual Seminar, October 15-16—looking forward to seeing everybody in San Diego!

1 Pulseline

Newsletter of the PeriAnesthesia Nurses Association of California Winter 2009 Vol. 29 No. 4

Inside this PulselineeRNie Edits Pulseline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2PANAC Presents Pasero on Pain . . . . . . . . . . . .2ASPAN Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3PANAC Asks: Do you have Clinical Questions? . .3Nuts and Bolts of Nursing’s Toolbox . . . . . . . . .3PANAC Celebrates 30th Anniversary . . . . . . . .4PANAC Fills Board Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5ASPAN Savors New Orleans . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5New Membership Chair Named . . . . . . . . . . . .5Stroke: Signs and Symptoms of Denial . . . . . . .6Modesto Hosts Seminar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6San Diego Nurses Form Chapter . . . . . . . . . . .7PANAC Increases Scholarship Award . . . . . . . .7ASPAN Awards Scholarship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Director’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Photo by Destination Magazine

PANAC Ventures to Ventura February 20

President’s Message: Let’s PartyCarol Bowen, RN

It’s ironic that I became President as we celebrated PANAC’s 30 years with a party. It must have been fate. Years ago, when I was asked to consider being District 3 Director, they told me it was like giving a party. Since I am always ready for a party and fun, I accepted the challenge. Beware when you go to the President’s Reception because that is where it all began for me. I have not regretted it a bit, even though it was scary at fi rst.

When I attended my fi rst board meeting in San Diego and saw what was involved in being a District Director, I wondered what I had gotten myself into. I discovered

that I had wonderful mentors to help me with the steps.I’ve had the opportunity to attend fi ve ASPAN National Conferences and network

with nurses from all over the United States. I’ve learned that a conference is the place for education and having lots of fun.

My husband, Jimbo, has always been by my side, going with me to conferences. All the nurses love Jimbo. An unoffi cial PANAC member, he helps edit our newsletter, Pulseline and even helped me stuff and stamp envelopes for District 3. I am lucky to have him in my life. We love traveling together and feel fortunate to have visited so many of the PANAC and ASPAN Conference cities with PANAC friends.

When I was approached for the President-elect position, again, I was afraid. The President has big shoes to fi ll. But, with all the support from the board, I accepted the position. And now, here I am, honored to be PANAC’s President.

My goal this year is to challenge each and every one of you to make that fi rst step to get involved in our organization; to not be afraid. You won’t have to do it alone. The fi rst step is to volunteer, but beware of those parties. That’s where it all happens! Before you know it, you’re President and thanking everyone for their support—I especially want to thank my wonderful staff at San Leandro Surgery Center. Let’s get together in Ventura and continue our 30th Anniversary party!

PANAC kicks off 2010 by returning to picturesque Ventura, CA. Just one-hour north of Los Angeles and Hollywood, Ventura is easy reach on Highway 101. The Marriott Beach Hotel, next to the Buenaventura State Beach allows guests an easy

Carol and Jimbo Bowen

PANAC kicks off 2010 with a return to picturesque Ventura, CA, just one-hour north of Los Angeles and Hollywood on Highway 101. The luxurious Marriott Beach Hotel is located by the Buenaventura State Beach, offering leisurely walkways along the ocean.

Ventura’s coastal charm offers a welcome break after the holidays—a chance to get away with friends and catch the latest on post-operative pain management with Chris Pasero. A leading expert, Chris understands the challenges of helping post-op patients become comfortable.

The once sleepy seaside village boasts an eclectic past. The historic Mission Buenaventura was the ninth of 21 California missions built in the 1700s along the Camino Real (the Kings Highway), now Highway 101. In the 1950s, Ventura lawyer Earl Stanley Gardner wrote the Perry Mason novels from his downtown law offi ce. For a step into early California’s Hispanic heritage, visit the original stucco home of the Ortega Chili family. Whether relaxing by the ocean or strolling through downtown, visitors have lots of dining and shopping choices.

Getting to Ventura can be half the fun! For the 2008 Ventura Seminar, adventurous San Diego and Orange County nurses took the train. Amtrak’s Pacifi c Surf liner runs along the coast between San Diego and San Francisco. The Ventura Amtrak station is only 1.6 miles and a $5.00 Taxi ride from the Marriott.

