NYSACSP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10th Annual NYSACSP Educational Seminar

“It’s Not Just an Adventure its Your Career”

The 10the Annual NYSACSP Educational Seminar was held June 7 – 9, 2012 in Rochester, NY. Over 150 people from New York State, Canada, and as far away as Tennessee attended. As the Educational Chair I was cautiously optimistic that the seminar was going to be a success as the planning was a year in the making. The goal of the committee was to provide the attendees with an agenda that was different from any program they’ve ever attended. We wanted to explore “What issues and/or challenges do you face every day?”  Because most people who attend conferences are the cream of the crop as evidenced by their participation at the conference it was important to explore what tools would enhance their practice?

Over the course of last summer as I talked to CS Techs, I often asked “what topics would you like to see discussed at a conference?” What would be the impact of certification on your life? Do you have a career ladder? Would you like to learn what it takes to move up the career ladder? I also realized that hospital acquired infections were on the mind and thoughts of everyone, as the effects of an HAI can be devastating if not fatal.  From those early conversations with many of you the agenda was born.

Two workshops, Climbing the Career Ladder, and Strategies for Passing the Certification Test were held the Thursday before the “official” seminar began on June 8th.  The workshops were free for those people who were registered for the Conference. Both workshops were very well attended. The panelists were lively, informative and engaging. The audience was enthusiastic, participatory, and eager to absorb and incorporate “best practices” into their own lives.  A true barometer of the success of a meeting and/or conference is when the offer of a break is turned down! That was our experience at both workshops.

The actual conference was a huge success as well. Deb Spratt, AORN kicked off the conference with a wonderful presentation on the “Power of Teams” which was followed by the Vendor Fair. Over 35 Vendors participated at the vendor fair which was well attended. After the Vendor Fair, we had the honor of meeting with Assemblyman Harry Bronson. Assemblyman Bronson is the sponsor of our certification bill in Albany. Assemblyman Bronson tirelessly supported and gained support for our mandatory certification bill in the Assembly. Through his efforts, the bill passed unopposed in both houses. Following lunch, coach buses transported the attendees to the Getinge Factory which is located in Rochester. The NYSACSP organization owes a debt of gratitude to Getinge. They provided the buses for our group, took us on a wonderful factory tour of their plant, and presented three modules of learning on Wet Pack Mitigation, Room Decontamination and Sterilization. At the culmination of the program, Getinge had a cocktail party in our honor. What a great afternoon of learning and fun!

Saturday’s program provided more of the same education, energy and networking. Dr. Seth Zeidman, Neurosurgeon was a dynamic speaker who was able to show the cause and effect of incomplete sets and its impact on patient’s positive clinical outcomes. Victoria Nahum moved us with her personal devastating experiences resulting from HAIs. Kathy Stoessel’s presentation of “Have Bug Will Travel” further demonstrated how all health care providers bear the responsibility and have a role in preventing HAI’s. Last but not least, Chuck Hughes aptly reinforced the principles of Steam Sterilization, best practices, the importance of adhering to manufacture’s recommendations in the reprocessing of surgical devices, and immediate use sterilization.

With mandatory certification one pen stroke away from becoming law, educational programs such as the 10th Annual NYSACSP Educational Seminar will be a fantastic venue to achieve your CEUs. The program’s success will be guaranteed by your suggestions, input and support. Next year’s seminar should be even bigger and better. Please let us know your thoughts regarding topics for next year’s program.

We are looking forward to seeing you all at the 11th Annual NYSACSP Educational Seminar!


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