AVA 2022 CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

Another

conference has come and gone!

The energy was surreal as we all gathered in Minneapolis for yet another successful conference. Henry Ford states “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is Success”. We would like to share some highlights of this year’s conference.

We kicked off conference with our Pediatric and Neonatal Hand’s on workshop. This pre-conference had the most registered attendees to date! The stations included, ultrasound training, advanced insertion techniques including MST and needle over the sheath in pediatric and neonatal PICC insertion, setting up a sterile field/donning sterile gloves and gown. The session concluded with a mock PICC insertion. We ended the evening with our annual PediNEOSIG reception. We were surrounded by good company and cocktails courtesy of our generous vendor sponsors.

Congratulations to Stephanie Pitts, DNP, RN, CPN, VA-BCTM, NEA-BC as the 2022 Suzanne La Vere Herbst Award Winner. If you did not have a chance to catch Dr. Pitts live presentation

“Transforming the Next Decade of Vascular Access”, I encourage you to watch it. The outstanding presentation touched on how far we have come in vascular access since sharpening and sterilizing our own needles to what the future holds for vascular access to thrive in the healthcare system into the next decade.

Congratulations to Mary Beth Hovda Davis, MSN, RN, VA-BCTM Janet Pettit Scholar. AVA and the Pediatric Neonatal Special Interest Group recognized Mary Beth as the 2022 Dr. Janet Pettit Scholar. Mary Beth has provided visionary leadership for neonatal and pediatric clinicians. She has served on the PediNEOSIG ELC in various roles and has been an active member for 14 years!

Mary Beth highlighted key components of vascular access care of the pediatric patient including family centered care, the unique challenges that the pediatric population pose and discussed how vascular access programs can navigate these challenges and advance practice. Thank you for your dedication to our most vulnerable population.

The Executive leadership council would like to continue to embrace our current and future members. This allows our community to stay connected throughout the year as we continue to provide educational experiences for our neonatal and pediatric clinicians. Looking ahead, we are planning to offer a webinar in the spring, details to come.