To receive the Seminar room rate, Marriott Beach Hotel reservations must be made by January 21, 2010. For more information contact Christine Bowens, Education Chair at goldn@aol.com or visit the PANAC website for a brochure at www.panac.org.

Ventura Harbor Village

PANAC’s Cherie Sloan, Helen Buss, Joan Smith and Carol Bowen in New Orleans.

Pulseline 2

PulselineA Publication of the

PeriAnesthesia NursesAssociation of California

Winner 2008 ASPANComponent Newsletter 1-8 Pages

ASPAN National ConferencePeople’s Choice Award

1999, 2000, 2002, 2007 and 2010

2009-2010Executive Officers

PresidentCarol Bowen, RN

President-elect Cherie Sloan, RN, BSN, CPAN

Immediate Past PresidentDebbie Bickford, RN, BSN, CPAN

Secretary Shay Glevy, RN, BSN, CPAN CAPA

TreasurerDebbie Bickford, RN, BSN, CPAN

Education ChairChris Bowens, RN MN CAPA

Education Chair-electVacant

District DirectorsDistrict 1 – Tess Mazloomian

District 2 – VacantDistrict 3 – Gloria Luu

District 4 – Karen Woods

PULSELINE Editorial StaffPublication Chairperson/ Editor

Ernestine Nunes, RN, CPAN, CNOR

CONTRIBUTING EDITORSCarol Bowen Chris Bowens Helen Buss Denise DeFendis Zuhra Dabner Mary Frazier Susan Fossum Agnes McGurr Nancy O’Malley Tess Mazloomian Sheryl Michelson Sue O’Day Kathy Sim Cherie SloanTerry Trautloff Karen Woods

Send comments or Letters to the Editor to:Ernestine Nunes

216 Westwood Drive, Visalia, CA 93277Email: enunesca@aol.com

The PANAC Web site is: www.panac.org

Pulseline is published Quarterly. Deadlines for inclusion in Pulseline:Deadline IssueFebruary 1 March 15May 1 June 15August 1 September 15November 1 December 15

PANAC P.O. Box 10841, Westminster, CA 92685-0842

1 (866) 321-3582 Printed by Carmichael Printing

Carmichael, CA

eRNie Edits PulselineErnestine Nunes, RN, CPAN, CNOR

Dare to Test: Another CAPA ExperienceBy Mary Frazier, MSN RN CAPA

I read with interest the article by Tess in the Winter 2010 edition of Pulseline. I, too, had put off testing for the same reasons she stated, plus one more. Although I have been a PACU nurse for 12 years, my entire career in nursing (totaling 34 years) has been in a pediatric-only facility. I read her article the day before I was taking the exam.

As I started studying the materials, I felt lost at sea about caring for OB patients and geriatrics. I took an ASPAN sponsored class in March with Lois Schick, and learned a lot. When I took the ABPANC practice exam on line, however, I was totally stumped by Interstitial Brachytherapy. All of the “adult” issues were new to me and I appreciated the practice exam for introducing me to current topics.

The use of “attractive detractors”, answers that are close, but not quite right, makes the exam challenging. But knowing ahead that this would be the layout, made it manageable. The Prometrics center I used in Alameda was friendly and efficient. I was allowed to start the exam when I arrived.

I took Tess’s advice, got out of my comfort zone, way out, and now am so proud to add the initials CAPA after my name.

By Ernestine Nunes

PANAC’s October 15-16 Meeting and Seminar in San Diego promises education and learning in an amazing setting. Chris Bowens, Los Angeles, and the Education Committee are gathering speakers for an outstanding program. For dedicated nurses, that is reason enough to attend, but the San Diego location will have them marking their calendars early!

The Doubletree Inn Mission Valley is centrally located to San Diego’s favorite attractions—from Old Town and Mission Bay to downtown’s Horton Plaza for shopping and dining. Explore them all. In the evening, the Gaslamp Quarter comes alive with jazz and eclectic energy.

Plan on dinner in downtown’s Historic Gaslamp Quarter at Croce’s—a landmark founded by Jim Croce’s widow, where music mingles with mussels and feet tap to a pulsing “Bad, Bad, Leroy Brown.” Stretch your legs after dinner and stroll down to the water and watch the boats sail under the sweeping Coronado Bridge as it curves its way over to the Island and picturesque Hotel Del Coronado.

Old Town San Diego is only a trolley ride away from downtown for a taste of early Mission California (or catch the trolley south to the Tijuana border.) Besides Mission Bay there’s Balboa park—easy to see why it was named one of the top 10 most beautiful parks with the world famous San Diego Zoo next door.

If you count on two days of classes, you may want to add a couple more days—and bring your family or your BFF (best friends forever)—and promise not to talk about work! You may want to save some of this summer vacation for San Diego in October.

San Diego: Seminar only an Excuse

AWMF Scholarships— Not a Secret!One of PANAC’s most publicized and under-used benefits is the Alice

Wise Memorial Scholarship Fund. Few members apply even though the application is on the PANAC website, in the seminar syllabi, and featured regularly in Pulseline articles. Why don’t more members apply? Good question—do we not take the time? I was a member for 21 years when I first applied in 2007.

Last year three applicants, Helen Buss, Susan O’Day, and myself were granted $500.00 for the ASPAN National Conference in New Orleans and

Sue Carter for recertification. Thank you to the PANAC Board, and our creative promotions team, Terry Trautloff and Patty Stowers for all of the fund raising raffles and seminar souvenirs to benefit AWMF scholarhips.

Revised criteria allow members and volunteers more opportunities to earn points. Please remember to apply between October 1 and December 15—see details at www.panac.org.

3 Pulseline

ASPAN Update Summer 2010By Nancy O’Malley, MA RN CPAN CAPA, ASPAN Director, Region I

WOW! What a great 29th ASPAN National Conference in New Orleans! Congratulations to Jane Erhardt and Lois Schick, Conference Coordinators and their team for providing great speakers, versatile topics, and lots of entertainment opportunities. We even learned a little Cajun and ate lots of great food! What FUN!!

Region I Members Achieve HonorsPANANM’s Vonda Fitch, RN CPAN CAPA won ABPANC’s Advocacy

AwardAzPANA and NPANA earned ABPANC’s Shining Star Award NPANA’s Judy Evans, BSN CPAN earned a 4th consecutive National

Conference trip by donating over $3,000 for scholarships.NPANA had the most Development walkers and most component

donationsNevPANA’s President, Carlito Baginda won Recruiter of the Year

award, with 16 new members.PANAC’s Pulseline Editor Ernie Nunes, won the Newsletter People’s

Choice award again! HIPAN and RMPANA members presented Best Practice Posters—

really interesting!RMPANA’s Rachel Romero, BSN RN CPAN presented lectures as didPam Myrum, BSN RN CPAN (RMPANA) Lois Schick, MN MBA RN CPAN CAPA (RMPANA)Barb Godden, MHS RN CPAN (RMPANA)Daphne Stannard, PhD RN CCRN CCNS FCCM (PANAC)Betty McMullin, BSN RN CPAN (HIPAN)AzPANA’s Jacque Crosson, MSN RN CPAN—re-elected ASPAN

SecretaryRMPANA’s Barb Godden, MHS RN CPAN—re-elected ASPAN

Clinical Practice Director RMPANA’s Pamela Myrum, BSN RN CPAN—elected to ASPAN’s

Nominating CommitteeHIPAN’s Betty McMullin, BSN RN CPAN is on ABPANC’s Board

of DirectorsCongratualtions to all and anyone I missed—you all deserve special

recognition!

Attending the reception for our military personnel was a highlight for me. What an honor to be able to honor each of them! We are so very proud of these remarkable representatives of our country and thank them for all they do for all of us.

ASPAN’s Board of Directors Report: The Board focused on transitioning to

the new Strategic Plan: prioritizing and restructuring of work loads of committees, strategic work teams, and board members.

More information about this will be reported in Breathline and JoPAN. We continue to look at providing educational opportunities through different venues—for example, a program for precepting new grads into PACU. The Board closely reviews the budget and reports from committees and BOD members. Next year, I invite you to attend the ASPAN Board of Directors meetings either before or after the Conference. You are surely welcome—this is your BOD working for you.

I am looking around for the next Region I Director—is it YOU? If you are interested and want to know more about how much fun this is, just let me know! I have loved it and hope you will consider it. The job description is on our website.

Check out our ASPAN website for all kinds of info! I have been on the forums and some of the other links. It really is easy to navigate! Keep in touch~~~NancyO nomalley@aspan.org

Web Site Info at a ClickBy Kathy Sim, RN CPAN, PANAC Webmaster

Have you visited the new PANAC web site at www.panac.org? You will find information and news of ASPAN and PANAC Seminars and District Chapter meetings. A click on an event links you to brochures, maps and updates.

For District news, click on a District—the Districts and the Directors are posted. Choose a District number to go to the latest

announcements. The Home Page announcements provide general information or

upcoming seminars and quick links to District pages or Seminar brochures.

Explore the various windows and get to know the PANAC website. New for us, we now post past issues of Pulseline on our website. Pictures of recent seminars are in process—so keep returning. If you have suggestions, give me feedback—this is your site. Contact me at kasim@juno.com.

PANAC Leads Components In ASPAN Membership

Tita Invina Announces Numbers

Membership Chair, Anatita Invina reports PANAC membership continues steady at 1073. Of the 40 ASPAN components, PANAC has the most members followed by TAPAN (Texas) with 915, NYSPANA (New York) at 804, and OPANA (Ohio) with 687 members. According to the National Office, ASPAN membership totals 13,429. Tita asks, “what if every member asked just one coworker to join ASPAN—where would

our membership be?”Each month, ASPAN sends Tita a list of new ASPAN/PANAC

members and she sends each a welcome packet. If a packet is returned, the member receives an email to correct their address. PANAC brochures and Pulseline are sent first class mail to assure delivery.

Tita actively recruits new members at work and following a seminar, she contacts non-PANAC registrants to invite them to join ASPAN/PANAC. Active recruitment, Tita reminds everyone is rewarding—both PANAC and ASPAN have Recruiter of the Year Awards that offer free registration to a state seminar or national conference. The 2010 ASPAN winner recruited 16 new members.

The PANAC Recruiter of the Year Campaign ended May 31 and the winner announced at October’s Annual Meeting in San Diego. Will you be next year’s winner?

Pulseline 4

Ernestine Faggionato and Ernestine (eRNie) Nunes enjoy sharing their first name.

Carolyn Campbell, Ruby Bishop, and Terry Trautloff attend the 6:30 am CPAN CAPA Breakfast.

Debbie Marino, Shirley Hanks and Patricia Johnston lift masks at Component Night.

At PANAC booth, “Jesters” Cherie Sloan, Carol Bowen and Terri Trautloff hand out Mardi Gras beads.

Cedar Sinai nurses, Rozelle Johnson, Lina Lapid, Theresa Diolazo, Bert Basconcillo get together at the President’s reception.

JOPAN editors, Vallire Hooper and Jan Odom-Forren with Karen Woods and Carol Bowen enjoy the reception’s jazz.

Sacramento colleagues, Lori Gerodias and Karen Lynch join PANAC friends at closing breakfast.

After the fun, Carol Bowen fills out the evaluation forms with Sue Carter, ASPAN Treasurer, for company.

ASPAN National Conference in New Orleans: Let the Good Times Roll!

5 Pulseline

Name _____________________________________________________

Address (H) _______________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

Phone (H) _________________________________________________

Preferred email: ___________________________________________

Employer: _________________________________________________

Address (W): ______________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

Phone (W) ________________________________________________

Primary area of work (circle all that apply):

Hospital Outpatient Area Office based

Preop PACU Phase I Phase II Other__________________

License/ Certification (circle all that apply):

RN LVN CPAN CAPA Other_____________________

Number of years in Nursing ____________

PANAC Calls for NominationsBy Debbie Bickford, BSN RN CPAN Immediate Past President, Treasurer

It’s that time of year again—time to consider stepping up in your professional life and taking on a role in your professional organization. We always need people to help on committees—smaller commitments and short term goals. Go to PANAC’s website and look at our committees. District Directors are looking for members interested in supporting local meetings and education.

PANAC’s Board of Directors invites current PANAC members to become involved in PANAC’s future: new people who can contribute new ideas. Consider one of the following positions for the October 16, 2010 election in San Diego:

President-elect (Previous PANAC Board experience required) •Treasurer•Education Chair-elect (BSN preferred)•Director District 2 (LA, Central Coast, and South Central Valley •Counties)Director District 4 (Northern California Counties)•Research Committee Chairperson•

If you are interested in more informaton, contact me, Deb Bickford, at bickshome@aol.com or call (310) 370-7978 by July 15, 2010. Please complete the “Willingness to Serve” form below and mail, fax or scan a copy to me.

PANAC Willingness to Serve 2010-2011If you are interested in learning more about PANAC— consider becoming involved.

Copy and fax or mail by July 15, 2010

Years in Perianesthesia Nursing __________

Number of years a PANAC member:________

ASPAN membership #_______________________

I am interested in being considered for the office of:

__ Director of District: __ 2 __ 4

__ President-elect __ Treasurer

__ Education-chair elect (BSN preferred)

__ Research Committee Chairperson

I would like to serve on the following committee(s): If more than one, please number in order of interest)

__ Education __ Marketing __ Membership__ Publications: __ Pulseline __ Website__ Promotions __ Local Chapter

Signature:__________________________________________

Mail or fax to:Debbie Bickford, BSN RN CPAN

20332 Eastwood AvenueTorrance, CA. 90503 FAX 310-419-8331

Questions: bickshome@aol.com

Suzanne Rollis, Yavapai Regional Medical Center, Prescott, AZ, held winning ticket for PANAC’s $100.00

raffle at Component Night, benefiting the AWMF Scholarship fund.

Marie Butcher, Santa Barbara,

hands session ticket to ASPAN volunteer

at the door.

Pulseline 6

By Tess Mazloomian, MSN RN CCRN CPAN CAPA

Devastation from the January 12 earthquake in Haiti that killed an estimated 230,000 and injured over 300,000 is still felt by the 1 million homeless, despite initial humanitarian aid. Volunteers continue to devote time, money and effort to assist those who survived, but continue to suffer from food, sanitation and health issues.

PACU RN, Jamie Pizziferri, RN, ACNP, CCRN from Saddleback Memorial Medical Center joined a volunteer group bound for Haiti in March. Besides wanting to help, she wanted to make a difference in other people’s lives.

The volunteers were housed in a converted elementary school in Port-au-Prince with a common bathroom and shower. After getting up at 5:30 pm, Jamie said they were trucked to either the hospital or Tent City. At the set-up Tent City Urgent Care Center, the group triaged patients, distributed vitamins, antibiotics, pain medications and performed first aid treatments.

In the hospital, Jamie helped organize the workflow in the ER and worked in the PACU—she described the experience as “take down all the curtains, monitors, sterile supplies and a lot of the things that we are used to in our PACU, and that was what we had to work with.” Most of the cases she recovered were orthopedic cases—surgical wounds from January or February that did not heal, got infected and required I & D and/or amputation.

Jamie particularly remembers a 3 year old boy crying with pain from an infected tibia-fibula fracture

PACU Nurse Volunteers in Haiti

r ep a i r e d w i t h a n external-fixator device (used externally to hold fractured bones together). Every time the boy was given pain medication and had pain relief, he would start coloring; when the pain came back he would start crying again. Jamie made sure the boy received pain

medications throughout his hospital stay and did one on one education with the mom. She also taught the mom to hug the

child when he cried to provide added comfort.From her week long experience, Jamie treasures the

friendships she formed with other volunteers worldwide, but the take home impression for Jamie was the inner strength the Haitians demonstrated in the face of this calamity. Despite all they had lost and suffered, the people of Haiti found within themselves faith, peace, happiness and strength.

Another more profound realization dawned on Jamie when, at the Miami airport on the return flight, a

Starbuck’s staff asked her if she wanted foam on her latte. It was then that she shed tears and realized the magnitude

of privileges that she and so many people in this country take for granted.

By Sue Fossum, BSN RN CPAN PANAC Governmental Affairs Chair

Do low and/or inadequate nurse to patient staffing ratios jeopardize patient outcomes and the quality of patient care that we can provide to our patients? A study conducted by nurse researcher Linda Aiken, RN PhD, has linked minimum nurse to patient ratios to lower rates of patient mortality

and increased nurse satisfaction.In 1999, California became the first state to legislate mandated

minimum nurse-to-patient ratios in acute care hospitals. PANAC worked closely with the California Society of Anesthesiologist to ensure that ASPAN Standards and Guidelines (Patient Classification/Recommended Staffing Guidelines) were used as a resource.

In Dr. Aiken’s study, over 22,000 RN’s in California, and comparable nurses from Pennsylvania and New Jersey were researched. Results showed that New Jersey hospitals would have 14% fewer patient deaths and Pennsylvania 11% fewer deaths if they had been in line with the California mandated ratios. Nurse workloads were compared across the three states; finding that nurse and patient outcomes, including patient mortality and failure-to-rescue were significantly lower in California with mandated staffing ratios.

What do these results signify and how do they impact us as

perianesthesia nurses? I believe that each of us have stories to tell about our practice and the care that we give to our patients. Some are very scary. Who has not been at a bedside, caring for a critically ill, ventilated patient, when another patient rolls out of the OR and everyone looks to you to care for that patient. In your patient setting, do you have time to appropriately provide much needed discharge teaching to your patients? Does your nursing and hospital management support the ASPAN Recommended Staffing Guidelines in Phase I; “two registered nurses, one of whom is an RN competent in Phase I postanesthesia nursing, are in the same unit where the patient is receiving Phase I level of care;” at all times, even when you are working nights or on call?

PANAC and ASPAN, your professional nursing organizations, support your right to provide safe, quality patient care. As professional nurses, it is up to each of us to advocate for and follow those ratios that have been put in place to help maintain a safe environment for nursing and our patients.

References:

1. Implications of the California Nurse Staffing Mandate for Other States. L. Aiken, D. Sloane, J. Cimiotti, S. Clarke, L. Flynn, J. Seago, J. Spetz, H. Smith. Health Research and Educational Trust, DOI. 2010. pg 1-18.

2. 2009-2010 ASPAN Standards of Perianesthesia Nursing Practice. Resource 2: Patient Classification and Recommended Staffing Guidelines. Pg 59-61.

Staffing Ratios – 10 Years and Counting…

Tess Mazloomian and Jamie Pizziferri at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center

7 Pulseline

Director’s CornerDistrict 1 Tess Mazloomian, MSN RN CPAN tessmpanac@yahoo.comThe counties of Imperial, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange

The Orange County Chapter is spreading its wings; in May, we met at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach. The presentation on Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) was well attended and

members enthusiastically shared clinical practice information and ideas on the pain management of OSA patients and models used in their individual hospitals.

The San Diego Chapter is desperately in need of a lead person. Thank you to Michelle Fennell for all her efforts in getting the Chapter started. Michelle is relinquishing the Chapter Coordinator position for health reasons. Anyone interested in joining PANAC in making a difference and realizing your leadership potential, please contact me.

The June 12th, District 1 Seminar at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center was a great success with 41 attendees. Topics included Airway Management, Anesthetic Agents, 12 Lead EKG and a history of PANAC.

I urge all Perianesthesia nurses to support our effort in promoting excellence in Perianesthesia Nursing practice through education. Keep tuned to the PANAC Website for more educational opportunities. Through knowledge, we all win.

District 2 VACANTThe counties of Kern, Tulare, Kings, Fresno, Madera, Mariposa, Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura.

Vacancy. If you are interested, please contact PANAC President Carol Bowen at carolbowen@slurgery.com or Debbie Bickford, PANAC Past-President at bickshome@aol.com.

Chapter Leaders in both Fresno (Denise Defendis) and Bakersfield (Joan Smith) are planning educational programs for September and will post meetings on the PANAC website.

District 3 Gloria Luu, BSN RN CPAN gloriapanac@yahoo.comThe counties of Monterey, San Mateo, San Benito, Santa Clara, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Alameda, and Contra Costa

Our first full day seminar (8.4 Contact hours) is Saturday, June 26 at the San Francisco VA Hospital auditorium. The program covers “All about Perioperative Care & Perianesthesia Nursing” from

Respiratory/Airway Management and Malignant Hyperthermia to managing patients undergoing Neuro-Interventional

YourPhoto Here!

Radiology Procedures, Pain injection therapy and Cardiac Cath Procedures. Seminar information and brochure are posted on the PANAC website at www.panac.org. Space is limited and fills up fast.

Plans are underway for two November seminars, one with a cardiac focus and the second the ASPAN sponsored Seminar, “Surrounding Your Practice with Excellence: Legalities, Standards & Advocacy.”

The S.F. Chapter’s March seminar at the VA Medical Center attracted 32 attendees from hospitals around the Bay Area and Sacramento. Thank you to Sharlyn Navarro, Jill Valiant, Carol Bowen, Rene Ruiz, Carol McLaughlin, and all who contributed to the seminar. Great topics and speakers—it was definitely a half-day filled with knowledge and fun, not to mention gorgeous weather and a wonderful view.

The San Francisco Chapter is looking for individuals interested in learning how to get involved locally in their professional organization to network and to promote perianesthesia nursing! We meet the last Friday of the month from 5:30 -7:00 pm (date & time open to change as the chapter is established and needs arise). Please contact me for RSVP and questions.

District 4 Karen Woods BSN RN CPAN

karenwpanac@comcast.netThe counties of Alpine, Amador, Butte,

Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, Nevada, Sierra, Yuba, Yolo, Sutter, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Plumas, Tehema, Shasta, Modoc, Stanislas, San Joaquin, Tuolumne, Calaveras, Mono, Inyo Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, and Trinity

The Modesto and North Bay Area Chapters continue meeting every other month with great attendance and educational offerings! Modesto met March 31st, with Peggy Holbrook, RN BSN MBA CAPA presenting “Pearls from the PANAC Winter Seminar.” A great way to spread and highlight the information she learned with members who were unable to attend the Ventura Seminar. Excellent job Peggy!

The February North Bay Area Chapter meeting featured Dr. Mauricio Michaels, Kaiser Santa Rosa, speaking on Balanced Anesthesia and the care of the patient post-op. Kelley Byrd, RN CSN, MSN student, hosted and organized the May 13th meeting at Petaluma Valley Hospital with Karyn Karp CRNA presenting OB Anesthesia. Big thanks to Kelley, great work! Other Chapter members are volunteering to host future meetings at their hospitals.

I am optimistic that Sacramento will have a Chapter starting in the near future. Please contact me if you are interested in being involved with the start up of this group or hosting a meeting in your area. District 4 covers a lot of territory and local meetings shrink the size considerably.

Please check “Districts” page on the PANAC website www.panac.org for updates on all the latest information on upcoming events in our District or to contact me.

Pulseline 8

First Class PresortUS Postage

PAIDPermit #2310

Sacramento, CA

PulselineP.O. Box 10841Westminster, CA 92685-0841

• C a l e n d a r o f e v e n t s •

Pulseline

PANAC’s Mission: In collaboration with ASPAN, we promote

the specialty of PeriAnesthesia

Nursing.

July 1, 2010ASPAN Scholarship postmark Deadline

www.aspan.org

July 26 – September 6, 2010CPAN /CAPA Registration Window-Online

www.cpancapa.org

August 14, 2010ASPAN Seminar Series

Perianesthesia Certification ReviewCosta Mesa Marriott

Costa Mesa, CAwww.aspan.org

October 15-16, 2010PANAC’s 31st Annual Meeting/Conference

Doubletree Inn Mission ValleySan Diego, CAwww.panac.org

October 1 – December 15, 2010PANAC Alice Wise Memorial Fund Scholarship

Application Periodwww.panac.org

October 31, 2010CPAN /CAPA Recertification Fall Deadline

www.cpancapa.org

November 13, 2010ASPAN Seminar Series

Surrounding Your Practice with Excellence:Legalities, Standards and Advocacy

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway Hotel—San Francisco, CAwww.aspan.org

February 26, 2011PANAC Winter Conference

Marriott Ventura Beach—Ventura, CA(805) 643-6000www.panac.org

April 3-7, 2011ASPAN’s 30th National ConferenceSheraton Seattle Hotel—Seattle, WA

www.aspan.org

October 14-15, 2011PANAC’s 32st Annual Meeting/Conference

Lake Tahoe, NV